INTRODUCTION
You want to know what the hardest part about being a DC fan is? It’s not having worse sales than Marvel, It’s not having to justify your favorite character being called a “glup shitto” and it’s not even having to argue about the bad characterization or adaptations. It’s getting new readers into the DC universe. DC is the only fictional universe I can name that has had the fair share of reboots and still ended up becoming MORE convoluted.
Well, it’s about time we change that. Absolute-ly.
WHAT IS THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE?
The Absolute Universe is the offshoot of DC’s Latest All In Initiative. Coming off of the Absolute Power event, DC’s newest collection of stories follows alternate versions of our favorite heroes in situations that aren’t in their favor. “If the main universe is made of Superman energy, this is Darkseid energy”
The universe has our heroes without the advantages, and with less power than they have in the main universe, so they need to be resourceful, stronger and their hope needs to burn brighter than ever.
It starts in the two-sided All In Special. It’s a one shot, so you shouldn’t need any prior knowledge. It follows the events of Absolute Power (DC’s last event- I didn’t read it) and sets up DC’s upcoming Justice League Unlimited comic series following Booster Gold, one of, if not my favorite DC hero so I’m not biased. It also is working as a prelude to the Absolute Universe. It is a comic with two halves, so it is pretty dense, but it isn’t really essential reading, it just works as a nice lead into the world.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN
Contemporary Batman legend Scott Snyder and acclaimed artist Nick Dragotta bring us a younger version of Bruce Wayne without all the advantages that make the main universe’s counterpart so distinct: there’s no butler, no mansion, no billions of dollars. Bruce is a young, middle class engineer who wants to take on the system his own way.
The first issue is already out, and in case you weren’t able to pick it up a second and third printings are coming. It is a really fun action-packed start to what is sure to be a great run.
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN
Recent heavy hitters Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman take the classic DC heroine and turn her upside down, while keeping everything that makes her one of the most iconic heroes of all time.
Instead of being raised on Paradise Island, Diana, is raised in the depths of Hell and raised as a witch. In a environment that theoretically should break her and make her something darker, Thompson creatively decides to keep Diana’s best traits of kindness and peace which create a contrast that makes the book from another superhero story to a creative wonder that makes me more and more excited for future issues. Keep your eyes on this one, because I’m telling you it’s going to be special.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN
Absolute Superman and the series that will be following have yet to release, but Jason Aaron, who wrote and redefined Thor for a modern audience is taking Superman in a take that is using the idea of an alternate universe superman and running with it. There’s definitely some inspiration from Byrne’s Man of Steel and Zack Snyder’s infamous film of the same name. I’m really interested to see what Kal-El looks like without Clark Kent, without Smallville, and without the Daily Planet.
The thing that I think will catch most people’s eyes is that there aren’t any of the usual villains like Luthor, Brainiac or Zod, instead Aaron starts off with Superman in Brazil trying to stop a corporation with their foot soldiers being “The Peacemakers” (Do you really wanna, do you really wanna taste it?) and Aaron has stated that he himself is most excited to delve into the lore of Krypton and it’s fall, which is always a treat no matter what universe.
ABSOLUTE FLASH & ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN
Absolute Flash by Jeff Lemire (writer of the iconic Moon Knight series) follows Wally West, this universes first flash, as a teenager, going through life in high school as well as having to navigate this new ever-shifting landscape as a superhero. As a die-hard fan of the scarlet speedster, this gets me SO excited. The Rogues have also been revealed, and their reinventions look great with some unique designs and a Captain Cold who looks like he’s straight from G.I. Joe.
Al Ewing’s Absolute Green Lantern is shrouded in mystery, and has been described as a “detective-style cosmic horror story” that kicks off with a giant Green Lantern signal landing in a city on earth. We know the story features Lanterns Jo Mullein (from Far Sector, the best recent GL book), Hal Jordan, John Stewart and Guy Gardner (more like GOAT Gardner)
Both were announced at SDCC 2024, and are slated to release their first issue in March 2025. I am definitely pulling both and look forward to learning more.
ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER
Ultimates author Deniz Camp and recent Zatanna artist Javier Rodriguez announced Absolute Martian Manhunter at NYCC, and we basically have no details other than a teaser cover. But, as a Martian Manhunter fan, I am intreguided considering Ultimates so far has been utterly life changing and his style and theming is so strong that this seems like it should be a slam dunk. It’s slated for May 2025.
CONCLUSION
As of writing this, Absolute Superman comes out next Wednesday and this universe is so intriguing and promising, and it’s being led by creatives with such strong style and passion that I think if your a DC fan these are must reads, and if you are new to DC, it’s a great gateway into the world.
