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/23.webp "Absolute Batman #23")
The character death only means something if you’ve read the main DC Batman comic. Otherwise this would create no reaction whatsoever.
Absolute Batman #23
| Writer | Scott Snyder |
| Artist | Nick Dragotta |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
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.
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Get Your Comic On - Neil Vagg
Aug 12, 2026Absolute Batman #23 is another frenzied, dynamic and all around shocking issue. It’s hard to believe this creative team is functioning this highly for this long without a break in the story. As Gotham reels from another huge loss it’s hard to see how Bruce can ever recover from this and I’m on the edge of my seat already waiting for the next chapter of the story. Read Full Review
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10
Nerd Initiative - Matthew Roth
Aug 12, 2026Absolute Batman #23 will leave you stunned and sitting in silence by the time you finish reading it. Batman has become unhinged in a way we’ve perhaps never seen before. The art team beautifully and meticulously crafts the panels and pages to emphasize emotional moments, making this issue a haunting boiling point for Batman. Read Full Review
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10
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Aug 20, 2026One of the best things about the Absolute line is the way that absolutely no one is safe. No character dynamic is guaranteed to remain intact. You never know which side of the moral line a character will wind up on. And even the most heroic characters, like the Robins, can be corrupted by a universe designed to do so. Read Full Review
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9.5
AIPT - David Brooke
Aug 12, 2026Absolute Batman #23 is another remarkable chapter that somehow raises the bar yet again. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta pack enough plot, character development, revelations, and action into a single issue to fill multiple comics, yet every scene feels purposeful. Whether you're invested in Batman's fractured relationships, the evolving Robins, or the mysteries surrounding Gotham's past, this issue delivers at every turn while ending with even greater anticipation for what's next. Read Full Review
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9.5
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Aug 16, 2026We have yet another game-changing moment that will make things even more chaotic in this series. Read Full Review
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9.4
SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen
Aug 19, 2026Another 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. Read Full Review
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9.3
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Aug 12, 2026A new enemy pushes Batman to the brink as his world crumbles around him. Snyder dives into the strain of Bruce’s convictions with the writing. Dragotta and Martin focus on the painful reality of Grimm’s manipulations. There’s a reason why this book is on the top of everyone’s pull list. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comic Watch - Kevin Rossi
Aug 12, 2026Absolute Batman #23 is another strong issue in what continues to be an impressive run. Snyder is throwing plenty of familiar Batman ideas at the reader, but his willingness to twist expectations keeps them from feeling stale. Read Full Review
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9.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Aug 15, 2026A jam-packed issue easily and excitingly juggles all manner of plots, characters, twists, turns and amazing character designs. Read Full Review
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9.0
Dark Knight News - Eric Lee
Aug 20, 2026Absolute Batman #23 is another amazing issue that pushes a thousand plots at breakneck speed, but without sacrificing the character beats that are necessary to make the emotional core of the series. Some readers may feel short-changed by how opaque the Scarecrow and Joker’s plans are, but it does not take much away from another epic chapter of the series. Read Full Review
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8.8
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Colin Tessier
Aug 12, 2026Writer Scott Snyder, artist Nick Dragotta, colorist Frank Martin, and letterer Tom Napolitano intensify Batman's unraveling through his obsession with a conspiracy, while pushing him to the breaking point due to a terrifying Clayface attack. Read Full Review
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7.8
Comic Book Clique - Abel Loza
Aug 16, 2026Draggota's design of that feux-Batman in the final act was brilliant. Yes, the actual physical size of this conjured-up Sand-Batman is intimidating, but in context, it's a metaphor for how Bruce feels in that moment. A villain made in his likeness is overwhelming: it kills him and everything around him, and it comes out of thin air. Dragotta’s design and Martin’s use of neutral gray color capture those themes in the character’s depiction. That design and color, in contrast with the Robins, was a great and haunting visual, something that has been present and consistent all run long. Read Full Review
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7.0
Comical Opinions - Gabriel Hernandez
Aug 12, 2026Absolute Batman #23 sends Bruce spiraling out of control when he believes his entire life was orchestrated by Grimm and Scarecrow. Scott Snyder gives nearly every character a moment to develop, but showcasing everyone leads to a focus on no one. Still, Nick Dragotta’s bombastic artwork is almost worth the price of admission. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
The best comic on the planet.
+ Like • Comment -
10
The thing is with Absolute Batman, you haven't read this before. It's on a complete different level... a level on his own. Currently it is rightfully controlling the comic industry. It's going to change this modern comic era, mark my words. This universe has everything to become the one true Batman story for our younger audience/generation.
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9.5
Another great issue leading us to more questions than answers but it's been a fun ride getting here.This issue brings a lot together and ends on another great cliffhanger.
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9.0
This series rocks hard. I like Scott Snyder's different interpretation on Bruce Wayne, and Clayface as well as the shocking twist of the Robins
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9.0
This book continues to shock and awe me. We come off a few down issues in a row and settle back to what is working. Aka the Scarecrow who is the best villain so far in the series. We get robin death , call backs to cool moments and Clayface framing Batman yet again as a killer. Where this book goes after this idk but I’ll be here waiting to buy it.
Great job on the art as well. -
7.0
This comic has an odd way of killing off characters that make me question whether I can even differentiate who they were in the first place.
Always entertaining tho, albeit too much and not enough at the same time.
+ Like • Comments (1)• Likes (1) -
6.0
I think I might be out.
This is doing really well in the market. I just don’t get it. To each their own.
This just isn’t interesting to me.
And that’s ok. There are plenty of other Batman books.
I will take fraction and Taylor (and soon to be Camp) over this any day. -
4.5
Oh no, they killed off...that guy we met two issues ago!
+ Like • Comments (3)• Likes (2) -
4.0
I get it must be a Batman written for a new generation, but it just doesn't do it for me. Reading this issue, I was just rolling my eyes. It may be dark and edgy, but I just hate this version of Bruce Wayne and am not rooting for him, simple as that. And Batman / bat man, really ? What a subtle writing there...
+ Like • Comments (5)• Likes (1) -
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9.5
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8.5
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8.0
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8.0
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7.5
2025 In Review:
