DC's All In publishing initiative is a thrilling venture that allows top creators to explore iconic heroes without the shackles of existing continuity. Spearheaded by comics legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the groundbreaking Absolute Universe, a direct follow-up to the 2024's Absolute Power arc. Launched in October, Absolute Universe introduces a fresh status quo for DC's legendary trio—Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman—and promises to redefine what fans expect from these characters.
Navigating the multiple ongoing titles within the Absolute Universe can be challenging, so we've compiled a comprehensive reading order and chronology for 2025 to help you stay on track.
Note: Don't mix up the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are entirely separate projects!
The Reading Order
Start with our recommended sequence for each ongoing series, then follow subsequent issues in release order. Each main Absolute series will consist of a six-issue run 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
0See it at Amazon This oversized one-shot, crafted by Scott Snyder, sets the stage for the Absolute Universe. It's the perfect starting point before diving into the rest of the series.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
Absolute Batman #1
1See it at Amazon Launched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the official beginning of the Absolute Universe. This issue offers a gritty, fresh take on the Dark Knight, exploring a scenario where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and doesn't have Alfred to keep him grounded.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
Absolute Wonder Woman #1
0See it at Amazon Released shortly after Absolute Batman #1, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman, presenting Diana as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, diverging significantly from traditional Greek mythos.
4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval
Absolute Superman #1
0See it at Amazon Crafted by Jason Aaron, known for his work on Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman #1 continues the theme of heroes starting from humble beginnings, making the Man of Steel more relatable than ever.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
Absolute Flash #1
0See it at Amazon Kicking off the second wave in 2025, Absolute Flash #1 challenges Wally West to master 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 Amazon The second entry in the 2025 wave, Absolute Martian Manhunter #1, offers a dramatic departure from the original character. Here, FBI agent John Jones faces a gradual takeover by a Martian, drawing him into an immense conflict.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
Absolute Green Lantern #1
0See it at Amazon This issue reimagines the Green Lantern mythos, featuring four individuals—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—who must deal with the aftermath of a Green Lantern 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 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 this is all the Absolute Universe has planned for now, we anticipate that these stories might culminate in a grand finale or event by the end of 2025 or later, with more heroes potentially receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.
