Absolute Batman # 12 Fourth Printing 2026 BN

Absolute Batman #12 serves as the devastating fourth part of the "Abomination" story arc. Released on September 10, 2025, the issue marks the return of core series creators with a script by Scott Snyder and visceral, body-horror-infused interior art and main cover pencils by Nick Dragotta.

This issue is highly notable for systematically dismantling Bruce Wayne's supporting network, delivering a horrific sequence that permanently triggers the transformation of his childhood inner circle into his ultimate classic Rogues Gallery.

Plot Summary & Tragic Transformations

The narrative picks up in a bleak, post-captivity state following the Ark M breakout.

• The Croc Ultimatum: In the deep darkness of Gotham's sewers, a massive, mutated Waylon Jones (Killer Croc) carries a heavily weakened Bruce Wayne to safety. Agonized by his grotesque reptilian transformation, Waylon begs Bruce to execute him to end his psychological suffering. When Bruce steadfastly refuses and promises to search for a medical cure, a despairing Waylon vanishes back into the subterranean tunnels. 
• The Fused Venom System: Bruce passes out and slips into a 20-day coma inside his hideout. Upon waking, he discovers a terrifying medical reality: Dr. Arkham's forced surgeries permanently fused an experimental Venom delivery system directly into his spine and brain. The biological weapon repeatedly causes agonizing pain, turning the veins in Bruce's left arm a volatile neon green. 
• The Devastated Inner Circle: Leaving the cave to check on his childhood group, Bruce visits the intensive care unit, uncovering the brutal aftermath of Bane's targeted raid:
• Oswald Cobblepot (Penguin): Systematically pulverized by Bane, Oswald is left with nearly every bone in his body fractured, leaving his skeletal structure permanently compressed and deformed.
• Harvey Dent (Two-Face): Suffered a cracked skull alongside horrific severe chemical burns, completely splitting his physical appearance and warping his psyche into a bitter hatred directed toward Batman.
• Edward Nygma (Riddler): Following a failed "battle of wits" challenge from Bane, the back of Eddie's skull was structurally gouged out, inflicting irreversible frontal lobe brain damage. Driven mad, Eddie bloodily affixes pieces of his android assistant, "Al," directly onto his own head.
• A Shift in Tactics: Recognizing that playing by the civic rules has gotten everyone he loves destroyed, an enraged Batman orders his street allies, the Red Hood Gang, to entirely stand down. Resolving to match his enemies' ruthlessness, he targets and forcefully usurps Carmine Falcone's localized illegal operations to control Gotham's underworld infrastructure.
• The Batcave Breach: Returning to base, a defensive Alfred Pennyworth warns Bruce that they are officially at war. Suddenly, the base security alarms sound as the hatch is breached. Expecting a lethal assault from Bane, a defensive Alfred prepares to fight—only to be swiftly subdued by a surprise stealth intruder: the formal, present-day debut of this universe's Catwoman (Selina Kyle).

Issue Specifications

• Page Count: 32 pages
• Age Rating: Rated Teen Plus (12+ for intense body horror and graphic injuries)