Absolute Batman #24 Pulls In 487,000 Orders as Barbara Gordon Becomes The Bat

DC's Absolute Batman isn't slowing down. Issue #24 pulled in an estimated 487,000 orders across all covers, according to retailer data reported by Bleeding Cool — another huge number for a series that's been running well ahead of the rest of the direct market all year.

The story is doing as much work as the covers this time: #24 features the first appearance of Barbara Gordon as The Bat, a genuine milestone moment for the Absolute Universe's rebuilt take on the Bat-family, and exactly the kind of story beat that gets readers who aren't chasing variants to pre-order anyway.

Retailer-exclusive variants typically account for roughly a third of an issue's total orders, so a number like this points to real demand for the story underneath, not just cover art. With Absolute Batman #25 due October 28, expect another strong showing — likely enough to outpace Marvel's competing October launches for the month.

Original reporting: Bleeding Cool.