From the first issue, Absolute Batman presented a radically different take on the Dark Knight. He is a working-class hero, who lacks the wealth and connections that normally define Bruce Wayne. Indeed, his allies are all characters who are normally part of the Batman rogue’s gallery. The question of which of his usual allies are alive in the Absolute Universe has largely gone ignored. However, Absolute Dick Grayson has been revealed and it turns out he is not a fan of Gotham City’s resident vigilante.
Written by Scott Snyder, with art by Nick Dragotta, Absolute Batman #9 opens with a prelude introducing the Absolute Universe version of Bane. The story then shifts to Alfred Pennyworth, who in this reality is a covert operative that has begun to mentor Bruce Wayne. Before leaving to check in with his bosses, Pennyworth advises Batman to lay low.
He returns to Gotham City to find his advice was completely ignored. Indeed, Batman declared war on the local crime families after his friend Waylon Jones (aka Killer Croc) disappeared mysteriously. This sets up the introduction of the Absolute Universe version of Dick Grayson in a quick cameo.
Why does the Absolute Universe’s Dick Grayson hate Batman?
Pennyworth reveals how Batman’s one-night rampage severely taxed the resources of Gotham City’s social services. The local hospital ran out of ambulances for all of the criminals reporting injuries. Even the local ride-share services were unable to meet the demand for rides to the hospital.
In the midst of this, one heroic EMT wound up carrying the injured to the hospital on a commandeered cycle-rickshaw. This EMT is revealed to wear a badge with the name “Grayson, D.” Doubtlessly this is meant to be Dick Grayson, who in a better world was the first Robin.
The EMT’s use of the expletive “$%£ Batman” is also a clever nod to his first partner. Dick Grayson famously said those words in the first episode of the Titans streaming series to show how edgy and adult the show would be. However, despite clearly not being fond of the Dark Knight, his introduction here suggests Dick may get recruited into his war on crime anyway.
Absolute Batman #9 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
