DC's Absolute Universe: A Chronological Reading Guide

DC's All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for top creators to explore iconic heroes in a universe unbound by traditional continuity. Led by industry veterans Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which builds upon and follows the Absolute Power arc from late 2024. This ongoing arc introduces a fresh status quo for the legendary trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to challenge fans' expectations of these beloved characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been expanding across multiple titles, making it challenging to follow the storyline and chronology. Here's a comprehensive guide to the reading order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Note: Don't confuse 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 all ongoing series, begin with our recommended reading order, then continue with subsequent issues as they are released. Each main Absolute series will consist of six issues, later 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 by Scott Snyder sets the stage for the Absolute Universe. It's the essential 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 official beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty new take on the Dark Knight, imagining a world where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, has no high-tech Batcave, and lacks Alfred's guidance.

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 reimagines Wonder Woman, stripping away traditional Greek mythos and presenting Diana as a 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 AmazonCrafted by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman #1 explores a more relatable Man of Steel, rising 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, Absolute Flash #1 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 title of the 2025 wave, Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 offers a dramatic departure from the original character, portraying FBI agent John Jones as he battles a Martian takeover of his mind and body, pulling him into a vast 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 features 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, only the first three Absolute titles have announced 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

This is just the beginning for the Absolute Universe. We anticipate more titles and possibly a culminating event by the end of 2025 or later, with additional heroes receiving the Absolute treatment.