DC has been teasing the arrival of Absolute Robin for several months. Both with upcoming variant covers and the introduction of Dick Grayson into the Absolute Universe setting. However, Absolute Batman #19 introduced a twist along with the new Robin that changes the classic dynamic of the Dynamic Duo.
Written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, Absolute Batman #19 covers a lot of ground. Beyond introducing Absolute Robin, it also introduces the Absolute Universe Scarecrow. It also sets up a new storyline, with Batman being framed for murder.
It is this last plot point that sets up the introduction of Absolute Robin. Unsurprisingly, given that Dick Grayson was shown hating the Dark Knight in earlier issues, he is an antagonist. However, he is also not alone.
Absolute Joker has a team of Robins
A press conference by Mayor Hamilton Hill regarding Batman being wanted for murder is taken over by General Slade Wilson. Wilson explains that he had been training and leading an elite squad, financed by noted philanthropist Jack Grimm V, to protect Gotham City. Grimm and Wilson will be known to regular comic readers as The Joker and Deathstroke of the Absolute Universe. This “Robin Program,” as Wilson calls it, will start with the capture of Batman.
The Robin Program is made up of the Absolute Universe variants of every Robin who ever existed in the main DC Universe. This includes Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas. This means that Batman will now be facing five highly trained agents instead of one, with the added complication of Deathstroke’s leadership of the same.
Absolute Batman #19 is now available at comics shops everywhere.
