Absolute Batman #23 delivers a grim new twist on one of Bruce Wayne's most devastating storylines, reimagining the tragic events of 1988's Batman: A Death in the Family. The current story arc, "The Straw Man," has seen Batman framed for murder, facing a new army of mech-suited Robins, and confronting the possibility that his heroic journey was manipulated by the Joker and Scarecrow.
In this issue, the altered reality of the Absolute Universe presents its own dark take on the death of Jason Todd. Instead of the Joker, the new iteration of the Robins—a team of teenage soldiers organized by Slade Wilson to combat Batman—becomes central to the tragedy. Jason Todd, in his mech suit, rashly decides to hunt Batman alone, only to be subdued by the Dark Knight, who is already at his emotional breaking point.
A New Tragedy Unfolds
The situation escalates when Absolute Clayface, impersonating Batman, attacks Jason. Tim Drake arrives to assist his partner but becomes the victim, impaled on the faux-Batman's shoulder spikes. Batman then engages Clayface, but his attacks prove ineffective against the clay-like foe. Clayface escapes into the sewers, leaving an unconscious Jason to awaken and discover Tim's lifeless body, leading him to believe Batman is responsible for his death.
This scenario mirrors the devastating loss of a Robin, placing Batman in a precarious legal and emotional position. The issue's events have significant implications for the character, further compounding the already dire circumstances within the Absolute Universe.
In related news, the series was recently honored at the 2026 Eisner Awards, and the first hardcover collection has seen a significant price drop on Amazon.