A guide to the Absolute Universe 2026

DC’s line of Absolute comics has been hugely popular, breaking through from the comic book world into mainstream pop-culture. The attention on the Absolute Universe has been deserved, with many incredible series coming out of this alternate world.

It is not too late to get reading, whether you want to start with Absolute Batman or find out what Absolute Wonder Woman is all about. Key Comics Vault has you covered with the ultimate guide to Absolute Universe, including introductions to every Absolute series and recommendations on where to start.

The Absolute Universe explained

DC’s Absolute comics are essentially an ‘Elseworld’ story. They are set in an alternate universe to the DC’s main continuity called Earth-Alpha. Here, there are many familiar names, such as Superman or Joker, but the heroes are all missing an advantage or key element they have in the main universe. An example of this is Wonder Woman is without Themiscryra.

The Absolute Universe is overseen by Scott Snyder, who also writes the Absolute Batman series, and started in 2024. It was introduced in DC All In Special which followed the Absolute Power event.

The DC All In Special established that Earth-Alpha has been influenced with Darkseid energy. On this world, Darkseid’s aim to shape a world to be driven by challenge and adversity. Here, the heroes are not established, and instead work outside of the system.

The Absolute initiative now has eight series, seven currently ongoing, from a huge pool of talented artists, writers, letterers, and colourists. There is no better time to get involved than now as more series are likely to be released.

Where to start reading the Absolute comics

Before jumping in with the Absolute Universe, it is first useful to understand the publishing order behind them. The series have been released in waves:

Introduction: DC All In Special
Wave One: Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, and Absolute Superman
Wave Two: Absolute Martian Manhunter, Absolute Flash, and Absolute Green Lantern
Wave Three: Absolute Green Arrow and Absolute Catwoman

You could start with the first issue of any of the main six series from Waves One and Two. Each offer different styles of writing and artwork, therefore some might appeal more than others. It would be more advised however to read DC All In Special, followed by one of Wave One as they are the most accessible titles.

Although Absolute Green Arrow and Absolute Catwoman are standalone titles in their own rights, they do lean into themes and characters used elsewhere. If you want to read a few Absolute series, leave Green Arrow and Catwoman until later.

A guide to Absolute Batman

Batman jumps down from a building in front of an orange backdrop, bullets flying past him.

The Absolute Universe’s overseer, Scott Snyder, writes the hugely popular Absolute Batman. The series has contributions from lots of artists but it is Nick Dragotta who is the primary and is behind most of the incredible character designs. The pair of them have created something truly special.

The premise for this alternate Batman is that rather than being a billionaire, Bruce is a civil engineer. This means no money, no mansion, no butler, and no Batcave. This Batman relies less on technology, instead more on sheer physical presence and wits to overcome adversity. Snyder also changed the story of Bruce’s parents, however in the aim of sharing no spoilers, you will have to read to find out more.

Then there are Absolute Batman’s rogue gallery. Every single one of them is a terrifying, with characteristics dialled up to eleven and beyond. Behind the villains seems to be a shadowy figure pulling all the strings.

With this series Snyder has mastered the art of keeping you gripped, with new characters and plot twists introduced at the perfect time. Despite it being another Batman story, it feels fresh and the frenetic pace keeps you wanting for more.

Buy Absolute Batman Vol 1: The Zoo – Bookshop.org US

Buy Absolute Batman Vol 1: The Zoo – Bookshop.org UK

An introduction to Absolute Wonder Woman

One of the first comics to be published in the Absolute Universe, Absolute Wonder Woman quickly became one of the must read comic series. Kelly Thompson is the series’ writer and Hayden Sherman the lead artist. The series has become another huge hit for DC, with many fans claiming it as their favourite.

Absolute Wonder Woman has a different upbringing to what we are used to. Despite being raised in Hell and a proficient user of blood magic, Diana is still Diana. She goes toe-to-toe with gods and behemoths, but she always looks for another option. She inspires awe and love to those around her, giving it in return. Although Director Cale sees her differently.

For long-time readers of Wonder Woman, there are plenty of her supporting cast throughout. Lots of relationships however have changed and develop as the series goes on. Expect some surprise inclusions from DC’s wider cast too.

Thompson’s writing has reinvigorated a character and made many readers into Wonder Woman fans. Sherman’s work has been a tour de force as well, pushing boundaries with panel layouts partnered with beautiful designs.

Buy Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 1: The Last Amazon – Bookshop.org US

Buy Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 1: The Last Amazon – Bookshop.org UK

How Absolute Superman is different

Absolute Superman 1 cover illustrated by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola

It is fitting that the Trinity made up the first wave of Absolute comics and Absolute Superman completes this trio. Jason Aaron heads this series as writer, with Rafa Sandoval illustrating. Debatably less popular than Wonder Woman or Batman, Absolute Superman has however flourished as the series has progressed.

The Superman we are introduced to is younger and a novice. Absolute Superman is once again a lone survivor from Krypton but he brings with him an interesting piece of Kryptonian technology. You will recognise Kal-El’s sense of right and wrong, but there is now also a righteous anger.

Absolute Superman feels like the series where the supporting cast have the most different backgrounds. As the story develops, you can see the qualities of the likes of Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen really shine through. Aaron does throw a curveball however with Superman’s main villain in the first few arcs.

Read Absolute Superman if you want to see a different take on Kal-El, particularly if you are even remotely interested in social issues around the world. Oppression and exploitation are the real villains here.

Buy Absolute Superman Vol 1: Last Dust of Krypton – Bookshop.org US

Buy Absolute Superman Vol 1: Last Dust of Krypton – Bookshop.org UK

What is Absolute Flash about?

