DC officially bringing Dick Grayson back for its most unique Batman project (and there's an unexpected change)

Each issue of Absolute Batman has had a moment that has left readers excited for what’s next. Usually, it’s because something crazy or disturbing has happened. For example, in chapter 1 of the “Abomination” story arc, Bane is shown to be one of the most terrifying people in Bruce Wayne’s life. What should worry you is that Bane is under the thumb of The Joker. So if someone as massive, smart, and powerful as Bane is controlled by The Clown Prince of Crime, imagine what he will be like when his story is revealed.

In Absolute Batman No. 9, we are shown an EMT driving a rickshaw transporting gang members that Batman injured to a hospital. On that same page, readers see the nametag on the EMT, and it says, Grayson, D. That got fans excited because that means Dick Grayson (a.k.a. Robin and Nightwing) is in the Absolute Universe. However, people were confused because it looked like he was around the same age as Bruce. A weird thing since he’s at least 15 years younger than Batman in the main continuity. Nevertheless, we know he’s around. And, according to writer Scott Snyder, Dick will play a major role in the next Absolute Batman story arc.

Everything about DC Comics’ Absolute Universe is ramped up to the max. Someone resembling Clayface looks like a mess. Their version of Harley Quinn has a shaved head and is the leader of a rebellion called the Red Hood. Zatanna is under lock and key in a secret government facility with a muzzle and straitjacket like Hannibal Lecter.

Those are only three examples. There are tons of others, and the Absolute Universe is only a year old. Who knows what Dick Grayson will be? We can assume that something else about him will make him unique from his Prime Earth counterpart, more than being an EMT. Although if I have to guess, Dick Grayson will be the one character who doesn’t change much.

As you can see by the way he continued helping people despite not having an ambulance, Dick Grayson still has a big heart. That's something similar to his counterpart. That compassion could be why Scott Snyder says Dick will come into play in a big way. Instead of being his sidekick or partner, Dick could give Batman some perspective that he may have missed. The part that, while fear is crucial to him being a hero, maybe a kinder and lighter touch is needed.

Lastly, remember that Dick wasn’t too happy with Batman’s onslaught on criminals the night hospitals filled up and EMTs were running around nonstop (Absolute Batman No. 9). Yes, he had a good reason, but only Bruce and his friends know that. So, maybe his first encounter with the Dark Knight is Dick helping Batman despite possibly hating him. And, at the end of it, they could learn to understand and respect each other. With all of Bruce’s friends hurt or hating him, Bruce will need someone in his corner besides his mother. 

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