Absolute Batman # 21 Cover D Doug Mahnke Variant First Printing 2026 BN

Absolute Batman #21 is a highly anticipated milestone issue written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, scheduled for release on June 17, 2026. The issue serves as a major turning point for the series by delivering the long-awaited first face-to-face meeting between the Absolute Universe versions of Bruce Wayne and Jack Grimm (the Absolute Joker).

Plot and Narrative Arc

• The Joker Confrontation: Bruce Wayne and Jack Grimm finally clash high above Gotham City on a steel construction girder. Preview teases show Bruce isolated on the beam, left psychologically vulnerable and "not thinking straight" while trapped inside a mental maze built by the Scarecrow.
• Scarecrow's Reign: The main narrative continues the overarching terror caused by the Scarecrow. The psychological fallout pushes Gotham's limits and sets up an intense sequence of events, including Harley Quinn’s origin story in issue #22 and a brutal showdown in issue #23.
• Friends Turning to Enemies: In the Absolute continuity, Gotham figures like Harvey Dent (Two-Face) and Oswald Cobblepot (Penguin) grew up as Bruce's childhood friends. This issue formally debuts their transformed, vengeful adult personas after a past brutal encounter with Bane left them harboring intense anger toward Bruce.