DC Comics’ Absolute Universe has been incredible. Part of the magic is that each of the titles is unique. Yes, all of them are in a depressing universe that Darkseid created, but they’re still sad in different ways. The good news is that the stories and art are so good that they’re worth reading.
If you want to know which comic is for you, here are all of DC Comics' Absolute titles, the creative staff, and what they’re about. Let's start with The Bat.
Absolute Batman
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta, Gabriel Hernandez Walta and Frank Martin
This title shows the drastic changes Darkseid has made to the universe. It isn’t just Bruce Wayne not being wealthy or his mother being alive. Everything about Batman is bigger, stronger, and more extreme. But, it isn’t just The Dark Knight. You’re seeing what Gotham’s villains would do if they had wealth and privilege, and it’s disturbing. Thankfully, Gotham City’s protector is more than ready. So much so that he’s willing to punt a knife-wielding child.
Absolute Wonder Woman
- Writer: Kelly Thompson
- Artists: Hayden Sherman and Mattia De Iulis
Absolute Wonder Woman is the closest any of the heroes are to their Prime-Universe counterparts. The difference is that Diana uses more magic than she throws punches. She’s also spending a lot of time battling Greek Gods, monsters, and myths rather than comic book villains.
We’ve only seen some of Wonder Woman’s classic villains, but they either haven’t been a threat yet, or they’re not in their evil forms. Normally, this is when I’d say that will change, but that’s not guaranteed. The Absolute Universe continues to throw surprises at readers and change things that they know.
Absolute Superman
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artists: Rafa Sandoval and Carmine Di Giandomenico
So far in Absolute Superman, readers have witnessed a deranged Brainiac, a massive Ra’s al Ghul (who threw a baby off a balcony), and a Kal-El who’s losing hope in humanity. A gritty series isn’t something that people would expect from a Superman title, but here we are.
You’re truly seeing how messed up Earth is. Lazarus Corp is polluting the planet and kicking people out of their homes, and their Peacemakers are murderers who hide behind their boss's nearly unlimited bank account. This is all enhanced by the art of Rafa Sandova, who makes everything on Earth look dirty and grimy.
Absolute Martian Manhunter
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artists: Javier Rodriguez
Absolute Batman may be the darkest series, but Absolute Martian Manhunter is the series without hope. During every issue, you’re seeing humanity at its worst. The atrocious things happening aren’t the fault of the people committing them, but it’s easy to connect what’s happening in this series to things that are occurring in real life.
As bleak as things are, Javier Rodriguez’s art keeps things from looking too dark. All of the bright, neon colors do a good job of masking how horrible things are. It’s a perfect way to balance the comic.
Absolute Green Lantern
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artists: Jahnoy Lindsay
If there’s a series with any optimism, it’s Absolute Green Lantern. The funny thing is, there isn’t much here to be happy about. You’re seeing a normal town that was invaded with the purpose of judging people and giving them hope. Sadly, thanks to the mysterious ways of Abin Sur, combined with the irrational decisions of Hal Jordan and Sojourner Mullein, things get out of hand, and people die.
If you’re wondering where the positivity comes in, it’s in the mystery. We don’t know if characters like John Stewart and Guy Gardner are gone for good or if they’ll come back as Lanterns. But, we don’t know if Green Lanterns are a thing. Sojourner has a ring, but that was given to her accidentally. Who knows if that lasts?
Absolute Flash
- Writer: Jeff Lemire
- Artists: Nick Robles and A.L. Kaplan
This series has been unlike the others, and that’s a good thing. While it has depressing and unfortunate moments, seeing a kid (Wally West) with his tiny, telepathic monkey friend (Grodd) has been fun. It’s like watching a Disney movie.
There’s an angry father, the tragic death of a mother, color villains (the Rogues), and evil scientists. The only thing missing is a king or queen, and that may come at some point. As you can tell, anything can happen in the Absolute Universe.
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