Absolute Scarecrow’s First Look Pushes the Character in a Disturbing New Direction

fans just got their first look at the scariest Scarecrow yet.

A recent tweet from the DCU Updates fan account showed off two covers for the upcoming Absolute Batman #19. This issue will introduce the character Absolute Scarecrow. Artist Nick Dragotta’s main cover features Scarecrow subtly reflected in Batman’s blades. Despite wearing a sharp suit, Scarecrow’s disturbing features – button eyes, a sewn-shut mouth, and a stitched-on head – are still visible.

Okay, so the latest issue of Absolute Batman, #19, is gonna be wild! Apparently, Poison Ivy was just the tip of the iceberg at the ARK M facility. Now, Joker’s got his eyes on me – Batman – and he’s decided to team up with Dr. Jonathan Crane, one of the scariest doctors locked up in there. I’m trying to work with Barbara Gordon, but it looks like a lot of different teams are forming. This issue kicks off a whole new storyline with some fresh faces and villains, so it’s a big one!

Doctor Jonathan Crane, or the Scarecrow as he’s more famously known, is one of Batman’s original and most recognizable enemies. He first appeared in the comic book World’s Finest #3 in 1941, in a story called “The Riddle of the Scarecrow” created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson. In his earliest depiction, the Scarecrow was a college professor who used fear as a weapon to pull off daring robberies.

Throughout his history, Scarecrow has consistently appeared as a truly frightening villain. The most recent version, operating in Prime Earth, quickly became a major threat in Gotham City, repeatedly attacking individuals and causing widespread chaos.

A new Batman villain, the Absolute Scarecrow, will soon appear in comics, following the debut of Poison Ivy in Absolute Batman #17. Writer Scott Snyder previously announced back in November that this issue would feature two significant new developments, with Poison Ivy being the first.

Snyder revealed that he and artist Nick Dragotta have already planned the major events for the series’ finale. He also indicated that this conclusion will likely coincide with the end of the ‘Absolute’ line of books.

You know, when Snyder said that, it really clicked with me. He was talking about how these heroes aren’t supposed to be perfect, unchanging figures. They’re meant to go through stuff, get broken down, and rebuild themselves. Like, Batman doesn’t just have trauma, he uses it – he turns that pain into something that helps him win and make the world a better place. It’s a cool way to think about it, honestly.

Absolute Batman #19 from DC Comics goes on sale this June.

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2026-01-28 19:12