DC's All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for renowned creators to explore iconic heroes without the constraints of established continuity. Led by comics legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows up on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This ongoing arc introduces a new status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge fans' expectations of these beloved characters.
Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has expanded with multiple titles, making it challenging to follow the narrative timeline. Here's a comprehensive guide to the chronology and recommended reading order for 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 Absolute Batman: Zero Year omnibus, as they are entirely separate.
The Reading Order
Start with the recommended sequence below, then continue with subsequent issues in their release order. Each main series in the Absolute Universe will consist of a six-issue run, eventually collected 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 AmazonThis oversized one-shot, crafted by Scott Snyder, sets the stage for the Absolute Universe. It's essential to begin here before diving into Absolute Batman.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
### Absolute Batman #1
1See it at AmazonLaunched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty, novel take on Batman, imagining a Bruce Wayne without wealth, a high-tech Batcave, or Alfred to keep him grounded.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
### Absolute Wonder Woman #1
0See it at AmazonReleased shortly after Absolute Batman #1 at the end of October, this series reimagines Wonder Woman, depicting Diana as a fierce, heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, diverging significantly from traditional Greek mythos.
4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval
### Absolute Superman #1
0See it at AmazonPenned by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman explores the Man of Steel's journey if he started from humble beginnings, offering a more relatable narrative.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
### Absolute Flash #1
0See it at AmazonKicking off the second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash delves into Wally West's struggle to master speed without the support of the Flash family or the Speed Force.
6. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez
### Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
0See it at AmazonThe second title in the 2025 wave, Absolute Martian Manhunter, presents a dramatic shift from the original character. FBI agent John Jones faces a takeover by a Martian, drawing him into a larger conflict.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
### Absolute Green Lantern #1
0See it at AmazonThis series reimagines the Green Lantern mythos, featuring four former Green Lanterns— Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they handle the aftermath of a crashed Lantern in a small town.
Upcoming Collected Editions
Currently, release dates for collected editions are available for the first three Absolute titles:
- 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.
Looking ahead, the Absolute Universe may culminate in a significant event or finale by the end of 2025 or later, potentially expanding to include more heroes in the Absolute narrative.
