DC's Must-Have Absolute Batman #20 Variants Are Perfect For Superfans

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Published Apr 27, 2026, 4:09 PM EDT

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.

Scott Snyder once claimed that the 20th issue of Absolute Batman was going to be a big one. The author and DC have already delivered on that promise, even in the lead-up to the comic's publishing, with the release of a Batcave's worth of related artwork.

DC Comics has come out with more than 100 different variant covers for Absolute Batman #20.

That statistic comes courtesy of Bleeding Cool, which compiled a full tally of 103 different covers. This takes into account the 94 retailer-exclusive variant covers that have been released, eight others that are available on open order, and a 1:25 ratio variant cover by Martin Simmonds.

Some of the most notable examples unveiled so far come from artists like Dexter Soy, whose Absolute Batman #20 variant cover served as the first look at the Absolute Robins' faces. Another example comes from Mario "Fox" Foccilo, who turns Absolute Dick Grayson into a Super Saiyan, basically, with his manga-inspired cover, which is actually one of many variants that appear to be influenced by the traditional Japanese style of comic book storytelling.

This universe's version of Batman's original costumed ally is not the only one who received his own variant, as DC also put out a series of covers individually spotlighting each of the Absolute Robins around the same time. Kyuyong Eom draws Dick, Absolute Flash illustrator Nick Robles covers Jason Todd, Javier Rodriguez of Absolute Martian Manhunter fame handles Tim Drake, Absolute Green Lantern's Jahnoy Lindsay designs a cover for Duke Thomas, and Rickie Yagawa and Alex Sinclair collaborate on Stephanie Brown's image.

Some variant covers also go above and beyond to be unique, such as one by Mark Brooks that depicts a group of tree-perched, multicolored birds (meant to represent the Robins) whose logos, as well as a secret Absolute Batman insignia, glow green in the dark. Of course, that is merely a taste of the grand variety of variant covers for Absolute Batman #20 that DC has revealed to the public... so far.

There Are More Absolute Batman #20 Variant Covers To Come

Absolute Batman 20 Tim Drake variant cover

The number of Absolute Batman #20 variant covers currently available is already inspiring even the most devoted admirers of this series to wonder, how much is too many? Well, apparently, 103 is not enough for DC Comics, as they reportedly still have more to put out at the moment.

Bulgarian comic book illustrator Alex Maleev, whose Daredevil designs served as the basis for Matt Murdock's look in the Charlie Cox-led live-action TV show, has a variant releasing on May 1. There is no telling what else is in store, but there is still plenty of time for the publisher to put out more.

The official cover art for Absolute Batman #20 by Nick Dragotta sees the bulky Bruce Wayne looking unusually small when compared to a pair of larger-than-life mech suits piloted by Jason Todd (toting a gargantuan assault rifle) and Dick Grayson, whose rig specializes in providing medical aid. Appearing only slightly less intimidating on the ground are Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas riding on motorcycles that also turn into wearable armor, similar to the concept of the Transformers.

The end of Absolute Batman #19, which had some intriguing variant covers of its own, saw the series' debut of the Absolute Robins, who are a special team officially known as the Robin Program. Headed by Slade Wilson (Absolute Deathstroke) and funded by Jack Grimm IV (Absolute Joker), their primary goal is to hunt Batman.

That initiative was established in response to the untimely death of James Gordon, whose demise is believed to be the vigilante's fault. In reality, the former Gotham City mayor was run off the top of a building by a murder of crows only he could see after being affected by a fear toxin developed by Absolute Scarecrow.

Absolute Batman #20 hits the shelves on May 13.