Absolute Batman #17 Reveals Martha Wayne's Deepest, Darkest Secret

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Published Feb 21, 2026, 8:00 AM EST

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The following article contains spoilers for Absolute Batman #17.

There are few current comic book series better at keeping readers in shock with one astonishing surprise after another than Absolute Batman. The latest issue of the acclaimed DC series might have dropped its biggest bomb yet.

The very end of Absolute Batman #17 sees the long-awaited debut of the Absolute Court of Owls, but also reveals that Bruce Wayne's mother, Martha Wayne, is a former member.

Considering the Absolute Universe's propensity for reinterpreting classic characters, it was always expected that the Court of Owls' Absolute Universe introduction would come with a staggering caveat. However, who could have predicted that the still-living Martha would have ties to the secret society?

Then again, it makes perfect sense that the Court is connected to Bruce Wayne's family tree, seeing as that was one of the heartbreaking revelations he uncovered about its original iteration in the acclaimed "Court of Owls" storyline from 2011. The billionaire vigilante's great-great-grandfather, Alan Wayne, helped them remain covertly operative in Gotham City before his discovery of their malicious nature made him a target of their go-to assassin, The Talon.

The Court of Owls was created by Absolute Universe overseer and main Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder, with artist Greg Capullo. It is a mysterious organization that controls Gotham from the shadows, a la The Illuminati. However, while there is still very little known about its Absolute Universe iteration, fans have theorized that Snyder has reimagined it as a cloak-and-dagger activist group that Martha is lured back into.

More Wild Absolute Batman Reveals Came Out This Week

Absolute Batman 17 variant cover featuring Absolute Poison Ivy

The main story of Absolute Batman #17 sees the highly anticipated clash between The Dark Knight and Absolute Poison Ivy. The new interpretation of the ecoterrorist was teased months ago with a first look at the issue's cover art that depicts the Gotham City siren with a traditionally seductive appearance.

However, in typical Absolute Universe fashion, the story comes to reveal that there is more to this version of Dr. Pamela Isley than initially meets the eye, and, not to mention, is not quite so easy on the eyes once she lets her inner self out. Ivy is an unspeakably monstrous creature reminiscent of the shape-shifting extra-terrestrial from John Carpenter's The Thing, which Batman is forced to fight with a chainsaw arm attachment, perhaps a nod to Ash from the Evil Dead movies, to drop another classic horror movie reference.

Of course, the bigger announcement in the world of Absolute Batman this week is related to an issue that is still multiple months away from hitting the shelves. After much teasing on social media by Snyder, Nick Dragotta shared the cover art for Issue #20, which confirms that Absolute Robin is on his way.

The reveal — in the form of an illustration of Absolute Batman staring at a large recreation of Boy Wonder's iconic "R" insignia — would beget a few snicker-inducing reactions from DC fans on social media. For instance, referencing this version of the Dark Knight's unusually large physique, multiple tweets imagine that Absolute Robin will resemble a beefed-up Robin from an episode of Teen Titans GO!

It is currently not clear whether the series has officially revealed this version of the character yet. There is an Absolute Dick Grayson, but his mature age, occupation as an EMT, and apparent distaste for Batman's vigilantism suggest he is not destined to be an ally.

Perhaps Snyder intends to skip a generation or two and make Jason Todd or Tim Drake the official Absolute Robin. Maybe he will borrow a character from outside DC's main continuity, and the honor will be given to Carrie Kelley from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. One thing fans most likely can count on, at least, is that the writer will have a lot of fun teasing them with clues on social media while they wait.

Absolute Batman #17 is now available in comic book stores or on digital platforms.