5 Comics in DC’s Absolute Line You Have to Read Now
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Have you ever heard of Marvel Comics Ultimates Line? Well, DC’s Absolute Line is kind of like that. In 2000, Marvel launched the “Ultimate Marvel” imprint. Comic book canon can go back multiple decades and intimidate new readers from buying modern comics. Because of this fact, The Ultimates Line’s goal was to reimagine old-school Marvel superheroes as 2000s-era versions of themselves. The Nick Fury of the Ultimates (The “Avengers” of the Ultimate Line) was designed after Samuel L. Jackson in 2002; the MCU’s aesthetic inspiration was the Ultimate Line in many ways. So, DC’s Absolute line of comics is their version of the Ultimates.
DC’s Absolute Line
Still, DC’s Absolute line is its own thing and not a copy of the Ultimates. DC’s traditional heroes are reimagined for the 21st century and feature alternate versions of DC’s most famous characters. So, the Absolute Line is an effort to recruit new readers as well as reimagine their characters.
DC’s Absolute line is a smashing success. Whether or not the success will sustain itself is another question. Here are five comics in DC’s Absolute line that you must read now to catch up.
1. Absolute Power Hardcover (February 2025)
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This four-issue comic was the starting point for the launch of DC’s Absolute line. You may be familiar with Viola Davis’ portrayal of Amanda Waller in the DCEU, but the character first appeared in DC comics in 1986. Waller is a government authority and power broker obsessed with controlling the superheroes and villains of the DC universe.
In this series, Waller allies herself with powerful villains to steal the powers of every superhero and villain on Earth. Because of her zealot-like ambition for power, Waller sets actions in motion that will cause the creation of a parallel universe featuring alternative versions of DC’s most popular characters.
Pre-order this 200-page hardcover for $26.99 at Amazon now.
2. DC All-In Special #1 (2024)
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After the events of Absolute Power, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman decide that they must expand the roster of the Justice League. So, the DC Trinity starts to recruit new heroes on a global level. As the heroes begin to rebuild the Justice League, Darkseid appears to threaten the Earth. The conclusion of this battle has consequences that create DC’s Absolute line of new comics.
Get it on Kindle now for $4.99.
3. Absolute Batman #1 (2024)
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This comic book is currently the biggest hit in DC’s Absolute line of comics. In the new Absolute universe, this reimagined Batman has an ultra-weaponized costume and a more brutal crime-fighting philosophy. This Bruce Wayne is not a billionaire, doesn’t have Wayne Manor or a butler.
This savage Batman uses more violent methods as a vigilante. The bat sigil on his chest is a removable axe that he uses as a weapon. The new Batmobile seems to be a construction dump truck with a vigilante aesthetic redesign. Because of these changes, Absolute Batman seems to be the most popular character in the line now.
This comic book was a smash hit and recently broke sales records for DC. Absolute Batman #1 is one of the top-selling comics of 2024. So, it sold almost 400,000 copies in a short period.
Get it for $4.99 on Kindle now. Be aware that some opportunist sellers on eBay and Amazon are selling physical copies of this comic for $100 and more.
4. Absolute Superman #1 (2024)
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In this reimagining of Superman, Kal-El never grew up with adoptive parents in Smallville. So, Kal-El grew up to be a young boy on Krypton. Because of this, he saw the classist struggles his parents endured before coming to Earth. Lois Lane is not a journalist, Kal-El is now a young man who has yet to master his powers, and there is no Fortress of solitude.
Superman is truly an alien lost in a new world and must learn to develop a connection to humans in his adoptive world.
Get issue #1 for $4.99 on Kindle.
5. Absolute Wonder Woman # 1 (2024)
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DC’s Absolute line features a Wonder Woman that is more savage than the traditional character. Absolute Wonder Woman grew up in Hell and is the Princess of Hell. She has tattoos and wields a Final Fantasy-esque giant sword. This Diana does not have a home on Themiscyra nor any Amazonian peers. She does not have a mission of peace or to protect humanity, only to be the most savage warrior possible.
Get issue #1 for $4.99 on Kindle now.
DC’s Absolute Line
The Absolute line will soon expand to include other character reimaginings like the Flash, Green Lantern, and more. Whether or not the Absolute Line will inspire future live-action DCU properties remains to be seen. But the Absolute Universe is wildly popular now. So, you should give it a try while its at peak buzz.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
