DC’s All In publishing initiative provides top-tier creators with the opportunity to explore some of the label’s most iconic heroes, free from the shackles of established continuity. Spearheaded by industry legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which builds upon and follows the Absolute Power storyline from late 2024. This ongoing arc introduces a fresh status quo for the beloved trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to defy all expectations for fans familiar with these characters.
Since its inception in October, the Absolute Universe has been flourishing with multiple ongoing titles, making it challenging to keep up with the narrative, timeline, and characters. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we’re here to outline the chronology and reading order for DC’s Absolute Universe in 2025.
Note: It’s important not to confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC’s “Absolute” line of collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are entirely separate entities!
The Reading Order
For all ongoing series, start with our recommended reading order, then continue with subsequent issues as they are released. Each main Absolute series will consist of a six-issue run and will eventually be compiled into trade paperback editions.
1. DC All In Special #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, and Daniel Sampere
DC All In Special #1
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This oversized one-shot by architect Scott Snyder lays the groundwork for the Absolute Universe. It's essential to start here before diving into Absolute Batman.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
Absolute Batman #1
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Published in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the official beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty new take on the Dark Knight, exploring what might happen if Bruce Wayne were not wealthy, lacked a high-tech Batcave, and had no Alfred to keep him grounded.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
Absolute Wonder Woman #1
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Released shortly after Absolute Batman #1 at the end of October, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman by subverting traditional Greek mythos. Diana is depicted as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose.
4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval
Absolute Superman #1
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Written by acclaimed creator Jason Aaron, Absolute Superman #1 continues the theme of heroes starting from humble beginnings. Here, the Man of Steel is portrayed in a more relatable light, emerging from nothing.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
Absolute Flash #1
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Kicking off the second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash #1 sees Wally West navigating the complexities and limitations of his speed without the support of his Flash family or the Speed Force.
6. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
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Another entry in the 2025 wave, this title offers a significant departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones finds himself increasingly overtaken by a Martian, drawing him into a much larger conflict than he could have anticipated.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
Absolute Green Lantern #1
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This innovative take on the Green Lantern mythos involves four individuals who have previously donned the ring: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein. They must deal with the aftermath of a large Green Lantern crashing in a small town.
Upcoming Collected Editions
Currently, only the first three Absolute titles have announced release dates for their collected editions:
- Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo releases August 5
- Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon releases August 12
- Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton releases August 19
For now, this is the extent of the Absolute Universe's offerings. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if these stories lead to a grand finale or event by the end of 2025 or later, with additional heroes receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.
