DC's All In publishing initiative allows powerhouse creators to explore some of the label’s most iconic heroes free from the constraints of pre-established continuity. Led by comics legend Scott Snyder and veteran Flash writer Joshua Williamson, a key part of All In is the Absolute Universe, which follows up on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This new, ongoing narrative introduces a fresh status quo for the beloved trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to subvert expectations and offer a unique take on these well-known characters.
Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been expanding across multiple titles, making it challenging to keep up with the storyline, timeline, and character developments. To help fans navigate this exciting universe, here’s a breakdown of DC’s Absolute Universe chronology and recommended reading order for 2025.
Note: It's important to differentiate between Absolute Universe titles and DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are separate entities.
The Reading Order
Begin with our recommended sequence for the ongoing series, then continue with subsequent issues in their release order. Each main Absolute series will run for six issues and will be later collected in 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, crafted by the visionary Scott Snyder, lays the groundwork for the Absolute Universe. It’s the essential starting point before diving into Absolute Batman.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
### Absolute Batman #1
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First published in October 2024, this issue marks the true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It offers a gritty, fresh perspective on Batman, exploring a world where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, has no high-tech Batcave, and lacks the stabilizing presence of Alfred.
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, turning the Greek mythos on its head. It portrays Diana 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
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Written by acclaimed author Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, this series explores how Superman would adapt if he came from humble beginnings, making the Man of Steel more relatable.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
### Absolute Flash #1
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Launching the second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash delves into Wally West's journey with speed, devoid of 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
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This title, also part of the 2025 wave, offers the most significant departure from the original character. It follows FBI agent John Jones as he grapples with his body and mind being overtaken by a Martian, drawing him into a much larger conflict.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
### Absolute Green Lantern #1
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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 navigate the aftermath of a Green Lantern crash 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 - August 5
- Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon - August 12
- Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton - August 19
As the Absolute Universe continues to unfold, we anticipate that these stories might culminate in a significant event or finale by the end of 2025 or later, potentially featuring more heroes in the Absolute treatment.
