DC's All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for top-tier creators to explore the iconic heroes of the DC universe without the burden of established continuity. Led by industry veterans Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the groundbreaking Absolute Universe, which follows up on the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This new narrative arc redefines the status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising a fresh and unexpected take on these beloved characters.
Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been captivating fans with its multiple ongoing series. However, keeping up with the various titles and their timelines can be challenging. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to the chronology and recommended reading order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.
Important Note: It's crucial to distinguish between Absolute Universe titles and DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the Absolute Batman: Zero Year omnibus. These are entirely separate.
The Reading Order
Begin with our suggested reading order for all ongoing series, followed by subsequent issues as they are released. Each main Absolute series is planned for a six-issue run and will be compiled into trade paperback editions later.
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 Scott Snyder, sets the stage for the Absolute Universe. It's the perfect starting point before diving into the main series, such as 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. This issue reimagines Batman in a gritty, stripped-down world where Bruce Wayne lacks wealth, a high-tech Batcave, and the guidance of Alfred.
3. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
### Absolute Wonder Woman #1
0See it at AmazonReleased shortly after Absolute Batman #1, this issue redefines Wonder Woman by presenting Diana 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
0See it at AmazonJason Aaron, known for his work on Southern Bastards and Thor, brings a new perspective to Superman, exploring how the Man of Steel would cope if he started from nothing, 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 second wave of the initiative in 2025, Absolute Flash challenges Wally West to master his 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 title in the 2025 wave, this series offers a radical departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones faces a gradual takeover by a Martian, drawing him into a vast, unforeseen conflict.
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 individuals—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—dealing with the aftermath of a crashed Green Lantern in a small town.
Upcoming Collected Editions
Currently, release dates for collected editions are only available for the first three Absolute titles:
- Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo, releasing on August 5
- Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Last Amazon, releasing on August 12
- Absolute Superman Vol. 1: The Last Dust of Krypton, releasing on August 19
While this is the current scope of the Absolute Universe, we anticipate further developments, possibly culminating in a major event or finale by the end of 2025 or beyond, with additional heroes receiving the Absolute treatment.
