DC's Absolute Universe: Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative is a groundbreaking venture that allows top-tier creators to explore the iconic heroes of the DC universe without the shackles of established continuity. Led by industry giants Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, this initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows the events of the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This ongoing narrative introduces a new status quo for the legendary trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge everything fans think they know about these beloved characters.

The Absolute Universe, which kicked off in October, encompasses multiple ongoing series, making it challenging to follow the storyline. To help fans navigate this expansive universe, here's a detailed breakdown of the chronology and recommended reading order for 2025.

Note: It's important to distinguish between the Absolute Universe titles and DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the Absolute Batman: Zero Year omnibus, as they are entirely separate.

The Reading Order

Start with the following recommended sequence, then proceed with subsequent issues in release order. Each main Absolute series will consist of six issues, eventually compiled 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

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This pivotal one-shot by Scott Snyder sets the stage for the Absolute Universe. It's essential to read this before diving into the Absolute Batman series.

2. Absolute Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta

### Absolute Batman #1

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Launched in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty, reimagined Batman where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and has no Alfred to keep him grounded.

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

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

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Released shortly after Absolute Batman #1, this series reimagines Wonder Woman as a formidable, heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, diverging from traditional Greek mythos.

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

### Absolute Superman #1

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Penned by Jason Aaron, this series explores a more relatable Superman who rises from humble beginnings, continuing the theme of heroes overcoming adversity.

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

### Absolute Flash #1

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Marking the start of the second wave in 2025, Absolute Flash sees Wally West navigating 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

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The second title in the 2025 wave, this series presents a radical departure for John Jones, an FBI agent whose body and mind are overtaken by a Martian, drawing him into a larger conflict.

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

### Absolute Green Lantern #1

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This unique take on the Green Lantern mythos features four former Lanterns - Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein - dealing 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

While this is the current scope of the Absolute Universe, there's potential for these stories to lead to a grand finale or event by the end of 2025 or later, with more heroes possibly receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.