Absolute Batman #19 Ending Explained: What Is the Robin Program?

Credit:- DC Comics

When Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder claimed that Absolute Batman #19 would be a major shift in the title’s narrative, he wasn’t exaggerating, as the release of the issue has completely flipped the Caped Crusader’s development on its head. Right from the beginning, we are introduced to Absolute Scarecrow, who kills two people through the use of his Fear Toxin, and later kills Jim Gordon, right in front of Batman, which is seen by the Gotham residents.

And as Bruce stabilises himself in the shadows, surrounded by Alfred and Harley Quinn, Harold Hill’s announcement of Gordon’s ‘murder’ by Batman, a misinterpretation by the public, and part of Absolute Joker’s plan, we witness the entry of Slade Wilson, a.k.a. Absolute Deathstroke, in the picture. After he takes the stage, he announces how Jack Grimm believed in the safety of Gotham, and with Batman showing his true colors, he will be bringing him to justice through the Robin Program.

Thus, let’s take a closer look at what happened in the ending panels of this issue in the Absolute Universe, which you can read on GlobalComix right now.

Absolute Batman #19: The Robins Are the Final Nail in Batman’s Coffin

In the last couple of panels, we see Bruce going through a pure mental breakdown, as Gordon’s death at the hands of Absolute Scarecrow and his Fear Toxin leaves him with reality-shattering questions about the mysterious “Batman Program’ that Gordon wanted to give Bruce. And even before he could begin mourning his loss, we see Slade Wilson announcing the Robin Program, an initiative to bring the vigilante known as Batman to justice.

The last couple of panels give us a more in-depth look at the individuals who are part of this initiative. The Robin Program was funded by Jack Grimm V, a.k.a. Absolute Joker, as a task force to save Gotham from threats, like Batman being framed as now, and the members are trained by Slade Wilson in all kinds of combat scenarios, making them elites at the job.

The members consist of characters that were part of the Bat Family over the years in the mainline DC continuity. These include:

• Tim Drake – Bruce Wayne’s adopted son and the third Robin in the mainline DC.
• Stephanie Brown – Batgirl in the mainline DC stories
• Jason Todd – The second Robin in the mainline DC stories
• Duke Thomas – Popularly known as The Signal, and a member of the Bat Family in the mainline DC
• Dick Grayson – The first Robin in the mainline DC, who later became Nightwing.

These five complete the team under the Absolute Robin program, where Dick is their captain, and is Slade’s chosen against the threat of Batman. And while we didn’t see it in the end, some of these individuals will be piloting huge mechs to bring the Caped Crusader down, as seen on the Absolute Batman #20 cover page.

Gotham City Turns on Their Savior in Absolute Batman #20

Cover page of Absolute Batman #20 | Credits: DC Comics

As stated earlier, the death of Jim Gordon was framed as a murder that was committed by Batman in cold blood, which became the perfect catalyst for Joker and Deathstroke to deploy the Robins in Gotham and take out the Caped Crusader once and for all.

Therefore, in the upcoming Absolute Batman #20, we will witness the epic showdown between the Robins and Batman as they come face to face (via League of Comic Geeks). The series will also focus on the paradigm shift that will occur among the residents of Gotham, as people who believed in him as their savior will start to turn on him.

Moreover, as the official description also states, the upcoming seminal issue will also reveal another secret, which may be related to the secret surrounding the Batman Project file Gordon was handing over to Batman before his death. This may also relate to Martha’s past, and may shed light on the Absolute Court of Owls, which were introduced at the end of Absolute Batman #17.

Here’s an overview of Absolute Batman #20.

What are your expectations for the upcoming issue? Tell us in the comments below.

Absolute Batman is now available on DC Universe Infinite.