A new Absolute Batman #20 variant cover has made a direct reference to ONE PIECE, recreating Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear Second pose with Batman.
The cover, illustrated by Dexter Soy, shows Bruce Wayne in the same stance used during Luffy’s first Gear 2 activation in the Enies Lobby arc. The artwork was revealed on April 20, 2026 and is being released through Big Time Collectibles.
If there was any doubt regarding the reference, the official post by Arris Quinones, Big Time Collectibles and artist Dexter Soy officially confirms it. You can see the comparison images below.
The series itself is written by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta, forming the core of DC’s Absolute Universe imprint. The line has been positioned to appeal to manga readers, with editorial direction emphasizing accessibility for audiences more familiar with Japanese manga.
The ONE PIECE manga by Eiichiro Oda first began in July 1997, and the series exceeded 500 million circulating copies worldwide in August 2022. It also celebrated the 25th anniversary in 2022, while the anime adaptation started in October 1999 and is also still going strong. As Elbaph Arc got closer, hype was built with new cast additions. It culminated in Yuichi Nakamura getting cast as Loki, probably the most exciting character to make his debut in years and guaranteed to play a huge role in the endgame.
The anime also recently debuted new theme songs. The opening song’s title is “Luminous,” and it’s performed by AiNA THE END. The ending song is “That Future” by Jisoku 36km.
Upcoming Projects
- Netflix’s live-action series has Season 3 set for 2027 release
- The franchise also has the upcoming remake anime by WIT Studio
- One Piece: Heroines novel focused on the female characters is getting an anime
- LEGO ONE PIECE 2-part animation special project is coming to Netflix on September 29
Source: Big Time Collectibles Official Instagram
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© Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha / Toei Animation
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