"DC's Absolute Universe: Chronological Reading Guide"

DC's All In publishing initiative provides top-tier creators the opportunity to craft stories featuring DC's most iconic heroes, free from the confines of established continuity. Spearheaded by comic legends Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, a key component of All In is the Absolute Universe. This ambitious project builds on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024 and introduces a new, ongoing narrative that redefines the status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, challenging fans' expectations of these beloved characters.

Launched in October, the Absolute Universe spans multiple ongoing series, which can be challenging to follow. To help fans navigate this expansive event, here's a detailed breakdown of the chronology and recommended reading order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

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

The Reading Order

For all ongoing series, start with our recommended reading order, then continue with subsequent issues in release order. Each main Absolute series will consist of a six-issue run, eventually collected into 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 AmazonThis oversized one-shot, crafted by the visionary Scott Snyder, lays the groundwork for the Absolute Universe. It's the essential starting point before diving into the individual series, particularly 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 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 stabilizing presence of Alfred.

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

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

0See it at AmazonPublished shortly after Absolute Batman #1, this series reimagines Wonder Woman by flipping the Greek mythos. Diana is portrayed 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 AmazonPenned by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman delves into the Man of Steel's journey from humble beginnings, making him more relatable than ever.

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

### Absolute Flash #1

0See it at AmazonKicking off the 2025 wave, Absolute Flash explores Wally West's mastery of speed in a universe devoid of the supportive Flash family and the Speed Force.

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

### Absolute Martian Manhunter #1

0See it at AmazonThe second 2025 entry, this series presents a radical departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones faces a gradual takeover by a Martian, pulling him into a conflict far beyond his initial understanding.

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

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

0See it at AmazonThis innovative take on the Green Lantern mythos involves four former Lanterns—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they 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

As the Absolute Universe continues to unfold, fans can look forward to potential finales or new events toward the end of 2025 or beyond, with the possibility of more heroes receiving the Absolute treatment.