DC's Absolute Universe: A Chronological Reading Guide

DC’s All In publishing initiative allows top-tier creators to explore the iconic heroes of the DC Universe without the shackles of established continuity. Led by industry veterans Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This new arc reimagines the status quo for beloved heroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge readers' preconceived notions of these characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been unfolding across multiple series, which can make it challenging to follow. Here’s a guide to the chronology and reading order for DC’s Absolute Universe in 2025.

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

The Reading Order

For ongoing series, start with the recommended reading order and then follow the release order. Each main Absolute series will run for six issues and will later be collected in 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 by Scott Snyder sets the stage for the 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 true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It reimagines Bruce Wayne as a non-wealthy hero without a high-tech Batcave or the grounding influence of Alfred.

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

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

0See it at AmazonReleased at the end of October 2024, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, diverging from traditional Greek mythology.

4. Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval

### Absolute Superman #1

0See it at AmazonJason Aaron’s take on Superman explores a more grounded version of the Man of Steel, who rises from humble beginnings.

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

### Absolute Flash #1

0See it at AmazonKicking off the second wave in 2025, this series follows Wally West as he navigates 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 AmazonThe second entry of the 2025 wave reimagines FBI agent John Jones, who finds himself battling an internal Martian takeover, drawing him into a larger conflict.

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

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

0See it at AmazonThis series introduces four Green Lanterns—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they deal with the aftermath of a Green Lantern crash 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 August 5
• Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon releases August 12
• Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton releases August 19

The Absolute Universe is set to continue, possibly culminating in a finale or event by the end of 2025 or later, with more heroes potentially receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.