DC's All In publishing initiative offers a unique opportunity for top-tier creators to reimagine some of the most iconic heroes in the DC universe without the limitations of established continuity. Spearheaded by industry giants Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, the initiative includes the Absolute Universe, which follows the groundbreaking Absolute Power arc that concluded in late 2024. This ongoing series introduces a new status quo for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, challenging fans' preconceived notions about these legendary characters.

Since its launch in October, the Absolute Universe has captivated readers, but with multiple concurrent titles, keeping up with the storyline can be challenging. This guide aims to clarify the chronology and recommended reading order for DC's Absolute Universe in 2025.

Note: It's important not to confuse the Absolute Universe titles with DC's "Absolute" collected editions, such as the new Absolute Batman: Zero Year, as they are entirely separate entities.

The Reading Order

Start with the recommended order below for each ongoing series, and then follow the subsequent issues in their release order. Each main series in the Absolute Universe will consist of six issues, which will later be compiled into trade paperback collections.

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 foundational oversized one-shot by Scott Snyder sets the stage for the entire Absolute Universe. It's essential to read this before diving into the individual character arcs, starting with 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 gritty, fresh take on the Dark Knight, exploring a scenario where Bruce Wayne is not wealthy, lacks a high-tech Batcave, and has no Alfred to keep him grounded.

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 by flipping the Greek mythos on its head. Diana is portrayed 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 AmazonWritten by Jason Aaron, known for Southern Bastards and Thor, Absolute Superman #1 delves into a more relatable Man of Steel, examining how he would cope if he came from humble beginnings.

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 #1 focuses on Wally West learning the intricacies and limitations 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 AmazonAlso part of the 2025 wave, this issue presents a radical departure from the original character. FBI agent John Jones finds himself increasingly influenced by a Martian, drawing him into a conflict far larger than he anticipated.

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 former Lanterns—Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Jo Mullein—as they deal with the aftermath of a massive Green Lantern crash-landing in a small town.

Upcoming Collected Editions

Currently, release dates for collected editions have been announced 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

Looking ahead, while the Absolute Universe currently focuses on these core titles, there's potential for more stories and even a culminating event by the end of 2025 or beyond, bringing additional heroes into the fold with their own Absolute narratives.