tim drake's robin with bo staff
By
Kevin Erdmann
Published Feb 28, 2026, 10:12 PM EST
Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero.
With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention.
Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.
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Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Batman #17
It’s been 17 years since DC introduced a brand-new Robin in the main DC Universe with the debut of Damian Wayne. However, DC now looks ready to rebut Absolute Batman's very first Robin in their darker alt-universe created by Darkseid (though it might not be the Robin we expect).
One of the best things in the Absolute Universe is how often DC Comics lets its writers and artists break the status quo of the mainline universe. Batman is not a billionaire. Wonder Woman was raised in Hell by Circe. Superman had a childhood on Krypton.
Keeping all that in mind, I sincerely believe that DC is about to throw us all for a major loop once Absolute Robin finally debuts.
DC's Absolute Universe Is Teasing The Debut Of Absolute Robin
Absolute Batman stares in awe at the Absolute Robin logo
Recent cover art for Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta's upcoming Absolute Batman #20 features The Dark Knight standing in front of a giant, bold letter "R". Likewise, there's also redacted solicitation text for the issue that has led many to expect that Absolute Robin is on the way following the loss of a potential ally (perhaps Alfred?).
"As the dust settles in the city of Gotham after the loss of [redacted], [redacted] enter the scene ready to hunt and more than one secret will be revealed in this seminal issue."
All things considered, the timing makes sense. New threats are coming from Ark M every day, and Absolute Batman could definitely use some more allies after all the horrifying things Absolute Bane did to Bruce's friends (Ozzie, Harvey, Eddie, and Waylon).
That being said, I would be VERY surprised if Absolute Robin is ultimately revealed to be one of the classic Boy or Girl Wonders: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Damian Wayne, or even Carrie Kelly. Although I do have one strong guess as to who Absolute Robin might be.
DC's Absolute Robin Won't Be One Of The Usual Suspects (Theory Explained)
In the most recent issue, Absolute Batman #17 contains a single page that feels like a major clue as to who Absolute Robin will ultimately be.
On this page, we see Bruce questioning the effect Absolute Batman has made, as well as an EMT named Dick speaking with Doctor Leslie Thompkins, clearly frustrated by all the craziness Gotham is facing and seemingly blaming Batman for it. While this could very well be the Absolute Universe's version of Dick Grayson, his sentiments don't really suggest he wants to help The Dark Knight.
Conversely, the same page also features Absolute Harley Quinn, leader of the Red Hood gang, who reiterates her desire to help Absolute Batman in the future. After all, Batman likely wouldn't have been able to defeat Bane without Harley and his crew's help.
Seeing how her values and Bruce's align, here's the twist: Absolute Batman's first Robin will be Harley Quinn herself. After all, it seems highly doubtful that she'd ever join Jack Grimm V's Absolute Joker. That kind of twist would certainly flip the script in a way that would be quite fitting for the Absolute Universe, and it's definitely where I'm putting my money.
Absolute Batman #17 is available now from DC Comics.
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