How Absolute Batman Reimagines One of Bruce Wayne's Greatest Tragedies
Warning: This article contains full spoilers for Absolute Batman #23!
Absolute Batman authors Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta sure know how to turn the screws on poor Bruce Wayne. The current story arc, "The Straw Man," has delivered one misery-inducing twist after another. So far, Batman has dealt with being framed for the murder of ex-mayor James Gordon, fought a new army of mech-suit-clad Robins, and even dealt with the revelation that his entire trajectory as a costumed hero may have been secretly orchestrated by Joker and Scarecrow.
Suffice it to say, poor Bruce is at his breaking point in the latest issue of the series. In other words, it's the perfect time for the series to deliver its own spin on one of the most tragic Batman storylines of all time. What horrible new development unfolds within these pages? Read on to find out.
As mentioned, this current storyline has introduced the Absolute Universe versions of the Robins - Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, and Jason Todd. But just like so much about this universe, the very concept of Robin has been distorted and twisted. They aren't Batman's plucky sidekicks, but rather a team of teen soldiers organized by Slade Wilson to take down the Dark Knight. And given that each one pilots a powerful, massive suit of armor, they certainly have the means to do so.
Issue #23 puts its own spin on 1988's Batman: A Death in the Family, the infamous story wherein Jason Todd is murdered by the Joker. Here, the reckless Jason is shown suiting up to hunt Batman alone, a rash decision that proves to have terrible consequences for both men.
No sooner does Jason find and subdue Batman (who's about reached his emotional breaking point and doesn't even put up a fight), than Absolute Clayface makes his presence known. Clayface impersonates Batman and attacks Jason. But ultimately, it's not Jason who becomes Clayface's victim, but Tim Drake, who belatedly arrives to help his partner. Tim is impaled and killed on faux-Batman's shoulder spikes.
Enraged, Batman battles his newest foe, but he's unable to harm an opponent made out of living clay. Clayface finally slinks into the sewer, but not before warning Batman that he can never escape the trap that's been laid out before him. The unconscious Jason then awakens to discover Tim's lifeless body, assuming Batman himself was the one responsible.
The identity of the character in question has changed, but we once again have a scenario where Batman is mourning the death of a Robin. And if he wasn't already in trouble with the law, he's certainly going to be now.
Let us know in the comments what you think of this latest Absolute Universe twist.
In other Absolute Batman news, the series was recently honored at the 2026 Eisner Awards, and the first hardcover has dropped to a new all-time low price on Amazon.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.