Absolute Batman #21 Review – Equal Parts Cool, Dramatic, and Random

Absolute Batman #21 (DC Comics, 6/17/26): Writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta conclude Absolute Batman’s first battle with the Robins, present the funeral for Jim Gordon, and set up the first meeting with the Joker. A lot of things happen, but it’s not as gripping as it sounds. Verdict: Still one of DC’s best, but the cracks are showing.

• Writer: Scott Snyder
• Artist: Nick Dragotta
• Colorist: Frank Martin
• Letterer: Tom Napolitano
• Cover Artist: Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin (cover A)
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Release Date: June 17, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Absolute Batman #21:

First Impressions:

I like Absolute Batman #21, but I didn’t love it. Fundamentally, it’s starting to feel like the series isn’t going anywhere. Potentially worse, it’s also starting to feel like an extended comic commercial for McFarlane figures. This series is still one of DC’s best, but the shine has officially started to dull.

Recap:

Absolute Deathstroke, working on behalf of “the law,” has assembled a team of mech pilots to be his squad of Robins. Their mission? Take down Absolute Batman as a terrorist and the suspect responsible (not really) for Jim Gordon’s death. The prior issue ended with the Robin mechs cornering Absolute Batman in the street.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The fight begins, progresses, and ends with Absolute Batman barely escaping via a Harley Quinn-piloted drone and the Robins doing a lot of damage to the surrounding buildings. Let’s just call the fight a draw.

Later, Barbara Gordon gives a touching eulogy at her father’s funeral. The civilians approach her afterward to offer their condolences and promise to bring Absolute Batman to justice. Barbara makes it clear that she doesn’t believe Absolute Batman is to blame and that her father would be on Absolute Batman’s side.

Outside, the rogues, who attended the funeral, discuss whether they should now give in to their monstrous natures or learn from Barbara’s eulogy by helping each other… and Bruce. Later, Bruce works his day job atop a high-rise under construction when Jack Grimm, aka Joker, introduces himself.

How is the story in Absolute Batman #21?

When is a story not a story? When it doesn’t have a clear beginning and end. Therein lies part of the trouble with Scott Snyder’s progression in the latest entries of the series. There’s no clear arc or starting point or clear sense that the characters are moving toward something. It reads like a soap operatically-styled collection of concurrent plot threads that interweave with each other. You could argue that Snyder is writing for the trade, which is why the serialized format feels off, but that may or may not be the case.

To be fair, the pieces of the threads all feel cool. Big, dumb, Batman is still superhumanly capable. The Robin mechs are awesome. Bruce’s (former) friends are coming into their own as the classic Gotham criminals. And the Joker is still the one to beat. The pieces are all there. What’s missing is the structure that gives the collection greater meaning than the sum of its parts.

How is the art in Absolute Batman #21?

Nick Dragotta is at the top of his game with rousing action and edgy character designs. Take everyone you know from the main Batman comic and give them a more grotesque, monstrous edge, and you get the Absolute Batman lineup. Penguin is more deformed. Riddler is more maniacal. And Joker is emphatically demonic. Which means Dragotta is having a ball giving readers bombastic figures and actions to complement the over-the-top nature of the world.

Characters

Despite the chaotic nature of the “plot,” Bruce/Batman is still at the heart of the issue, albeit in a distanced way. He rarely speaks, so all the dialogue comes from the characters around Bruce/Batman, who are describing what they see him do or what they think he’s thinking. To a point, Snyder makes Absolute Batman more mythological because he occupies the hearts and minds of the growing cast.

Originality & Concept Execution

Although it sounds like I’m down on this issue, Snyder earns bonus points for originality. There’s literally nothing like or as interesting as this series coming from DC Comics. No matter the structural criticisms, Snyder’s imagination is larger than life.

In terms of concept execution. it’s hard to say because this issue doesn’t have any one, clear concept. Again, it’s random plot threads co-mingling with each other, so if there’s a focus, you’d be challenged to find it.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Bombastic spectacle
• Absolute Batman’s legend takes on mythic overtones
• The monstrous art is special

Room for Improvement

• The series feels rudderless
• Batman’s fight with the Robins does not have a satisfying conclusion
• Unstoppable Absolute Batman is getting harder to swallow

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts:

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Absolute Batman #21 concludes the hero’s fist fight against the Robins, holds a funeral for a friend, and brings Bruce face-to-face with the Joker. Nick Dragotta’s monstrous art is on point, and Scott Snyder gives you plenty of dramatic moments, but the script lacks cohesion or a building sense of momentum toward some greater goal. The pieces are there, but they need more mixing and baking.

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