Absolute Batman Teases Arrival Of Absolute Robin

Is Absolute Batman a hit? Absolutely! Now up to its 17th issue, it is DC’s most popular current series. it’s introduced “absolute” versions of all sorts of classic characters, like Joker and Catwoman, but it hasn’t gotten to Robin yet. From the looks of things, he’s up next.

The cover to Absolute Batman #20 was just revealed by DC. Drawn by series artist Nick Dragotta, it’s Batman wielding his hammer and staring at a giant “R.” It’s not subtle.

The thing about this, though, is that we haven’t gotten close to the series of events that will result in the appearance of Robin yet. Issue 20 is the May issue; three months away. A synopsis exists, but this is as much as you can get out of it: “As the dust settles in the city of Gotham after the loss of [redacted], [redacted] enter the scene ready to hunt, and more than one secret will be revealed in this seminal issue.” They’re not gonna let you know much because it’d spoil other issues that aren’t out yet.

DC’s Absolute line was launched as a back-to-basics series that reimagines their most iconic heroes in their most extreme forms by taking away their “cheat codes.” In this alternate universe, Superman doesn’t have as many powers, Diana doesn’t come from a nurturing home, and Batman isn’t rich. They save the day simply by fighting and struggling as hard as they can. For nearly a century these characters have been sold as power fantasies, and the fact that DC took away their power — and found success with that strategy — might say something about audiences today.

Who will Robin be? Dick Grayson HAS made a cameo appearance in Absolute Batman, but that was a while ago, and he hasn’t appeared since. The coming issues may shed some light on it. Absolute Batman #20 goes on sale May 13.