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DC’s All In publishing initiative gives powerhouse creators the chance to write some of the label’s most iconic heroes without the constraints of a pre-established continuity. Spearheaded by comics legend and Batman veteran Scott Snyder and longtime Flash writer Joshua Williamson, part of All In is the Absolute Universe, the culmination of and follow up to the Absolute Power arc from the end of 2024. This new, ongoing arc begins a new status quo for our favorite trio of heroes Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, and will subvert all expectations if you’re familiar with these characters.
Absolute Universe has been going strong since October, but with multiple ongoing titles in the event it can be hard to keep track of just what is going on, when it’s happening, and with who. So, we’re here to break down DC’s Absolute Universe’s chronology and reading order in 2025.
The Reading Order
For all ongoing series, start with our recommended reading order, then read subsequent issues in release order. All of the main Absolute series will have a six-issue run and will 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
6
This oversized one-shot by architect Scott Snyder serves as the foundation for Absolute Universe, and you should start here before jumping into Absolute Batman.
2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
Absolute Batman #1
6
First published in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 is where the Absolute Universe truly kicks off and offers a fresh, gritty perspective on the Dark Knight – what if Bruce Wayne wasn’t rich, had no high-tech Batcave, and his trusty butler Alfred wasn’t around to keep him grounded?
You can actually read the first issue of this Batman comic online for free directly from the DC Comics website if you want to get a taste of the series.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
Absolute Wonder Woman #1
2
Published at the end of October just weeks after Absolute Batman #1, this take on Wonder Woman also turns the Greek mythos on its head, instead opting to portray Diana as a badass, heavily armed Amazon warrior searching for purpose.
4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval
Absolute Superman #1
3
Written by another comics legend Jason Aaron of Southern Bastards and Thor fame, Absolute Superman continues the trend of exploring how our heroes would fare if they came from nothing. The Man of Steel is a bit more relatable this time around.
5. Absolute Flash #1 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
Absolute Flash #1
4
Absolute Flash kicks off the second wave of the initiative in 2025. In the Absolute Universe, Wally West has to learn the tricks and limitations of speed. The catch: He has no supporting Flash family or Speed Force to rely on here.
6. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
3
The second entry in the 2025 wave is probably the biggest departure from the original character of them all. FBI agent John Jones is slowly having his body and mind taken over by a Martian that’s gradually dragging him into a conflict much bigger than he could have imagined.
7. Absolute Green Lantern #1 by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay
Absolute Green Lantern #1
1
This take on the Green Lantern mythos features not one, but four individuals who have donned the title in the past. Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and relative newcomer Jo Mullein deal with the fallout of a large Green Lantern after it crash lands in a small town.
Upcoming Collected Editions
As of right now, only the first three Absolute titles have collected edition released dates announced:
For the foreseeable future, this is all the Absolute Universe has to offer. But we wouldn’t be shocked if these stories culminated in their own finale or event at the end of 2025 or beyond, with more heroes getting the Absolute treatment down the road.
Looking for more comics and graphic novels? Check out our guide to all of the upcoming Batman comics and deluxe editions.
