DC's Absolute Universe: Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative offers top-tier creators the freedom to explore some of the label's most iconic heroes without the burden of pre-existing continuity. Spearheaded by comics legend Scott Snyder and veteran Flash writer Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows up on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This new, ongoing storyline introduces a fresh status quo for the beloved trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge fans' expectations of these well-known characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been expanding across multiple ongoing titles, making it challenging to keep up with the narrative's progression, timeline, and character developments. To help fans navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a detailed chronology and 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 new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are entirely separate entities!

The Reading Order

For all ongoing series, begin with our suggested reading order, then follow with subsequent issues as they are released. 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

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This oversized one-shot, crafted by architect Scott Snyder, lays the groundwork 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

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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

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Released shortly after Absolute Batman #1 at the end of October, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman, turning the Greek mythos on its head. Diana is portrayed as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose.

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

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Written by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman explores a more relatable Man of Steel, imagining what his life would be like if he came from humble beginnings.

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

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Kicking off the second wave of the initiative 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

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The second title in the 2025 wave, this series offers a significant departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones finds himself increasingly influenced by a Martian, drawing him into a much larger conflict.

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

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This reimagining of the Green Lantern mythos features four individuals who have previously held the title: 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, only the first three Absolute titles have announced release dates for their collected editions:

• Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo - August 5
• Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon - August 12
• Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton - August 19

For now, this is the extent of the Absolute Universe's offerings. However, we anticipate that these stories might lead to a grand finale or event by the end of 2025 or later, with more heroes potentially receiving the Absolute treatment in the future.