DC's Absolute Universe: Chronological Reading Guide
DC's All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for top-tier creators to explore iconic heroes in a universe free from the shackles of established continuity. Spearheaded by comic legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative's centerpiece, the Absolute Universe, follows up on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This ongoing narrative introduces a fresh status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge fans' expectations of these well-known characters.
Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has expanded across multiple titles, making it challenging to follow the storyline's chronology and reading order. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to navigating DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.
Note: It's important not to confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year, as they are entirely separate entities.
The Reading Order
For all ongoing series within the Absolute Universe, we recommend starting with the following sequence and then following subsequent issues in their release order. Each main series will consist of a six-issue run, eventually 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
0See it at Amazon
This oversized one-shot, crafted by Scott Snyder, sets the stage for the entire Absolute Universe. It's the essential starting point before diving into the individual series, beginning with Absolute Batman.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
### Absolute Batman #1
1See it at Amazon
Launched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the official beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty, new perspective on the Dark Knight, exploring a reality where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and has no Alfred to keep him grounded.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
### Absolute Wonder Woman #1
0See it at Amazon
Published shortly after Absolute Batman #1 at the end of October, this series reimagines Wonder Woman, shifting away from traditional Greek mythology to portray Diana as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose.
4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval
### Absolute Superman #1
0See it at Amazon
Penned by Jason Aaron, known for his work on Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman delves into a more relatable version of the Man of Steel, exploring his origins from humble beginnings.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
### Absolute Flash #1
0See it at Amazon
Initiating the second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash challenges Wally West to master his speed without the aid of the Flash family or the Speed Force, offering a fresh take on the character.
6. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez
### Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
0See it at Amazon
The second title in the 2025 wave, this series presents the most radical departure from its source material. It follows FBI agent John Jones as he grapples with a Martian takeover of his body and mind, pulling him into a larger conflict.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
### Absolute Green Lantern #1
0See it at Amazon
This series reimagines the Green Lantern mythos, focusing on four individuals who have previously held the title: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein. They must navigate the aftermath of a Green Lantern crash-landing 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 on August 5
- Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon releases on August 12
- Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton releases on August 19
While this outlines the current scope of the Absolute Universe, there's potential for these narratives to converge in a grand finale or event towards the end of 2025 or beyond, possibly expanding to include more heroes in the Absolute Universe.
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