DC’s Absolute line continues blowing up, as the Absolute Batman #19 Dan Quintana variant has turned into one of the bigger comic book collecting controversies.
Fans are calling it “DropGate” after the Heavy Mental Comics release sparked backlash over pricing, auctions, and how the limited variant was handled.
The cover features Batman beneath a massive, creepy Scarecrow image and quickly became one of the most talked-about Absolute Batman variants. The issue is also getting attention because it features the first appearance of the Absolute version of Scarecrow.
Fans Expected A Regular Drop
Ahead of the release, fans were under the impression the book would be available through a regular drop at a lower price.
Six weeks ago, one fan asked on Dan Quintana’s Instagram, “Hopefully we get drops this time & not just all ran as auctions once the price jacks up.”
Quintana responded at the time, “we want people to have them always at some non astronomical price right off the bat.”
Two weeks ago, another fan asked if the book would be sold through bidding or regular purchase, saying they heard it would be around $25-$30.
Quintana replied, “$25 for the first round and will remain under $100 2nd round., goodluck!”
That is a big reason fans were upset when the release played out differently than many expected.
What Happened With The Drop
According to the backlash online, only a small number of copies initially went up at the lower price before the release shifted into higher-priced sales and auctions.
A TikToker covering the controversy said Heavy Mental allegedly sold 25 copies at $25 before moving to what was described as a “dynamic pricing strategy,” with copies later auctioned on Whatnot for as high as $1,500.
A YouTuber also broke down the controversy, calling it “DropGate” and comparing it to other comic book market controversies involving variants, Whatnot sales, and limited releases.
The video claims the book had a 2,000-copy print run, but only a small number of copies were initially made available through the site before the auctions became the focus.
That set off accusations of artificial scarcity, poor communication, and price gouging.
Heavy Mental Apologizes
Heavy Mental Comics responded to the backlash with a statement on social media.
“This weekend’s drop didn’t meet the standard we hold ourselves to and we understand why a lot of you are frustrated,” the statement said.
Heavy Mental said its goal has always been to bring “fair, transparent, and exciting drops” to the community, but admitted it “clearly missed the mark.”
The retailer added that it was reviewing everything from pricing to how the books were released so it could “make this right and improve.”
Heavy Mental Announces New Drop Plan
Heavy Mental later followed up with a more specific plan for the Absolute Batman #19 release.
The retailer said it has taken the feedback “to heart” and released 500 copies of each variant on Whatnot on Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. PST.
According to the post, each variant was “bin dropped once,” with a quantity of 500 each.
Heavy Mental also said everyone who bought books during the auctions will receive signed and stamped copies.
The remaining books are planned for upcoming conventions, collector boxes, future signings, and some will be sent to CGC.
“We know this could’ve been communicated more clearly from the start,” the statement said.
Fans Still Have Questions
The response gives collectors another shot at the book, but it may not end the controversy.
Fans were upset because they expected a clear, affordable drop. Instead, many felt the release created a secondary-market frenzy before most people had a fair chance to buy a copy.
That is why “DropGate” is getting so much attention.
Heavy Mental / Dan Quintana Absolute Batman #19 Variant Drop Today Was an ABSOLUTE Cluster
by u/Humble-Swing-1048 in AbsoluteUniverse
The debate is no longer just about one Absolute Batman variant. It is about where the comic book market is headed with retailer exclusives, Whatnot auctions, instant sellouts, and prices that can change fast when hype takes over.
Artists should get paid. Retailers should make money. But collectors also want clear rules before a drop starts.
For now, Heavy Mental is trying to calm things down with a new Whatnot drop. The question is whether fans think it is enough.
As of press time, copies of the Dan Quintana Absolute Batman #19 variant have sold on eBay for around $200.
