Thanks to a combination of a light slate of news and some of the more intriguing tidbits immediately expanding to “future feature” size for me, this week’s edition of Comics Disassembled will only look at eight things I liked or didn’t like from the week of comics, and it’s all led by one of the most ridiculous (complimentary) comics getting more ridiculous (complimentary).

Absolute Robin, Standing Revealed

Congratulations to Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, who generated the most surprising possible response from yours truly when I first saw the Absolute Robin design on the cover of Absolute Batman #20.

I laughed.

Not because I thought it was funny, though. It was quite the contrary. My laughter was out of pure surprise and because of just how perfect it really was. I was stunned when I opened my email and saw that cover with a giant mech for Dick Grayson to roll around in, one with comically large guns that had even more comically large bullets going into it. It was so ‘90s and so big that laughter was the only response I could come up with in the moment, and it was a perfect reaction, really. Absolute Batman’s whole thing is pushing the line further and further, sending the hurtling towards absurdity but never quite getting there. It exists in an unreality where everything is maxed out for the purposes of pure entertainment and artistry and insanity, and this concept might just be the zenith.

It was nothing like I expected, but in the very best of ways. I love it and truly cannot wait to see it in action. So, good job by Nick and Scott! I loved it!

Books with Pictures, Building Up

Shouts to Katie Pryde of Books with Pictures (Portland) and Andréa Gilroy of Books with Pictures (Eugene), who announced this week that they’ve launched a new project called the Graphic Novel Library. What is it? Well, consider it a curated subscription service for either adults or kids where for one monthly fee, you’ll have a graphic novel sent to you along with stickers, bookmarks, and access to in-person and/or online communities to connect with about what you read. It’s perfect for new comic readers or for veteran ones looking to expand their horizons, and it comes in at a very reasonable price that rewards longer term subscriptions.

I love this. Comics could always use more curation, and as someone who has bought hand-picked collections from Books with Pictures before, I can speak to the gifts of that team when it comes to selecting great comics you wouldn’t expect that both excite and delight. It’s a natural born ability the fine folks over there have, so this makes a ton of sense as an addition to their mix. I believe this has been in development for some time now (I want to say we even talked about it when Pryde last appeared on Off Panel in early 2025), and it’s wonderful to see it officially come together. And I’m not just saying that because its logo is excellent and prominently features a cat!

But it’s also a good thing to see in the wake of Books with Pictures’ financial challenges from last year. I’m fairly certain the development of the Graphic Novel Library preceded those, but this reminds me of what Brian Hibbs has done with his graphic novel clubs at Comix Experience, something that helped make his business model more sustainable and his customer base stickier, all while using his (and his staff’s) skills to an even greater degree. I imagine the hope is the Graphic Novel Library will prove to be a foundational element for Books with Pictures in much the same way, and given the team’s rare gifts at curation and the program’s charming, engaging website, I could see that hope being fulfilled here.