Our Top 10 Predictions for Absolute Batman #20: What May Happen Next

With the shattering events taking place in issue #19 of Absolute Batman, readers are left in shock and excitement at the same time, especially with the sheer number of possibilities that can take place in the coming issues of this Absolute Universe title.

Thus, let’s list out predictions of things that we can witness in the upcoming Absolute Batman #20, scheduled to be released on May 13, 2026, based on all that has happened in issue #19, as well as all the previous issues of the DC comic series.

1 Confrontation Between Absolute Batman and the Robins

In the ending panels of Absolute Batman #19, we were finally introduced to the members of the Robin Program, the task force created and funded by Absolute Joker that is being deployed in Gotham City to bring Batman to justice after he was framed for the murder of Jim Gordon.

Thus, it’s almost a given that issue #20 will be focusing on the confrontation between the Caped Crusader and the Robins, leading to some hardcore action and fight sequences, where Bruce may let it all out, following his inability to save Gordon’s life.

2 Absolute Deathstroke Joins the Fight

In issue #19, along with a proper introduction of the Robins, we also got our first introduction to Slade Wilson, a.k.a. Absolute Deathstroke, and his role in the series. As he stated himself, he was the one who trained and supervised the Robins in their training to become an elite group of law enforcers that are developed to protect Gotham and its residents.

Thus, with Jack Grimm V, a.k.a. Absolute Joker’s backing, and his goal to take down Batman once and for all, there’s a high chance that we will also see Absolute Deathstroke in action, either aiding the Robins in their assault or going against Bruce solo.

3 Absolute Scarecrow Spreads His Fear Toxin Across Gotham

With Absolute Scarecrow entering the fray in the recent issue, we saw just how potent and deadly his signature Fear Toxin is, the same compound that led to the death of Jim Gordon, as it made him so fearful and confused that he couldn’t control his actions.

And with the framing of Batman for Gordon’s murder, there’s no better way for Absolute Joker to convince the residents of Gotham that the Caped Crusader is a terrifying threat than to use the Fear Toxin to drive it home for the populace.

4 Barbara Gordon Stands Against Batman

With Barbara Gordon destroyed by the death of her father, she was seen as an emotional wreck in the ending panels of issue #19. And as the narrative plunges Batman into becoming the assailant and the murderer, Barbara will not sit idly by and let the vigilante roam free.

Thus, with her history fighting alongside the Caped Crusader, as seen in Absolute Batman #18, we can potentially see a confrontation between her and Batman, where she will try to bring him to justice herself.

5 Deeper Insights Into the History of the Robins

While the Robins are new additions to the narrative of the series, we saw glimpses of Dick Grayson, the leader of the group, in previous issues, notably during the ‘Poison Ivy’ arc. Thus, the backstories of other members of the program are sure to be revealed in the future as well.

And according to writer Scott Snyder on his newsletter, Our Best Jacket, they will be more complex than just simply being evil. He said:

So I just want you to know, for anyone that’s worried that we’re just going to make the Robins villainous. They’re not just villainous, and they have a real reason for doing what they do.

He also claimed that their histories will be extremely rich in terms of emotion and nuance that may paint them in a whole new light.

6 The Absolute Court of Owls Take Action

Since their introduction in Absolute Batman #17, where it was also revealed that Martha Wayne was part of this group once, we haven’t seen much from the Absolute Court of Owls when it comes to having an impact on the overarching narrative.

But now, after they were mentioned in issue #19 by Jim Gordon, and the growing tensions between Batman and Gotham City itself, it’ll be a perfect place for this group to enter the picture, although as a friend or a foe, we’ll have to see.

7 Crime Alley Comes to Bruce’s Rescue

Issue #19 also proved to be the first time after Absolute Batman #16 that we saw Waylon Jones, a.k.a. Absolute Killer Croc, where he seems to be turning back into his human self, thanks to the artifact that Bruce and Diana brought from hell for him.

And when it came to help his friend in return, Waylon was pushed away by Bruce as he didn’t want Batman to affect his friends any more than it already had. But in defiance, Waylon claims that the Crime Alley, their friend group, leaves no one behind, which suggests that either he alone or the rest of Bruce’s friends will fight alongside him once more.

8 The Return of Falcone Crime Family

During the backstory featuring Waylon and Bruce, we also see Carmine Falcone, who lent Bruce the money that he used to bet on Waylon’s match. But since Waylon had to fix it by losing, the ultimate outcome of his winning put Bruce in a bad place, which made him indebted to Falcone.

But now, as Carmine Falcone is dead, there is still a chance that the crime family still has some survivors that Bruce will seek help from due to their underworld connections, since Carmine himself was referenced in issue #19, and Snyder has a habit of connecting storylines in unexpected ways.

9 Bruce’s Mental Breakdown After Gordon’s Death

As we also saw during the events of issue #19, the hunt for Batman began even before he could start mourning the loss of Jim Gordon, who was a father figure to him (may have become his step-father if things had continued between him and Martha).

And since he was there when Gordon died, but was unable to save him, Bruce may just have a mental breakdown, as it’s because of Batman that another precious person in his life suffered, and this time, it cost someone their life, not to mention how it destroyed Barbara’s life as well.

10 The Revelation of the Batman Project

Perhaps the biggest mystery that issue #19 introduced in the series was the ‘Batman Project’ file that Gordon was trying to give Bruce, before Scarecrow’s Fear Toxin kicked in and led to his death. And even in that fear, when he wanted to destroy the files, Bruce got a glimpse at them, which shook him to his core.

Thus, while not in its entirety, there’s a high chance that Absolute Batman #20 sheds more light and gives us substantial information as to what the Batman Project truly is.

Here’s an overview of Absolute Batman #20.

Expected Release Date	May 13, 2026
Creative Team	Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Nick Dragotta Colorist: Frank Martin
Publisher	DC Comics

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Absolute Batman is available on DC Universe Infinite.