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DC’s Absolute Universe turns Robin into mech pilots in wild Absolute Batman twist: and here's how they revealed themselves

Absolute Batman #19 marks the first appearance of the Absolute Robins in DC Comics

Warning: spoilers for Absolute Batman #19 are ahead! 

Ever since DC Comics unveiled the first look at Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta's Absolute Batman, Batman fans have wondered what the Absolute Universe's version of Robin would look like. If Absolute Batman has such a distinct look, then what would Absolute Robin look like?

Well, ever since the full cover of Absolute Batman #20 was revealed, this question has been answered: the Absolute Robins are enormous mech suits. But now, since Absolute Batman #19 has hit stands, we finally know the story behind Absolute Robin. So let's get into it. 

The Absolute Robins are comprised of some familiar names: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas. In the mainline DC Universe, Dick, Jason, Tim, and Stephanie have all been Robin to Batman, while Duke is a member of the Bat-Family who uses the vigilante name, The Signal (it's also worth noting that Duke was co-created by Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder during his New 52 Batman run with artist Greg Capullo). But instead of being Batman's sidekicks, Dick, Jason, Tim, Stephanie, and Duke are all part of the "Robin Program" run by Slade Wilson (Deathstroke in the main DC Universe), and their legal guardian is Jack Grimm V, Absolute Joker. 

In Absolute Batman #19, Dick, Jason, Tim, Stephanie, and Duke are a part of the larger group of Gotham's "least fortunate children" who Grimm has "sheltered, mentored, and guided" to become "Gotham's new totem" with the Robin Program. The Robin Program officially kicked off at the end of issue #19 after Absolute Scarecrow successfully framed Batman for the death of Former Mayor James Gordon, and Slade Wilson announced that the Robins would be deployed to put an end to Batman. 

Now, Absolute Slade Wilson trained the Robins, but given the reaction that the group had to their battle mechs, it's clear that the kiddos weren't expecting to be fighting Batman like they're in Pacific Rim. In one page from issue 19, we see that the kids were trained in intelligence, martial arts, firearms, and piloting. So how will they feel about fighting Batman in Absolute Batman #20? We'll just have to wait and see. 


Here's an update to date guide on the Absolute Batman release schedule.

 

Jules Chin Greene

Jules Chin Greene: Jules Chin Greene is a journalist and Jack Kirby enthusiast. He has written about comics, video games, movies, and television for sites such as Nerdist, AIPT, and Multiverse of Color.

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