DC's All In publishing initiative offers renowned creators the opportunity to craft stories for the publisher's most iconic heroes, free from the shackles of established 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 ongoing arc introduces a new status quo for the beloved trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to subvert expectations and deliver fresh narratives for these familiar characters.

Since its inception in October, Absolute Universe has maintained momentum across multiple titles, which can make it challenging to follow the storyline's chronology and reading order. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Note: It's important to distinguish between Absolute Universe titles and DC's "Absolute" line of collected editions, such as the Absolute Batman: Zero Year omnibus. These 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, which will be compiled into trade paperback editions later on.

1. DC All In Special #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, and Daniel Sampere

See it at Amazon

This 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

See it at Amazon

Published in October 2024, Absolute Batman #1 marks the official launch of the Absolute Universe. It presents a gritty, reimagined take on the Dark Knight, exploring a scenario where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and is without Alfred's guidance.

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

See it at Amazon

Released shortly after Absolute Batman #1 at the end of October, this issue offers a unique perspective on Wonder Woman, portraying Diana as a heavily armed Amazon warrior on a quest for purpose, challenging traditional Greek mythos.

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

See it at Amazon

Written by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman #1 explores a more relatable Man of Steel, envisioning a world where he comes from humble beginnings.

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

See it at Amazon

Launching the second wave of the initiative 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

See it at Amazon

The second entry in the 2025 wave, this title presents a dramatic departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones experiences a gradual takeover by a Martian, drawing him into a vast and unexpected conflict.

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

See it at Amazon

This issue explores the Green Lantern mythos through the lens of four individuals who have previously worn the mantle: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein. They must deal 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 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

For now, these are the highlights of the Absolute Universe. However, given the momentum, it wouldn't be surprising if these stories lead to a grand finale or event by the end of 2025 or later, potentially featuring more heroes in the Absolute Universe.