Absolute Batman reimagines classic Jason Todd tragedy

In the latest issue of Absolute Batman, issue #23, authors Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta reimagine the classic Batman storyline ‘A Death in the Family’. Within the Absolute Universe, the concept of Robin has been altered; rather than sidekicks, the Robins—including Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, and Jason Todd—are depicted as a team of teen soldiers organized by Slade Wilson to combat the Dark Knight using massive suits of armor.

The current story arc, titled ‘The Straw Man’, follows Bruce Wayne as he faces multiple crises, including being framed for the murder of ex-mayor James Gordon and discovering his hero trajectory may have been orchestrated by Joker and Scarecrow. In the most recent development, Jason Todd attempts to hunt Batman alone, leading to a confrontation where Absolute Clayface impersonates Batman to attack him.