In Review: Absolute Batman (2024-) #23 – Batman Vs The Robins & HImself

Batman is forced to battle an unyielding enemy in not just the Robins but in himself.
Robins
by August 19, 2026
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Synopsis: In a climactic showdown, Batman is forced to battle an unyielding enemy in not just the Robins but in himself. More than one dead character signals a call for help…and a symbol of hopelessness as more friends become enemies.

 

The Story

Picking up from the last issue, Batman has somehow become exposed to Scarecrow’s toxin and believes that his father is still alive and that Grimm has taken him. When Weyland and his other friends, including Oswald Cobblepot and Harvey Dent, try to stage an intervention, Bruce throws it back in their faces, believing them to be part of a much wider conspiracy. Even when Alfred and his mum try to convince him otherwise, Bruce simply puts on the cowl and runs off.

While hallucinating due to the toxin, Bruce receives orders to kill someone. This connects to the past, when he was ordered to kill Matches, who was a friend. Meanwhile, the Robins are having a bit of a competition over who is polling best with the public, and it isn’t Dick Grayson.

Jason Todd continues to hunt Batman on his own and hits the jackpot when Batman comes to him. However, in the fight that ensues, Batman winds up killing one of the Robins before fighting against a hallucinated version of himself.

The issue finishes with a flashback to Bruce Wayne’s last mission for Falcone and the event that ultimately led to him becoming Batman.

Artwork

Nick Dragotta continues to deliver some solid artwork for this book. The panels in which we see Weyland, Cobblepot and Bruce’s other friends trying to convince him that he is not thinking straight are particularly strong. Dragotta does a great job of conveying Bruce Wayne’s confusion and desperation as he tries to find his father, who, in reality, is dead. I also enjoyed the panels in which Batman fights the Robins, as well as the sequence where he battles a hallucinated version of himself.

I particularly like “confusion and desperation” here because that’s really what those scenes need to sell. Bruce isn’t merely acting irrationally. From his toxin-addled perspective, he’s desperately trying to rescue his father while everyone he trusts appears to be conspiring against him. That gives Dragotta quite a bit to communicate visually.

Overall

Another solid issue that builds on the story elements laid down in previous issues. That said, I do hope Batman comes to his senses by the next issue, as this particular storyline could be in danger of dragging on a little too long otherwise.
9.4
Absolute Batman (2024-) #23
  • Covers
    8.5
  • Story
    9.6
  • Artwork
    9.8
  • Lettering
    9.4
  • Colours
    9.8
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by Ian Cullen - Aug 17, 2026

by Marx Pyle - Aug 20, 2026

Ian Cullen is the founder of scifipulse.net and has been a fan of science fiction and fantasy from birth. In the past few years he has written for 'Star Trek' Magazine as well as interviewed numerous comics writers, television producers and actors for the SFP-NOW podcast at: www.scifipulseradio.com When he is not writing for scifipulse.net Ian enjoys playing his guitar, studying music, watching movies and reading his comics. Ian is both the founder and owner of scifipulse.net You can contact ian at: ian@scifipulse.net
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