Skyler Orton
The Absolute Universe, DC’s latest twist on their popular characters, has just hit its one year anniversary. The comic line portrays familiar heroes but without familiar comforts that anchor their mainline versions. They may have fewer resources, friends, or different upbringings and enemies but they fight for the same ideals and hopes making comics that feel simultaneously fresh and classic.
I’ve been reading this universe since week one and haven’t missed an issue yet so I’ll go through each series and give my thoughts and ratings.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman is the comic DC launched the line with and it’s easy to see why. This universe’s Bruce Wayne is nowhere near the man we see in other interpretations of the character. Instead of being a mysterious wealthy billionaire, he is now a working class engineer who must scrap together his equipment. In addition to his status he also grew up on Crime Alley alongside his regular rogues gallery. This character dynamic is super intriguing and is easily a highlight of the series for me.
This universe is meant to portray darker versions of the characters so worry not, this story has plenty to enjoy here. For example, the first major arc takes on the heavy theme of gun violence as Gotham is overrun by a violent gang known as the Party Animals. Writer Scott Snyder is able to take this topic seriously and balances the inherent seriousness of the topic with over-the-top violence which easily satirizes the topic. Nick Dragotta’s art highlights this and all of this with the violence being stylized but still grim enough for the darker universe.
This arc wrapped up after issue 6 and the comic has moved forward balancing overarching mysteries with other adventures. Batman has since taken on classic villain Mr. Freeze in a chilling (pun intended) new twist, and is currently battling a horrific new version of Bane. Ever since we hit Bane’s arc in issue 9 the series hasn’t dipped in quality at all and each new element introduced is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoy this series and can’t wait to see how it twists other classic heroes and villains.
Absolute Batman: 10/10
Absolute Wonder Woman
Absolute Wonder Woman is sure to become a classic. Before and after winning the Eisner for best new series in 2025, the series was an absolute (once again pun intended) gem. This universe’s Diana is seemingly the last Amazon who was given to longtime villain Circe to be raised in Hell. Circe is twisted well as her typically villainous nature is turned on its heels to become a great mother figure for Diana.
The comic is divided into two parts, Diana’s time on Circe’s island and her time battling monsters as a champion of Earth. While the time spent on Earth is great, the highlight for me is her time with Circe. The series interweaves comic lore with twists on Greek mythology here in a way that never fails to delight me.
It’s impossible to discuss without touching on the art as well. The art is wonderful and it simultaneously looks like a modern comic book while also evoking the style of classic Greek art. Hayden Sherman’s art on the main run is fantastic but a highlight for me was Mattia de lulis’ guest work on issues six and seven. Her drawings gave an incredible sense of scale which really worked for the series.
Overall I really like this series. The art is fantastic and a joy to look at alone, but combined with a unique twist, fun humor, and intriguing story, it really shines.
Absolute Wonder Woman: 10/10
Absolute Superman
Absolute Superman has some of the most interesting twists on the DC mythos of any of these series. Instead of growing up on earth, Kal-El grows up as a member of the Kryptonian working class. He doesn’t arrive on earth until age 12. This makes his relationship with the people of Earth even more inspiring as he fights to the death to save these people he’s barely connected to.
Absolute Superman’s main plot follows Superman as an almost mythical savior of the people. He travels from country to country helping free oppressed people from the hands of the sinister Lazarus Corporation. This storyline is very timely and I can’t help but feel inspired by the comic’s portrayal of hope in a time of darkness.
The art is impressive, but at times feels like a step down from the hyperstylized work of the rest of the trinity. Despite that, there are panels where it soars and this series originates some of my favorite individual scenes in all of comics.
The one flaw it has is the pacing, especially in the earlier issues, is very slow. If you were reading monthly, frequent flashbacks and side stories were very frustrating. After the first arc it hit a stride and never really slowed down. Even if it might not be the best series, it’s one of my favorites.
There’s more I could say about the twists and turns of this book but I’d rather you get the chance to see for yourself. It’s a slow-burn but give it a read, it’s worth it.
Absolute Superman: 9/10
Absolute Flash
I was surprised to learn that Absolute Flash wouldn’t star the ever famous Barry Allen, but instead Wally West, the original Kid Flash. However, by the end of the first issue I was sold on Wally’s character and Barry Allen’s new role as the scientist who accidentally gives Wally his powers.
