DC’s Absolute Universe: Everything You Need To Know

DC Comics is currently in the process of rolling out All In. This exciting publishing initative offers dozens of fresh jumping-on points for new, lapsed, and existing readers. A fascinating element of All In is the Absolute Universe, a comics line centralised in a brand-new alternate universe. It will offer readers curious reinventions of DC Comics characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and others through a modern lens.

Has this caught your interest? If so, this guide will give you everything you need to know about DC’s Absolute Universe. It covers the comics involved, the nature of this alternate universe, if it’s a good jumping-on point for new readers, and heaps more. All the good stuff to point you in the right direction on your reading journey.

Updating…

The Absolute Universe is an ongoing initiative at DC Comics. As a result, there will be new comics, collected editions, or other additional details about the comics announced on a regular basis.

This guide will be treated as a living document that will be updated regularly. I highly recommend you bookmark this page to follow all the details.

What is the Absolute Universe?

DC Comics has an extensive multiverse populated with various interpretations of their famous characters. These almost exclusively tend to be relegated to a single title when explored. The Absolute Universe will be different. Multiple titles occupying the same universe are being published at the same time. As a result, it will be like a miniature version of the mainline DC Universe in scale.

From what we know so far, the Absolute Universe’s interpretation of characters will differ from the mainline versions. DC’s characters have been likened to gods due to their powers, transcending ordinary beings through their immense power, resources, and abilities. However, the heroes of this new universe will be underdogs. As Absolute Universe architect Scott Snyder puts it, “they have to be tougher, they have to be resourceful, they have to shine brighter.” As a result, we’ll see different types of heroes tackling challenges in a different way.

The Absolute Universe launched in October 2024.

How does Absolute Universe relate to DC’s All In publishing initiative?

DC Comics has created the perfect jumping-on point experience for their comics with the All In publishing initiative. This starts heaps of fresh stories for existing and new comic book series – some with existing creative teams and others with brand-new ones.

The Absolute Universe is a subset of All In, even though it’s an alternative universe to the mainstream DC Universe. Part of this is because both universes will build towards the same meta-narrative that will eventually pay off in stories years later. It’s unclear how much the mainstream universe and the Absolute Universe will crossover at this stage. However, it’s assumed that it will be minimal for now.

It will all kicked off in October 2024’s DC All In Special #1. This oversized one-shot sets up All In and the Absolute Universe, giving readers a taste of both and hinting at what’s to come.

Find out all about it in our All In guide.

It sounds a bit like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe…

You would be right to assume this seems like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. From 2000-2015, Marvel Comics offered an alternative universe to their core universe of comics. It was a huge success, giving modern and fresh takes on decades-old characters. It also brought new ideas to the table that were eventually folded into the core universe – most notably Miles Morales. Marvel Comics launched a brand-new Ultimate Universe, has become a great success.

The Absolute Universe has many of the same qualities as Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. It’s a small line of comics with an alternate take on classic characters. However, they both have very distinct flavours and approaches.

Is the Absolute Universe good for new readers?

Yes! The Absolute Universe is great for new readers.

Every title in the line is a fresh starting point. Each character will have new motivations, fresh origin stories, and differ enough from their mainstream comic counterpart. Characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are well-known enough in popular culture that new readers will likely know how the Absolute Universe subverts the core of characters and where it remains the same. As a result, new readers will not feel lost reading these comics from the beginning.

What comics are part of the Absolute Universe?

The following comics have been announced by DC Comics as being part of the Absolute Universe.

DC All In Special #1 (one-shot)

Written by Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder. Art by Daniel Sampere and Wes Craig.

DC All In Special is a 64-page one-shot flipbook that helps set up DC Comics’ All In initiative and the Absolute Universe. One half will see the genesis of the Absolute Universe, teasing and introducing readers to the characters that populate it through the perspective of Darkseid. The other side will be concerned with the mainstream DC Universe and hints and sets-up at stories in that universe.

The one-shot also kicks off the big meta-narrative that will play out over the years in the Absolute Universe and the mainstream DC Universe.

Buy DC All In Special #1 on: eBay | Kindle

Absolute Batman #1-current + 2025 Annual + Ark M Special

Written by Scott Snyder, Daniel Warren Johnson (2025 Annual), James Harren (2025 Annual), Meredith McClaren (2025 Annual), and Frank Tieri (Ark M Special). Art by Nick Dragotta, Gabriel Hernández Walta (issue #4), Marcos Martin (issues #7-8), Daniel Warren Johnson (2025 Annual), James Harren (2025 Annual), Meredith McClaren (2025 Annual), Joshua Hixson (Ark M Special), and Eric Canete (#17-18).

