Absolute Batman #25 Delivers Joker Showdown and a Shocking Family Reveal

A Milestone Issue Ends the "Straw Man" Arc

The 25th issue of DC’s Absolute Batman—the climax of the year‑long "Straw Man" storyline—has been confirmed as a turning point for Bruce Wayne. Published by DC and reviewed by IGN, the issue concludes with a long‑awaited confrontation between Batman and the Joker and introduces a major personal development: Selina Kyle’s pregnancy.

Plot Summary

After defeating Scarecrow, Batman tracks the enigmatic Jack Grimm to Grimm Manor. Instead of finding the villain, he encounters an unexpected “intervention” staged by Waylan Jones, Eddie Nygma, Oswald Cobblepot and Harvey Dent. Each claims Grimm has supplied evidence that his empire is legitimate and that he is protecting Bruce from law enforcement, urging Bruce to surrender for psychological treatment or risk exposure of his secret identity.

Unconvinced, Batman escapes, only to fall into a subterranean version of the Batcave curated by Grimm. The setting is grotesque—a cocoon of dead infants—where Grimm reveals his own ancient lineage, suggesting origins that may stretch back to the Roman Empire. The Joker, in a newly revealed monstrous form, emerges and a brutal battle ensues. Despite Batman’s use of a battle‑axe and razor‑shaped ear daggers, the Joker endures the injuries and mocks Batman’s crusade against centuries‑old power structures.

Just as the Joker appears poised to finish the fight, Barbara Gordon—now operating as The Bat—intervenes with a shotgun, allowing both heroes to plunge into a river and escape. They regroup at Harley Quinn’s hideout, where Batman receives medical attention and reconciles with his partner.

The Game‑Changing Reveal

The final page delivers a surprise that reshapes Bruce Wayne’s motivations: Selina Kyle appears, confirming she is pregnant. This development adds a personal stake that the Absolute continuity has long lacked, as the series has emphasized Bruce’s solitary burden. The pregnancy mirrors earlier DC concepts where Batman and Catwoman have children (e.g., Earth‑2’s Helena, the future Huntress), though those storylines have not been canon in the main universe.

Creator Insight and Publication Plans

Writer Scott Snyder, who helms the series, posted on Bluesky that the revelation “will set the stage for the entire series going forward.” In line with the narrative weight of the issue, DC announced a short hiatus for Absolute Batman for the remainder of 2026, giving readers time to digest the events before the next arc begins.

Practical Implications for Readers

• Future Storylines: The pregnancy suggests forthcoming plots will explore Bruce’s role as a father‑to‑be, potentially altering his approach to crime‑fighting and his relationship with allies.
• Character Dynamics: The intervention by former foes and the involvement of Barbara Gordon hint at shifting alliances and a broader cast of heroes confronting the Joker’s threat.
• Series Pace: The announced hiatus means no new issues will appear until at least early 2027, allowing fans to speculate and discuss the ramifications of issue #25.

Confirmed Facts vs. Open Questions

| Confirmed | Uncertain | |-----------|-----------| | Issue #25 ends the "Straw Man" arc and features a Batman‑Joker battle. | How the Joker will respond to Bruce’s new family status (e.g., revealing his identity). | | Selina Kyle is pregnant. | Exact timeline for the next issue and the direction of the post‑hiatus storyline. | | Scott Snyder’s Bluesky comment about the story’s impact. | Whether the pregnancy will be a permanent canon element or a temporary plot device. | | Series will be on hiatus for the rest of 2026. | Potential involvement of other DC characters in the upcoming arc. |

How to Verify

All details are drawn from IGN’s article titled How Absolute Batman #25 Changes Everything for Bruce Wayne (https://www.ign.com/articles/how-absolute-batman-25-changes-everything-for-bruce-wayne). Readers can cross‑check the plot points, creator statements, and publication schedule directly on the IGN website or by following Scott Snyder’s official Bluesky account for any further updates.

--- This report adheres to verified information from the cited source and does not contain original interviews or unpublished material.