How to Read DC’s Absolute Universe in Chronological Order

DC's All In publishing initiative provides top-tier creators with the opportunity to explore some of the label's most iconic heroes free from the shackles of pre-existing continuity. Spearheaded by comics legend and Batman veteran Scott Snyder, along with longtime 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 fresh status quo for the beloved trio of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, promising to defy all expectations for fans familiar with these characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has been captivating fans, but with multiple ongoing titles, keeping up with the timeline and characters can be challenging. Here, we'll guide you through the chronology and recommended reading order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Note: Be mindful not to confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year. These are distinct entities!

The Reading Order

For all ongoing series, start with our suggested reading order, then follow subsequent issues in their release sequence. Each main Absolute series will consist of six issues and will be later 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

0See it at AmazonThis oversized one-shot, crafted by the visionary Scott Snyder, lays the groundwork for the Absolute Universe. It's essential to start here 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 true beginning of the Absolute Universe. It presents a raw and gritty take on the Dark Knight, exploring a scenario where Bruce Wayne isn't wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and doesn't have Alfred to keep him grounded.

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

### Absolute Wonder Woman #1

0See it at AmazonReleased just weeks after Absolute Batman #1, this issue reimagines Wonder Woman, flipping the Greek mythos and portraying Diana as a formidable, 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 AmazonPenned by comics legend Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman delves into the life of the Man of Steel if he came from humble beginnings, 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 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 radically reimagines Martian Manhunter. FBI agent John Jones finds his body and mind overtaken by a Martian, 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 unique take on the Green Lantern mythos involves four individuals who have previously worn the ring: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein. They must navigate 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

For now, this encapsulates what the Absolute Universe has to offer. However, given the trajectory, we wouldn't be surprised if these narratives culminate in a major event or finale by the end of 2025, potentially expanding to include more heroes in the Absolute treatment.