I just read Absolute Batman #21 that came out today (6/17/2026). We finally get the first course of the big fight with the Robin team that’s been teased for a while, along with one very surprising character interaction that caught me off guard. Another strong issue in what continues to be one of the best ongoing comics right now.
The Setup
Picking up right after the Strawman revelation in Absolute Batman #20, Batman is clearly carrying some heavy doubt. He’s been told that his entire life might have been an experiment — though at this point it’s hard to know if that’s the truth or just another head fake from Absolute Scarecrow or the Absolute Joker. Either way, the weight of it is on him as he finally clashes with the Robin team in their Mega-suits.
The Cool (and Interesting) Parts
The fight with the Robins serves as the first course of the big confrontation we’ve been waiting for. Batman goes at them with real fury, and the Mega-suits make for a dangerous and visually distinct group. Pennyworth and Absolute Harley Quinn show up to help (on comms). They mostly try talking to him while he ignores them, but they end up playing a big role by the end of the fight.
After things calm down, we move to Gordon’s funeral. It’s a well-handled scene with an interesting mix of people in attendance — cops, Gordon’s daughter, the Robins, and several of Bruce’s old associates including Waylon, Two-Face, Riddler, and Penguin. Gordon’s daughter has a sharp moment when she tells the Robins that her father would have approved more of what Batman is doing than what they’re doing during the fight. It’s a small line, but it carries some weight.
We also get some solid character moments between Waylon and the others as they reflect on everything they’ve been through lately. These quieter beats help balance out the heavier action.
The biggest surprise of the issue comes when Bruce Wayne, operating incognito, has a tense meeting with Jack Grimm. It’s an unexpected pairing, and there’s real tension in their conversation. The Joker makes it clear he wants to keep their “dance” going indefinitely. While the scene had some strong buildup, it didn’t quite feel as massive in hindsight as I thought it might.
One small observation: This arc is called “The Strawman,” yet we barely see Scarecrow this month. It’s almost the opposite of last issue, where the marketing leaned heavily into Robin hype but we mostly got Scarecrow instead.
Final Verdict
Absolute Batman #21 is another really strong chapter. The fight with the Robins delivers intensity as the first course of what’s likely still to come. The funeral scene has some nice emotional and character moments, and the unexpected meeting with the Joker adds intrigue even if it didn’t hit quite as hard as expected. The writing stays sharp, and the art continues to impress.
It’s easy to sometimes forget just how good this series is until the new issue drops, but every time I read it I’m reminded why it stands out as one of the best current ongoing comics. Whether you’re here for the action, the character work, or the bigger mysteries, Absolute Batman keeps delivering.
What did you think of the Bruce and Jack Grimm scene? Did the fight with the Robins feel like the main event to you, or did it also feel like just the beginning? Tag me on X @NostalgicNestEg!
Originally posted as a thread on X — check out the original conversation here:
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