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

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Few comic book series deliver more shocking twists and turns than this one. The newest issue of the popular DC series may have just revealed its most surprising development yet.

The latest issue of Absolute Batman #17 finally introduces the Absolute Court of Owls, and shockingly reveals that Bruce Wayne’s mother, Martha Wayne, used to be one of its members.

Given Absolute Universe’s tendency to reimagine familiar characters, it wasn’t surprising that this new story would have a major twist. But no one anticipated that Martha, who is still alive in the story, would be connected to the secret society.

It’s understandable why Batman would react this way, considering he learned a devastating truth about the group’s history in the popular 2011 “Court of Owls” story. His ancestor, Alan Wayne, unknowingly aided their secret operations in Gotham City until he discovered their evil intentions, which made him a target for their assassin, The Talon.

As a huge Batman fan, I was so excited when Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo introduced the Court of Owls! It’s this super secretive organization that basically runs Gotham from behind the scenes – think of them like the Illuminati, but for Batman’s world. We don’t know a ton about how it works in the main ‘Absolute’ universe yet, but a lot of us fans think Snyder’s taking the idea in a new direction. The theory is that this version of the Court isn’t just about power, but is more of a shadowy activist group, and that’s what draws Martha back into things.

More Wild Absolute Batman Reveals Came Out This Week

The latest issue of Absolute Batman #17 features the long-awaited showdown between Batman and Poison Ivy. Months before its release, cover art hinted at a new take on the villain, portraying the Gotham City character with a classic, alluring look.

As is common with stories from Absolute Universe, this version of Dr. Pamela Isley—Poison Ivy—hides a terrifying secret. Once she embraces her true nature, she transforms into a monstrous creature, similar to the shape-shifting alien in John Carpenter’s The Thing. Batman is forced to battle her with a chainsaw arm, a possible reference to the character Ash from the Evil Dead films.

The biggest news regarding Absolute Batman this week concerns issue #20, which won’t be released for several months. After some hints on social media from Snyder, artist Nick Dragotta revealed the cover art he’s been working on.

The announcement—an image of a very muscular Batman looking at a giant version of Robin’s classic “R” symbol—prompted some amused reactions from DC fans online. Many joked that this version of Batman was so large, the accompanying Absolute Robin would look like a heavily built Robin from the Teen Titans GO! cartoon.

It’s unclear if the show has officially introduced this version of the character. While an older Dick Grayson exists, working as a paramedic and seemingly disapproving of Batman’s methods, he doesn’t seem likely to become an ally.

Snyder might be planning to introduce a new Robin, possibly Jason Todd or Tim Drake, as the definitive successor. Alternatively, he could bring in a character from another timeline, like Carrie Kelley, to take on the role. What’s almost certain is that the writer will enjoy building anticipation and dropping hints on social media as fans speculate and wait to find out.

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

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2026-02-21 16:08