Harley Has the Stronger Case as Batman’s Main Sidekick, Though DC Officially Replaces Robin With Barbara
Barbara Enters the Batcave Fight
During the climactic Batcave battle in Absolute Batman #25, Barbara Gordon arrives as the Bat. She distracts the Joker with a joke, strikes him with a modified shotgun and escapes with Batman by taking them both off a cliff into the water.
Barbara does not appear as Robin or Batgirl. Her new identity gives her a place beside Batman, but the issue offers little evidence that she has settled into a lasting role on his team.
Vengeance Drives Her Role
Barbara remains focused on seeking vengeance for the murder of her father, Jim Gordon. The story leaves open whether she will keep wearing the Bat’s coat and cowl after the Joker and Scarecrow are defeated.
Bruce and Barbara have had limited interaction since Jim’s death, possibly because Bruce feels guilty and has avoided facing her. At the issue’s end, Barbara rides away instead of staying to plan with Batman or act as a steady partner.
Harley Has a Closer Bond
Harley may still be Batman’s main sidekick in the Absolute universe. She and Bruce have spent more time together, and their rapport has brought some of the series’ strongest comic relief.
Harley also used a tracker in Bruce’s Batsuit to locate him, enabling the Bat to reach the fight. The Bat, by contrast, has not yet shown the same established connection with Batman.
A Shifting Bat-Family
The Absolute Batman series has moved quickly through familiar milestones from Batman and Bat-Family stories, while its team remains loosely connected. Alfred Pennyworth, who had a larger role in the debut “Zoo” arc featuring Black Mask, says he is leaving Gotham for an uncertain period.
Other potential allies have also taken different paths. Killer Croc had been a strong addition to the group, while Riddler, Two-Face and Penguin chose to trust Joseph “Jack” Grimm over their childhood friend.
Key points
- Barbara Gordon becomes the Bat and rescues Batman in Absolute Batman #25.
- Her vengeance for Jim Gordon’s murder shapes her role, while her future as the Bat remains uncertain.
- Harley has a closer history with Batman and may still be his main sidekick.
- Alfred says he is leaving Gotham for a time, as the Bat-Family remains loosely connected.