Absolute Batman #19

Absolute Scarecrow steps out of the shadows of the ARK M facility: a new arc begins.

Poison Ivy turned out to be just one of many horrors lurking in the depths of ARK M. As the Joker turns his attention to Absolute Batman, he recruits one of the institute's most terrifying doctors: Dr. Jonathan Crane (Scarecrow). At the same time, Bruce Wayne tries to forge an alliance with Barbara Gordon — and in this issue, more than one bond is sealed. New debuts, new villains, new arc: the ideal jumping-on point for readers.

• Key players: Batman/Bruce Wayne, Joker, Poison Ivy, Dr. Jonathan Crane (Scarecrow), Barbara Gordon