The heart of this story is the relationship between Wally and his father. Wally is (naturally) on the run from the government, which provides a lot of natural character drama as his father was a member of the same government organization that’s after him. The story is at its best when it focuses on that.
However, the pacing is quick and not in a good way. By nature of the character the story moves fast, but it doesn’t take the time to slow down on its best parts. In fact, its best issue by far is when it zoomed in on the rogue’s gallery and gave their arcs room to breathe.
Also it has by far my least favorite art of the Absolute Universe. Artist Nick Robles is good at drawing the dynamic speed but the character design and expressions fall flat.
Absolute Flash: 6/10
Absolute Martian Manhunter
Absolute Martian Manhunter is by far the comic with the most radical differences. In the mainline universe, Martian Manhunter is J’onn J’onzz, an alien with shapeshifting and telekinetic powers who takes the form of John Jones, a detective in Middletown USA.
In this twist the Martian Manhunter is an otherworldly parasite that links with FBI agent John Jones after a dangerous accident. The Martian allows John to access Martianvision which lets him see the thoughts of others stylized as brightly colored plumes of smoke.
Javier Rodríguez’s art is perfect for the series and gives the comic an impressive psychedelic style. Deniz Camp’s writing is fantastic and portrays the minds of violent criminals in a truly chilling way.
The only flaw is that this is not a book you’ll understand on your first read. The story is very high concept and written in an almost metaphorical way. For those who put in the time it’s rewarding but for those looking for a simple superhero read, this might not be for you.
Absolute Martian Manhunter: 9/10
Absolute Green Lantern
Absolute Green Lantern takes the Green Lantern mythos and twists it into a cosmic mystery. Jo Mullein, introduced in 2019’s Far Sector mini series is the lead character here, but the usual cast of Green Lanterns are great supporting characters.
The Abin Sur, an unknown alien creature, descends upon Jo’s hometown of Evergreen repeating the phrase “be without fear”. Through him Jo Mullien, as well as John Stewart and Hal Jordan, are gifted with Lantern Corps powers.
However these powers are reinterpreted as cosmic curses that give the comic a hint of cosmic body horror. For example, Hal Jordan’s Black Lantern powers take the form of an uncontrollable hand that twists him into a monstrous force.
The art is simple but conveys the tone well and I love how it jumps from Evergreen’s small town vibe to the grander supernatural mysteries of the book. However, the book also has a much slower pace that will likely be better received in the paperbacks. I enjoy it but I think it needs a more controlled plot that picks up the pace to truly be great.
Absolute Green Lantern: 7/10
Connected universe
For the most part, these series have stayed self-contained with the exception of minor references. However, there have been two one-shot specials that hint towards where we could be headed. The Absolute Universe’s Mirror Master appears in the Absolute portion of DC’s yearly free comic book day special. This short one-shot teases both Darkseid’s overall influence on the Absolute Universe and a potential crossover with the mainline universe.
Absolute Evil was just released last week as a one year special for the Absolute Universe. The special sees the DC universe’s league of villains, including Joker, Ra’s Al Ghul, Veronica Cale, and many others discussing their plans to take on this universe’s heroes before they can form the Justice League. The special reveals a flurry of new characters, and teases where the universe is going next. I don’t want to spoil much but this one is a must read for fans of the
What’s next?
Throughout this year and next year we have a pretty good idea of where the universe will go. Our first mainline series crossover will happen soon enough in December’s Absolute Wonder Woman #14. After that we can look forward to new ongoing books in the confirmed Absolute Catwoman and Absolute Green Arrow. In February we will also get a Batman special one-shot focusing on Arkham Asylum. Other than that, DC’s kept details under wraps for most of their plans so readers will just have to wait and find out what’s next in the most interesting series on the shelves today.
Final Thoughts
If you aren’t reading this series yet, now is the perfect time to jump in. There are collected paperbacks and hardcovers of the first arcs which is a perfect spot for new readers to jump in. A local comic shop near you should have them, but they are also available through Amazon and other online platforms. If you are reading what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