This is a version of Batman that doesn’t have the riches and unlimited resources we associate with the character. Instead, he’s a construction worker in his 20s, 6 foot 9, and with a hulking frame. Additionally, this Batman is an “agent of chaos”, juxtaposing the very organised and prepared interpretation we know and love. It means we see a Batman that has to rely on retrofitting items and using his wits to fight crime.

The series highlights familiar characters in ways that are unfamiliar, but still make sense to their core. The villain of the first arc is Black Mask, but subsequent stories have featured new versions of Mr. Freeze, Bane, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, and others. Alfred is one of Batman’s biggest allies, but he works as a MI-6 agent instead of a butler. 

Absolute Batman is built upon a mix of large and smaller stories that piece together towards a much larger saga. It’s a saga that’s still unfolding and has the potential to run for years to come. THe structure also allows for guest artists to come in and sub in for artist Nick Dragotta for a few issues without ruining the comic’s momentum.

According to DC Comics, Absolute Batman #1 was the best-selling coming of 2024. This was helped by multiple printings (which continued into 2026) and a “Noir Edition” that presents the comic in black and white.

DC Comics published Absolute Batman 2025 Annual in October 2025. Featuring a bunch of different creators – such as Meredith McClaren, James Harren, and Daniel Warren Johnson – it will tell of the early days of Absolute Batman and answer questions like “where did the Batmobile come from?” Daniel Warren Johnson’s story created a lot of buzz at publication, highlighting a story of Batman taking on neo-Nazis with extreme force. It can be read on it’s own or roughly after Absolute Batman #13.

In January 2026, DC Comics also published the Absolute Batman: Ark M #1. Released after Absolute Batman #15, it tells the origins of the Ark M facility – this world’s equivalent of Arkham Asylum.It’s also worth noting that Absolute Batman #16 crosses over with Absolute Wonder Woman. You’ll want to read Absolute Wonder Woman #15 first.

Want to know more about Absolute Batman? Check out our Absolute Batman Volume 1: The Zoo review.

Buy Absolute Batman on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Absolute Wonder Woman #1-current + 2026 Annual

Written by Kelly Thompson. Art by Hayden Sherman, and Mattia De Iulis (issues #6-7 and 2026 Annual), Dustin Nguyen (issues #6-7), Matias Bergara (issues #13-14), and Dillon Snook (issues #21-22).

The Absolute Universe version of Wonder Woman is an Amazonian warrior (apparently the last one) but she doesn’t come from Paradise Island. Instead, she was raised in the Underworld. As a result, she doesn’t have the sisterhood that shapes the mainstream version of the character, nor the mission of peace.

Wonder Woman is not just a warrior but a witch as well in the Absolute Universe, with blood magic being a big part of the character.

Absolute Batman will appear in Absolute Wonder Woman #15, making it the first interaction between characters in the Absolute Universe. Follow this issue up with Absolute Batman #16 to get the full story.

Buy Absolute Wonder Woman on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Absolute Superman #1-current

Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Rafa Sandoval, Carmine Di Giandomenico (issues #6-7, 10-11), Fico Ossio (issue #9), and Juan Ferreyra (issues #15-17).

What happens when the elements that shape what makes Superman “Superman” are not there? The Absolute Universe version of the character doesn’t have family, a Fortress of Solitude, or a home to guide him?

Jason Aaron is the first Superman writer to be from Kansas, the state where Superman crash lands to Earth as a baby. The writer will use his lived experience to delve into Superman’s experiences. It means that we might not see Superman in Metropolis, at least not initially.

The debut issue will also have a Noir Edition.

Buy Absolute Superman on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Absolute Flash #1-current

Written by Jeff Lemire. Art by Nick Robles, Travis G. Moore (issues #7-8), A.L Kaplan (issue #12), and Haining (issues #13-14).

Absolute Flash stars a 15-year-old Wally West, who is still getting used to his speed powers. However, he won’t have Barry Allen or an of the Flash Family to help him. The series will also see new interpretations of classic Flash villains like Captain Cold and Captain Boomerang.

Buy Absolute Flash on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Absolute Green Lantern #1-current

Written by Al Ewing. Art by Jahnoy Lindsey, Jason Howard (issue #7), Sid Kotian (issues #9-10, #14), and Eleonora Carlini (issue #13).

Absolute Green Lantern will feature Jo Mullein as the central character of the series. It’s not known if other Green Lanterns (such as John Stewart, Hal Jordan, Kyle Rayner, or Guy Gardner) will be featured. The series has been described as a “first contact story”.

