Absolute Batman #24 Review – Elevating The Scarecrow

Absolute Batman #24 (DC Comics, 9/23/26): Writer Scott Snyder & artist Nick Dragotta send Batman down a dark tunnel of fear when he’s forced to confront his path, his mother’s connection to the Court of Owls, and the Scarecrow. Snyder’s script tightens the focus for an issue that stops old enemies and spawns new allies. Verdict: A solid entry in the series.

• Writer: Scott Snyder
• Artist: Nick Dragotta
• Colorist: Frank Martin
• Letterer: Tom Napolitano
• Cover Artist: Nick Dragotta (cover A)
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Release Date: September 23, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Absolute Batman #24:

First Impressions:

Is it me? Is there a memo going around to all major publishers, streaming showrunners, and franchise owners that says the introduction of a new character has to come at the very end of the story? Ahh, well. That’s the world we live in, I guess.

Recap:

In Absolute Batman #23, Alfred told his daughter Julia that he was taking a leave of absence to remain in Gotham and help Bruce, while Bruce became convinced that Grimm and Scarecrow had orchestrated nearly his entire life. After his friends, mother, and Alfred failed to intervene, Bruce stormed off, while a flashback revealed that a younger Bruce’s assault on Matches Malone had triggered an existential crisis. Finally, Jason Todd captured Batman on his own, but Clayface, disguised as Batman and controlled by Scarecrow, killed Tim Drake, leaving Jason to blame Batman, despite his attempts to explain what had happened.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

Absolute Batman #24 splits the focus (and the readers’ attention) into multiple fronts. First, Scarecrow says a friendly goodbye to Jack Grim (the Joker) before he strolls out of Gotham. What Scarecrow doesn’t know is that Batman received intel from his mother- a former member of the Court of Owls – about the Scarecrow’s favored movements. Batman intercepts Scarecrow in a cornfield on the outskirts of town and crucifies him after a heated battle.

Elsewhere, Alfred Pennyworth’s request for a leave of absence is denied, but before he leaves for his new assignment, he tells his bosses off. Jason Todd and Dick Grayson come to blows over the death of Tim Drake at the hands of Batman (Clayface in disguise). Bruce’s friends/rogues/frenemies listen to the news reports that Batman is blamed for Tim Drake’s death, and they discuss whether or not to take drastic steps to rein Bruce in. Finally, Barbara Gordon receives a cryptic message from Batman that guides her to a secret lair in the city’s underground tunnels. The lair is decked out with Bat-equipment so she can assume the mantle of Absolute Batgirl on the very last page as Batman sets his sights on Grimm Mansion.

Interwoven throughout, we see flashbacks of Bruce regretting his role as Falcone’s enforcer. After his latest strong-arm assignment, he returns to the Gotham Zoo, and we witness his fateful decision to assume the mantle of a bat.

How is the story in Absolute Batman #24?

Scott Snyder’s script is solid enough in capping some threads, introducing origins for new heroes, and generally setting the stage for the next phase of the series. Without question, Snyder writes each scene with impact and intention, so you never feel like any moment is filler.

That said, the recent criticisms of spinning too many subplot plates remain, albeit with a little bit of cleanup in this issue, and the heavy marketing push to unveil Absolute Batgirl feels greatly shortchanged with yet another creative decision not to introduce the character until the last page. I truly do not understand why creative teams have convinced themselves that the big reason readers pick up an issue is the thing that gets the least amount of attention.

How is the art in Absolute Batman #24?

The art is great. Nick Dragotta’s perspective on anatomy and action choreography is a large part of what’s made this series so successful, evidenced by the mixed reactions the series gets when a guest artist comes on board. Batman’s fight in the cornfield against Scarecrow is thrilling; the motional beats hit hard during the flashbacks, and the net result is an overall memorable visual experience.

Characters

Despite a web of tangents with side characters, Bruce/Batman is still the focal point of the issue as he goes through emotional journeys that end in decision points in multiple timeframes. He commits to the bat in the far past, he accepts his mother’s sordid history in the near past, and he internalizes his fear in the present. At every step, Batman evolves into someone a little different, new, and more complete.

Originality & Concept Execution

Regardless of the nitpicking about plot structure and focus, Absolute Batman #24 still holds up as a unique title in a unique series that stands apart from almost anything else DC Comics publishes. Yes, the convolution will knock off points for execution, but the originality is glaring.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Bruce’s emotional journey(s)
• Scarecrow’s fate is ironic
• The planted seeds are promising

Room for Improvement

• Too many irrelevant tangents
• Scarecrow’s fate doesn’t feel fully resolved
• Absolute Batgirl doesn’t show up until the end

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2

Final Thoughts:

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Absolute Batman #24 puts an end to Scarecrow’s reign of terror, while new threats and allies arrive to set the stage for what’s next. Scott Snyder’s script wraps up (only) a few loose threads and gives Batman a constantly evolving set of emotional journeys. Plus, Nick Dragotta’s artwork is as good as ever.

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