How Absolute Batman May Be Boosting Sales for Other Comic Book Companies

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Recently, one of DC Comics’ most popular series has been gaining a lot of attention. It’s even credited with attracting new readers to comics, as well as re-engaging long-time fans. Interestingly, it seems to be boosting interest in comics from a major competitor of DC as well.

Robert Kirkman discussed how Image Comics is benefiting financially from the popularity of Absolute Batman while on the Robservations with Rob Liefeld podcast.

There’s a lot of buzz about how Absolute Batman is attracting new customers to comic book stores. What’s great is that while they’re there for Batman, they’re also discovering and buying other comics, like those from Image Comics. This is ultimately beneficial for everyone in the industry.

According to Kirkman, readers enjoying Scott Snyder’s fresh take on Gotham City’s stories are also browsing other comics at their local shops, suggesting they’re open to discovering new titles.

Robert Kirkman is famous for creating popular comic book series like The Walking Dead and Invincible, both of which have been adapted into successful TV shows. He’s also the Chief Operating Officer at Image Comics, so he likely enjoys seeing the increased popularity of the company’s titles.

While talking with Rob Liefeld, known for his collaborations with Fabian Nicieza, Robert Kirkman suggested that fans of manga might be drawn to Image Comics. He believes that…

People have noticed that the artwork in Absolute Batman, particularly by main artist Nick Dragotta, often resembles the style of manga. This influence is also apparent in some of the series’ variant covers, which draw heavily from popular Japanese comics.

The success of Image Comics, and its growing connection to manga, might be more linked to The Absolute Universe than even Robert Kirkman suspects.

What Is Going On In Absolute Batman

Launched almost two years ago as part of DC’s All In initiative, Absolute Batman has quickly become a hit, offering a fresh and unique take on the classic Dark Knight. This version reimagines Bruce Wayne as an average, working-class construction worker, while his enemy, Jack Grimm IV – known as Absolute Joker – is the one living a life of wealth and privilege.

The latest issue of Absolute Batman #19 reveals a horrifying partnership: a man-eating monster disguised as a sophisticated socialite is working with the frightening Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as Absolute Scarecrow. Scarecrow cleverly frames Batman for the murder of ex-Gotham mayor James Gordon. He does this by using his powerful fear toxin, which makes Gordon hallucinate a swarm of crows and accidentally fall from a building.

The tragic events motivate the current mayor to form a team dedicated to capturing Batman, known as the Robin Program. This team consists of skilled young individuals – Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas – and is led by the infamous mercenary Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke. Their operations are financed by Grimm.

Readers got their first look at the Absolute Robins with the cover reveal for Absolute Batman #20, which shows the team using giant mech suits and motorcycles that turn into armor. The new issue is generating excitement and celebrates the debut of these popular characters in this universe.

Absolute Batman #20 hits the shelves on May 13.

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2026-05-01 19:15