Buy Absolute Green Lantern on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1-12

Written by Deniz Camp. Art by Javier Rodríguez.

FBI agent John Jones’ body ha been possesses by an alien, and it’s slowly causing him to go insane. He’ll have to learn to work with this new partner, though, as there’s a much more sinister forces at work that will need their combined efforts to stop.

The series is a visual feast, with Javier Rodriguez crafting inventive and psychedelic art that fits well with the surreal narrative. Pages are vibrant, with a blacklight quality to them, and often feature inventive flows that stand out from the usual comics page.

Absolute Martian Manhunter was originally billed as a 6-issue miniseries but has been upgraded to 12-issues.

Buy Absolute Martian Manhunter on: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Absolute Evil #1 (one-shot)

Written by Al Ewing. Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Nesi.

Absolute Evil #1 is a one-shot that sets up year two of the Absolute Universe. It does this through teasing upcoming stories through the lens of the villains that will appear in future stories, who appear to be united under a single cause. This includes the Absolute Universe versions of Ra’s al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Hector Hammond, Elenore Thawne, and the mysterious Joker.

This one-shot will introduce the Absolute Universe’s Green Arrow, which sets up his own series. (See more below)

For those looking to optimise their reading, Absolute Evil appears to be set after Absolute Batman #12, Absolute Wonder Woman #12, Absolute Superman #11, Absolute Flash #7, and Absolute Green Lantern #6.

Absolute Green Arrow #1-6

Written by Pornsak Pichetshote. Art by Rafael Albuquerque.

Spinning out of the events of Absolute Evil #1, Absolute Green Arrow is a six-part slasher-horror take on the character.

A serial killer is slaughtering corrupt billionaires, with the only clue to who’s responsible being green arrows left in the victim’s bodies. Dinah Lance (a.k.a Absolute Black Canary) is a executive protection specialist who’s on the case to discover who the killer is.

Speaking to AIPT Comics, Pornsak Pichetshote discussed his approach to the character. He examined the character and questioned why use a bow and arrow, with green arrows as his calling card. His response was “That feels like a pathology. It feels like something a serial killer would do.”

Absolute Green Arrow #1 was published on 20th May.

Absolute Catwoman #1-6

Written by Scott Snyder and Che Grayson. Art by Bengal.

Selina Kyle is the greatest thief of all time, thanks to her wealth, skills, and tech. However, her cosy life threatens to collapse when a someone from her past reappears in her life, setting her on a mystery across the globe and deep into the shadows.

Speaking with AIPT Comics, writer Che Grayson discussed how this interpretation differed from others. There’s more of a globe-trotting cyberpunk espionage element to this Catwoman. As a result, it contains a more conspiratorial edge that’s more akin to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

This six-part limited series spins out of Catwoman’s appearances in Absolute Batman.

Absolute Catwoman #1 will be published on 10th June.

Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1 (one-shot)

Written by Che Grayson. Art by Matias Bergara.

Spinning out of Absolute Catwoman, Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1 is a one-shot that explores her origins and how she became the Absolute Universe’s most formidable assassin.

Years ago, The Joker came to learn all he could from the League of Assassins. Afterwards, he slaughtered everyone. The sole survivors were Lady Shiva and her daughter, Cassandra Cain. The one-shot will explore this moment and what came after, intertwining it with Catwoman’s story.

For those figuring out when you should read this one-shot, Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1 will be published between Absolute Catwoman #3 and #4.

Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1 will be published on 9th September.

Unnamed Absolute Universe Event

Scott Snyder has teased and hinted at there being an Absolute Universe event some time late 2026 or 2027. Not much is known about the story or how it will bring the various characters together. This section will be updated when more is known.

Will there be more Absolute Universe comics?

The Absolute Universe has been successful critically and financially, so it’s safe to assume that DC Comics will continue adding new stories when the opportunity arises. They have been doing this already, slowly adding new comics while keeping the line small. As a result, it’s very possible we will see a small handful of comics announced in the future for 2027 and beyond.

DC Go! editions of the Absolute Universe

DC Comics’ DC Universe Infinite digital reading service has two different versions of the Absolute Universe titles. There are regular digital versions (essentially digital copies of what you find in print) and the DC Go! versions.

The DC Go! versions are reworked comics to accommodate vertical scrolling – similar to a webtoon. These have a delayed release compared to the regular digital editions and are split into multiple chapters.

You can read them here.

Where to find Absolute Universe comics

The Absolute Universe comics will be available at all good comic book shops, online retailers, Amazon/Kindle, and the DC Universe Infinite reading service.

There will be high demand for these comics. As a result, you may want to preorder them or put them on your pull list.

Have your say

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