DC's Absolute Universe: Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for top creators to explore the world of iconic heroes without the shackles of established continuity. Led by industry giants Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows up on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This new arc sets a fresh stage for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to redefine what fans know about these legendary characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has expanded across multiple ongoing titles, making it challenging to follow the narrative flow. To help, here's a guide to the chronology and reading order of DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Important Note: Don't confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year; they are entirely separate!

The Reading Order

Start with our recommended sequence for each ongoing series, and then follow the subsequent issues in release order. Each main Absolute series will span six issues and be collected in trade paperback editions in the future.

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 oversized one-shot, crafted by Scott Snyder, sets the stage for the entire 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

1See it at AmazonLaunched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the beginning of the Absolute Universe, offering a raw and gritty reimagination of the Dark Knight. Imagine Bruce Wayne without wealth, no high-tech Batcave, and no Alfred to guide him.

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

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

0See it at AmazonReleased shortly after Absolute Batman #1, this comic reimagines Wonder Woman, flipping the Greek mythos and presenting Diana 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

0See it at AmazonJason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, delves into a more relatable Superman in the Absolute Universe, exploring the Man of Steel's journey from humble beginnings.

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

### Absolute Flash #1

0See it at AmazonIn the second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash introduces a new challenge for Wally West, who 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 AmazonAlso part of the 2025 wave, this title presents a dramatic shift from the original character, with FBI agent John Jones battling a Martian takeover that plunges him into a much larger conflict.

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

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

0See it at AmazonThis reimagined Green Lantern story features four iconic characters— Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—dealing with the aftermath of a crashed Green Lantern in a small town.

Upcoming Collected Editions

Currently, release dates for collected editions are set for the first three Absolute titles:

• 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

As of now, this encapsulates what the Absolute Universe has to offer. However, we anticipate further developments, possibly culminating in a significant event or finale towards the end of 2025, with more heroes potentially receiving the Absolute treatment in future releases.