Absolute Batman Vol. 4: The Straw Man

Fear spreads across Gotham as Batman faces new enemies, unexpected allies, and the arrival of the Absolute Robins.

The bestselling Absolute Universe reinvention of Batman enters a bold new chapter as Gotham City faces threats from every direction.

Driven by the devastating fallout of Ark M, Bruce Wayne pushes himself deeper into his mission than ever before. But even with trusted allies at his side, Batman's growing isolation leaves him vulnerable as new dangers emerge from Gotham's darkest corners. When a terrifying new incarnation of Scarecrow unleashes a campaign of fear across the city, old alliances fracture, hidden truths are uncovered, and familiar faces are transformed in shocking new ways.

This volume also introduces the Absolute Robins—new interpretations of Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas—as Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta continue to expand the world of one of comics' most acclaimed and bestselling modern series.

Collects Absolute Batman #19-25.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs