DC's Absolute Universe: Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative is an exciting venture that allows top-tier creators to explore iconic heroes without the constraints of established continuity. Spearheaded by industry veterans Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the groundbreaking Absolute Universe, which builds upon and follows the 2024 Absolute Power arc. This new, ongoing storyline introduces a fresh status quo for the beloved trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to subvert expectations and offer fans a thrilling new perspective on these well-known characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has captivated readers with multiple ongoing titles. However, keeping up with the chronology and reading order can be challenging. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Note: It's important to distinguish between the Absolute Universe titles and DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are separate entities and should not be confused.

The Reading Order

For all ongoing series, start with our recommended reading order, then follow subsequent issues in release order. Each main Absolute series will run for six issues and will eventually be 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 by Scott Snyder sets the stage 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

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Launched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty, innovative take on the Dark Knight, exploring a scenario where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and is without the grounding influence 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, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman by turning Greek mythos on its head. Diana is depicted 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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Crafted by Jason Aaron, known for his work on Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman delves into how the Man of Steel would cope if he started from nothing, making him more relatable to readers.

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 challenges Wally West to master the art 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

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The second entry in the 2025 wave offers a dramatic departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones finds himself increasingly overtaken by a Martian, drawing him into a conflict far beyond his initial understanding.

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

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

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This reimagining of the Green Lantern mythos features four individuals who have previously donned the mantle: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein. They must navigate 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 these are the current offerings from the Absolute Universe, there's potential for more stories and even a culminating event by the end of 2025 or later, with additional heroes possibly receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.