DC's All In publishing initiative empowers top-tier creators to reimagine the publisher's most iconic heroes, free from the constraints of established continuity. Spearheaded by comics legend and Batman veteran Scott Snyder and longtime Flash writer Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe. This new, ongoing saga, which follows the Absolute Power arc from late 2024, establishes a bold new status quo for the iconic trinity—Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman—and is designed to subvert expectations for longtime fans.
The Absolute Universe launched strongly in October, but with multiple series running concurrently, it can be challenging to track the timeline and reading order. Here, we break down the chronology for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.
Note: Do not confuse Absolute Universe comic titles with DC's "Absolute Edition" collected volumes, such as the Absolute Batman: Zero Year omnibus. They are entirely separate.
The Reading Order
For all ongoing series, begin with the recommended reading order below, then follow subsequent issues by release date. Each main Absolute series is scheduled for a six-issue run, with trade paperback collections to follow.
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, masterminded by Scott Snyder, lays the essential groundwork for the Absolute Universe. Start here before diving into Absolute Batman.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
Absolute Batman #1
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Launching in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 truly kicks off the new universe with a gritty, grounded take on the Dark Knight. This version explores a Bruce Wayne without wealth, a high-tech Batcave, or the guiding presence of Alfred.
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 in late October, this series reimagines Wonder Woman's mythos, portraying Diana as a heavily armed, battle-hardened Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose.
4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval
Absolute Superman #1
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From comics legend Jason Aaron (Southern Bastards, Thor), Absolute Superman continues the theme of heroes rising from humble beginnings. This iteration presents a more relatable Man of Steel.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
Absolute Flash #1
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Kicking off the 2025 wave, Absolute Flash follows Wally West as he masters the powers of speed. The twist: he has no Flash Family or Speed Force to rely on in this universe.
6. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
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Perhaps the most radical reinterpretation, this 2025 series follows FBI agent John Jones as a Martian consciousness gradually overtakes his body and mind, pulling him into a conflict far greater than he ever imagined.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
Absolute Green Lantern #1
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This series features not one, but four characters who have borne the Green Lantern mantle: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and newcomer Jo Mullein. They must deal with the aftermath when a massive Lantern crash-lands 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 August 5
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon releases August 12
Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton releases August 19
For now, this comprises the core Absolute Universe lineup. However, it would be no surprise to see these narrative threads culminate in a major finale or event by late 2025 or beyond, with more heroes potentially receiving the "Absolute" treatment.
