Scott Snyder’s Tease For Upcoming Absolute Batman Issue Has Us Dreaming ‘Big’

16 hours ago 5

Published Feb 8, 2026, 8:00 AM EST

Jason is an award-winning journalist whose writing career dates back to when he developed the ability to use a crayon. He, most notably, worked previously as a "professional fan," as he likes to call it, at CinemaBlend, for which he wrote about anything and everything under the pop culture umbrella... especially Batman. His passion for the art of cinema began even earlier, stemming from repeat viewings of The Wizard of Oz.
This initially led him to pursue a career in filmmaking -- and even work briefly in the industry as an extra in the straight-to-video family film, Alice Upside Down -- before deciding that his talents would be better served discussing and showing appreciation for the various forms of entertainment he is passionate about.

The next issue of Absolute Batman is one of the most highly anticipated comics of the year so far. However, the acclaimed DC series' creator is already hyping up what expect several issues down the line.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, Scott Snyder shared a "heads up" about the cover for Absolute Batman #20 on social media through his X account.

As tends to be the case with the acclaimed comic book writer's cryptic tease, this social media post raises many questions. For one, what is it that makes the twentieth issue of Absolute Batman, which has been blessed with some epic covers already since the series launched in 2024, such a "really big one?"

In fact, on that note, why is he only emphasizing the cover here? Snyder does not drop even the subtlest of hints as to what the comic is about. Not to mention the fact that this particular issue's official release date has not even been announced, and, on top of that, Absolute Batman #17 still has yet to hit the shelves at this time.

This is actually only the most recent time this week that the cover art for an upcoming issue of this particular series was teased well in advance. On Feb. 4, artist Dexter Soy shared a tweet unveiling his variant cover for Absolute Batman #18, supposedly depicting the aftermath of a bloody brawl between The Dark Knight and a defeated, but larger-than-life Absolute Joker.

That same day, a variant for the same issue, designed exclusively for MegaCon Orlando 2026 by Alan Quah, was leaked on social media. The Joker is nowhere to be seen in the image, but a bulky Bruce Wayne does appear to be at odds with one of Absolute Poison Ivy's vines.

What Is Going On With Absolute Batman Lately?

Speaking of Absolute Poison Ivy, a first look at this new version of the seductive eco-terrorist was revealed back in Dec. 2025. However, Dr. Pamela Isley is finally set to make her official debut in Absolute Batman #17, which sees her escape from Ark-M with a vengeance in her heart, with Gotham City taking the brunt of it, according to the official synopsis.

The most recent, sixteenth issue of Absolute Batman — which came out on a big day for the Absolute Universe, as three other major releases from the imprint were released concurrently — is essentially a continuation of the events of Absolute Wonder Woman #15. That story sees the first official alliance of Bruce Wayne with Diana, who join forces to look into a mystical symbol appearing at a crime scene.

The issue before that one was also a big deal, having officially unveiled the true, monstrous form of Absolute Joker, which had also been leaked in advance. In addition to the first appearance of the wealthy criminal as a grotesque, nearly demonic creature, Absolute Batman #15 also treated fans to something that most iterations of Batman's archnemesis never get: a backstory, courtesy of Absolute Alfred Pennyworth.

According to the secret agent and Batman ally, Joker's real name is Joseph "Jack" Grimm V. However, Pennyworth suspects that all five Jack Grimms are all the same undying beast, suggesting this villain is shaping up to be the most bizarre threat that Bruce Wayne will take on yet, which is really something when you consider how insane the best Absolute Batman moments have proved so far.

Absolute Batman #17 will be available in stores on Feb. 18, 2026.