DC's Absolute Universe: A Chronological Reading Guide

DC’s All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for renowned creators to explore some of DC's most iconic heroes outside the confines of established continuity. Spearheaded by comics legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This new ongoing series introduces a fresh status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to defy expectations and offer new perspectives on these beloved characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has expanded through multiple ongoing titles. Keeping track of the storyline, timelines, and characters can be challenging, so here's a comprehensive guide to the chronology and reading order for DC’s Absolute Universe in 2025.

Note: It's important not to confuse Absolute Universe titles with DC’s "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year, as they are distinct from one another.

The Reading Order

For all ongoing series, begin with our recommended reading order, and then follow with subsequent issues in their release order. Each main Absolute series will consist of six issues and will be compiled into trade paperback editions in the future.

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, crafted by 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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Launched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the official start of the Absolute Universe. It reimagines Batman in a gritty, fresh light, asking what if Bruce Wayne were not wealthy, had no high-tech Batcave, and lacked Alfred's stabilizing presence?

3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

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Released just weeks after Absolute Batman #1, this issue offers a new take on Wonder Woman, reimagining her as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, diverging from traditional Greek mythos.

4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval

### Absolute Superman #1

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Written by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman explores a more relatable version of the Man of Steel, stripped of his usual advantages.

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 sees Wally West mastering 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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The second entry in the 2025 wave, this series significantly departs from the original character. FBI agent John Jones faces a Martian takeover, leading him into a vast and unexpected conflict.

7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

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This issue reimagines the Green Lantern mythos, focusing on four former Green Lanterns—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they handle the aftermath of a crashed Green Lantern 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

For now, this is what the Absolute Universe has in store. However, we anticipate further developments, possibly culminating in a major event or finale by the end of 2025 or later, with more heroes potentially receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.