
At MegaCon 2026, Scott Snyder shared some exciting updates about the upcoming Absolute Batman book, and hinted at future plans for the broader Absolute Universe.
I saw some buzz on X over the weekend from Chris Anton about some cool new stuff happening with DC Comics. It seems like they’re really doubling down on their ‘Absolute’ editions – apparently, those have been a huge hit for them lately, and they’re planning to do more!
DC Comics has announced plans for a major event miniseries called ‘Absolute’ slated for late 2026. According to sources, writer Scott Snyder is crafting a larger ‘Absolute Universe’ storyline designed to expand the existing comic book universe, rather than restart it.
— Chris Anton (@thechrisanton) March 21, 2026
Absolute Batman plans stretch past 50 issues
One of the biggest takeaways is that Absolute Batman is not ending anytime soon.
J. Scott Snyder announced at MegaCon that his comic series is expected to run for over 50 issues. This long-term commitment from DC indicates the series will be a key part of their Absolute line for the foreseeable future.
This aligns with previous statements from DC Comics. They announced in February that the Absolute Universe line had become very popular – reportedly selling 300,000 copies per issue – with strong sales and ongoing growth. DC also indicated that they have more significant stories planned for release in 2026.
— Chris Anton (@thechrisanton) March 21, 2026
Big story beats teased for upcoming issues
Snyder also previewed several major developments coming to Absolute Batman over the next few issues.
Bruce Wayne and Waylon Jones will team up again in issue #19, and fans can finally expect a showdown between Batman and the Joker in issue #21.
— Chris Anton (@thechrisanton) March 21, 2026
The backstory of Harley Quinn will be explored in issue #22, and Clayface is scheduled to show up in issue #23. Plus, Harley Quinn is reportedly the one who will give the new Batmobile its name.
— Chris Anton (@thechrisanton) March 22, 2026
Reports from the recent convention suggest the storyline featuring the Scarecrow will conclude with issue #25, which is expected to be a significant one for the series.
In his newsletter from March 20th, Snyder described issue #19 as the beginning of the story’s largest story arc so far, suggesting that the Absolute Batman series is leading up to a major event over the coming months.
Robin team and new villains are on the way
Snyder hinted that the team representing Robin will be revealed shortly, and this is expected to generate a lot of discussion among fans. The Absolute Universe has consistently presented unique and unexpected takes on Batman’s story.
— Chris Anton (@thechrisanton) March 22, 2026
At MegaCon, it was revealed that Two-Face will have a similar moral code to the Punisher, and Deathstroke is envisioned as a former student of Alfred, almost like Darth Vader to his mentor, Obi-Wan. The comic will also introduce completely new villains in the future.
This approach aligns with how DC has presented its Absolute line of books. From the beginning, these editions have been marketed as darker, reimagined versions of classic stories, and Absolute Batman especially offers a complete overhaul of Bruce Wayne’s universe.
DC has stated that this new take on Batman will be different because he won’t have a home, wealth, or a butler – but he’ll still be recognizably Batman at his core.
DC Comics Absolute Universe MegaCon recap:
- Absolute Scarecrow arc will last through issue #25, which is said to be a major finale bringing big changes.
- After the Scarecrow arc, the next arc will focus on Bruce’s friends, especially Riddler.
- Bruce and Waylon will reunite in issue #19.
- Batman and Joker will meet in issue #21.
- Harley Quinn’s origin will be told in issue #22 in July.
- Harley Quinn will be the one to name Bruce’s Batmobile in issue #19.
- The Absolute Universe has no planned ending and will continue as long as readers keep buying the books.
- Absolute Batman is planned for 50+ issues so far.
- Absolute Batman #20 does not use the real cover, and the “R” for Robins will be dropped to reveal the team.
- Two-Face has been compared to the Punisher.
- Deathstroke is Alfred’s former protégé, and their relationship is described as Darth Vader and Obi-Wan.
- There will be new original villains.
- Clayface will appear in issue #23.
- Absolute Poison Ivy will return and level up into something like Ivy, Swamp Thing, and Animal Man combined.
- Frank Tieri and Scott Snyder are interested in doing a sequel to the Absolute Batman Ark M special one-shot exploring the Arks before Ark M.
— DCU Updates (@dcuworld) March 23, 2026
First Absolute event begins in November
The other big reveal is that the first Absolute event is expected to begin in November.
This timeframe matches DC’s previous announcement of a major event series, “Absolute,” planned for late 2026.
Okay, so DC hasn’t officially said anything yet, but from what Zack Snyder hinted at during MegaCon, it sounds like November is when we’re going to see the Absolute Universe really kick into high gear with its next big storyline. As a fan, I’m getting really excited!
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2026-03-24 20:02