DC's Absolute Universe: A Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative offers renowned creators the opportunity to explore some of the publisher's most iconic heroes free from the shackles of pre-existing continuity. Spearheaded by comics luminaries Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, a direct follow-up to the Absolute Power arc that concluded in late 2024. This new, ongoing series redefines the status quo for the legendary trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge and subvert fans' expectations.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has captivated readers with its multiple ongoing titles, though keeping up with the intricate timelines and character developments can be challenging. Here, we provide 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" line of collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year, as they are distinct entities.

The Reading Order

For a seamless reading experience, follow our suggested order for the initial issues of each series, then proceed with subsequent releases in their published order. Each main series within the Absolute Universe is planned for a six-issue run, which will later be compiled into trade paperback collections.

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 pivotal one-shot, crafted by the visionary Scott Snyder, lays the groundwork for the entire Absolute Universe. It's the essential starting point before delving 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, innovative take on the Dark Knight, imagining a world where Bruce Wayne lacks wealth, a high-tech Batcave, and the stabilizing presence of Alfred.

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 reinterpretation of Wonder Woman reimagines Diana as a formidable, heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, diverging significantly from traditional Greek mythology.

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

### Absolute Superman #1

0See it at AmazonPenned by acclaimed writer Jason Aaron, known for works like Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman explores the Man of Steel's journey 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 thrusts Wally West into a challenging new reality where he must navigate the complexities 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 presents the most radical departure from the original character yet. FBI agent John Jones finds himself battling a Martian invasion that threatens to consume his very identity.

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 past bearers of the title—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they deal with the aftermath of a crashed Green Lantern in a small town.

Upcoming Collected Editions

Currently, release dates for collected editions have been announced for the first three Absolute titles:

• Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo, set for release on August 5
• Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon, releasing on August 12
• Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton, scheduled for August 19

While these are the only confirmed releases so far, we anticipate the possibility of additional storylines culminating in a grand finale or event by the end of 2025, potentially expanding the Absolute treatment to more heroes in the future.