Absolute Flash 1 cover illustrated by Nick Robles

Absolute Flash is by written by Jeff Lemire, with Nick Robles as the main illustrator. It was the fourth title from the Absolute Universe and the first of the second wave to be published. While it is often overshadowed by the other series from the universe, there are good reasons to pick it up.

With quite a few directions to take Absolute Flash in, Lemire opted to use Wally West. This Wally does not have access to the speed force or any mentors. His journey is one of discovering his powers, without the support of other speedsters. There are plenty of characters from Flash and other DC stories though to keep fans interested.

Flash traditionally is blessed with a great rogues gallery and one of the recurring highlights of this series is what Lemire does with them. Absolute Flash might not be everyone’s favourite title, but it does make for lighter reading than some of the other Absolute series.

Buy Absolute Flash Vol 1: Of Two Worlds – Bookshop.org US

Absolute Martian Manhunter is groundbreaking

Absolute Martian Manhunter 1 cover by Javier Rodriguez

Martian Manhunter has often been quite a neglected character, with writers seemingly unsure of what to do with him. Not Deniz Camp though. Freed from continuity restraints or having to fit him into a team, Camp and artist Javier Rodriguez turned Absolute Martian Manhunter into the standout series.

The Eisner Award winning series focuses on FBI agent John Jones and his life in the aftermath of an explosion. The nearly fatal incident is followed by a mind-altering series of events, as an otherworldly conciousness enters his mind. John and this Martian form a bond, discovering the weird events are being influenced by a powerful being.

Absolute Martian Manhunter is a genuinely mindbeing series. It would not feel strange to see this as someone’s self-published work. That is not to say that it is at all unpolished, but the sheer freedom both Camp and Rodriguez had to create this is incredible. You might not understand everything as you read it, but it is the series that has gotten us closest to why Earth-Alpha is the way it is.

Buy Absolute Martian Manhunter Vol 1: Martian Vision – Bookshop.org US

Buy Absolute Martian Manhunter Vol 1: Martian Vision – Bookshop.org UK

Why read Absolute Green Lantern

Absolute Green Lantern 1 cover by Jahnoy Lindsay

The last title in the Second Wave of Absolute series was Absolute Green Lantern. It is written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Jahnoy Lindsay. Similar to Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern can over be overlooked compared with other Absolute series, but Ewing is a talent with some big ideas.

Jo Mullein is the main protagonist for Absolute Green Lantern. Traditionally, in the main universe, Mullein is a member of the Green Lantern Corps. However there is no Corps here. Her world is turned upside down when a giant Green Lantern crushes a town, causing widespread paranoia.

Lindsay’s art is a highpoint in this series in which Ewing goes for cosmic horror. The whole Lantern colour-spectrum is reinvented for the series, allowing it to explore religion and emotion. It is by no means a traditional Green Lantern book but worth picking up for a slow burn with big pay-offs.

Buy Absolute Green Lantern Vol 1: Without Fear – Bookshop.org US

Buy Absolute Green Lantern Vol 1: Without Fear – Bookshop.org UK

Who is Absolute Green Arrow?

Absolute Green Arrow 1 by Rafael Albuquerque and Marcelo Maiolo

Wave Three of Absolute titles started in May 2026 with Absolute Green Arrow. The series is written by Pornsak Pichetshote and illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque. While not the biggest of the titles from the Absolute Universe, it is one of the most talked about. Pichetshote has simply teased readers by asking them to solve who is Absolute Green Arrow.

The premise of Absolute Green Arrow is quite simple, but wildly different from traditional Green Arrow titles. On Earth-Alpha, Green Arrow is a serial killer whose targets are all corrupt billionaires. Protection specialist Dinah Lance is tasked with finding out who is behind the mask. Her mission leads her to some horrifying discoveries.

Absolute Green Arrow takes tropes of a good old fashioned murder mystery, then mixes it with a violent, 2020s reimagining of Green Arrow’s political leanings. High sales extended this series for a six issue run to twelve issues. If you like Absolute Batman, then this is a title for you too.

A fresh take in Absolute Catwoman

Scott Snyder has published another Absolute title, this time teaming up with Che Grayson for Absolute Catwoman. Illustrated by Bengal, Absolute Catwoman is a six issue mini-series focused on Selina Kyle, the world’s best thief.

Absolute Catwoman expands on the character who first appeared in Absolute Batman. Snyder and Grayson have an interesting take on Selina though. Catwoman has access to a lot of wealth, accumulated through crime, and funds some incredible tech with it. This version of Catwoman is closer to mainline Batman in certain aspects, just with crime and a jet-setting lifestyle thrown in.

If you want to see a fresh take on Catwoman or are interested in Absolute variants of other characters from Gotham, then you should dive in.

One-offs and other appearances from the Absolute Universe

Accompanying the various series are a couple of one-shot issues that expand the Absolute Universe. There are likely more planned for the near future, but the current list of Absolute one-shots is:

Absolute Evil
Absolute Batman: Ark M Special
Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand

Absolute Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman have also appeared outside of the Absolute universe. All three appeared in the popular comic series DC K.O., although they acted out of character and fought the mainline heroes.

Absolute Batman also appeared in Batman of Two Worlds. This Batman Day special published in September 2026 had a short story each for the Absolute and mainstream versions of Batman.

Future Absolute series

There are lots of theories as to which characters might get the next series. Could it be Absolute Aquaman? Or perhaps an Absolute Swamp Thing? We do not know for sure who is next, but with the success of the Absolute Universe, we can guarantee there will be more.