DC's Absolute Universe: A Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative is a groundbreaking effort that allows top-tier creators to explore some of the label's most iconic heroes free from the shackles of established continuity. Spearheaded by comics legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, a follow-up to the Absolute Power arc that concluded in late 2024. This ongoing series introduces a new status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge and redefine what fans know about these characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been captivating readers, but with multiple titles and overlapping storylines, keeping up with the narrative can be challenging. Here, we provide a detailed breakdown of DC's Absolute Universe chronology and recommended reading order for 2025.

Note: It's important not to confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are entirely separate endeavors.

The Reading Order

For the best experience with the ongoing series, start with the recommended reading order below, then continue with subsequent issues as they are released. Each main Absolute series will consist of six issues and will be collected into trade paperback editions later.

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 Absolute Universe. It's essential to start here before diving into the other titles.

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 true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It offers a fresh, gritty take on the Dark Knight, exploring a world where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, has no high-tech Batcave, and lacks the grounding presence of Alfred.

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

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

0See it at AmazonPublished just weeks after Absolute Batman #1, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman, turning the 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

0See it at AmazonCrafted by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman #1 delves into a more relatable version of the Man of Steel, exploring what it means to be a hero with humble beginnings.

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

### Absolute Flash #1

0See it at AmazonKicking off the second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash #1 sees Wally West grappling with the complexities of speed without the support of his Flash family or the Speed Force.

6. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez

### Absolute Martian Manhunter #1

0See it at AmazonThe second entry in the 2025 wave, this title offers a dramatic departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones finds himself overtaken by a Martian, pulling him into a conflict far larger than he anticipated.

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

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

0See it at AmazonThis unique take on the Green Lantern mythos involves four individuals who have previously worn the ring: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein. They must deal with the aftermath of a Green Lantern crash-landing in a small town.

Upcoming Collected Editions

Currently, release dates for collected editions are announced 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

While this is the current scope of the Absolute Universe, there's potential for more stories and heroes to receive the Absolute treatment, possibly culminating in a significant event later in 2025 or beyond.