DC's All In publishing initiative provides a unique opportunity for top-tier creators to explore the iconic heroes of the DC Universe without the shackles of continuity. Led by the visionary duo of Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, a bold new narrative arc that follows up on the Absolute Power saga from late 2024. This ongoing storyline redefines the status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge everything fans think they know about these legendary characters.
Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been a thrilling ride, but with numerous concurrent titles, it's easy to lose track of the overarching narrative. Here, we'll guide you through the chronology and reading order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.
Note: Don't confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" line of collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. They are distinct and separate.
The Reading Order
Start with our recommended sequence for the ongoing series, then follow the release order for subsequent issues. Each main Absolute series will span six issues and will be compiled into trade paperback editions later.
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 by the visionary Scott Snyder lays the groundwork for the Absolute Universe. It's the perfect starting point 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, fresh take on the Dark Knight, imagining a world where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and has no Alfred to keep him anchored.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
### Absolute Wonder Woman #1
0See it at AmazonReleased just weeks after Absolute Batman #1, this reimagining of Wonder Woman flips the Greek mythos on its head. Diana emerges as a formidable, 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 AmazonPenned by Jason Aaron, known for his work on Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman explores how the Man of Steel would navigate life from humble beginnings, making him more relatable than ever.
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 challenges Wally West to master the nuances of 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, this series offers the most radical departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones faces a takeover by a Martian, drawing him into a conflict far beyond his wildest dreams.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
### Absolute Green Lantern #1
0See it at AmazonThis unique take on the Green Lantern mythos features four former bearers of the title—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they tackle the aftermath of a Green Lantern crash-landing in a small town.
Upcoming Collected Editions
As of now, 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 is all the Absolute Universe currently has in store, we anticipate that these narratives might lead to a grand finale or event towards the end of 2025 or later, with even more heroes receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.
