DC's Absolute Universe Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative empowers top-tier creators to craft stories around the publisher's most legendary heroes, free from the constraints of pre-existing continuity. Spearheaded by comic legend and Batman veteran Scott Snyder and longtime Flash writer Joshua Williamson, All In introduces the Absolute Universe, the culmination and continuation of the Absolute Power storyline from late 2024. This new, ongoing saga establishes a fresh status quo for the iconic trinity of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, poised to subvert all expectations for fans familiar with these characters.

The Absolute Universe launched strongly in October, but with multiple ongoing series within the event, it can be challenging to follow the timeline and reading sequence. This guide breaks down the chronological order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Reading Order

For all ongoing series, begin with our recommended reading order, then continue with subsequent issues as they are released. Each main Absolute series is planned for a six-issue run and will eventually be collected into trade paperback formats.

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 architect Scott Snyder, lays the foundation for the Absolute Universe and is essential reading before diving into Absolute Batman.

2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta

Absolute Batman #1

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First released in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the true beginning of the Absolute Universe, presenting a gritty new vision of the Dark Knight. This version explores a Bruce Wayne without wealth, a high-tech Batcave, or the guidance of his trusted butler, Alfred.

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

Absolute Wonder Woman #1

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Debuting just weeks after Absolute Batman #1 in late October, this interpretation of Wonder Woman reimagines Greek mythology, portraying Diana as a formidable, heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for meaning.

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

Absolute Superman #1

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Penned by another comics legend, Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman continues the theme of reimagining heroes from humble beginnings, offering a more grounded and relatable Man of Steel.

5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles

Absolute Flash #1

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Absolute Flash launches the second wave of the initiative in 2025. In this universe, Wally West must master the abilities and limitations of his speed without the support of a 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 presents perhaps the most significant departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones finds his body and mind gradually taken over by a Martian, 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 reinterpretation of the Green Lantern mythos features not one, but four characters who have held the title: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and the relatively new Jo Mullein, as they deal with the aftermath of a massive Green Lantern's crash-landing 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 5Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon releases August 12Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton releases August 19

For now, this constitutes the entirety of the Absolute Universe. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see these narratives culminate in a final event by the end of 2025 or later, potentially introducing more heroes to the Absolute treatment.