Absolute Batman Artist Shares Rejected Cover Design for Historic Issue: ‘Too Edgy’

Image via DC Published Sep 24, 2026, 10:51 PM EDT Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Her work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where she covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop. Sign in to your CBR account This is a developing story. Amid the heightened anticipation of Absolute Batman #25's historical arrival, one prominent DC Comics artist confirms that his cover was rejected by the publishing powerhouse. Via Instagram, Dexter Soy shared an intense Absolute Batman cover that was once expected to be included in the milestone release, disclosing that DC Comics didn't completely see eye-to-eye with his vision. "Just sharing my rejected AB25 cover. It was too edgy... too violent... Amen," Soy wrote in the caption, while including disappointingly disapproved concepts that almost made it onto comic book store shelves. DC Comics fans were quick to jump to Soy's defense in the comments section,...