COMIC CATCH-UP GUIDEAll guides

DC Absolute Universe reading order

Where the Absolute Universe starts

The essential opening issue, individual series, collections, specials, and shared-universe reading order for DC's Absolute Universe.

THE SHORT ANSWERRead DC All In Special #1 first if you want the universe’s origin. Then begin any Absolute hero at issue #1. The individual hero series are designed to work independently.

Choose your format

How do you want to read?

What to read, in order

  1. DC All In Special #1.
  2. Absolute Batman #1–6.
  3. Absolute Superman #1–6.
  4. Absolute Wonder Woman #1–7.
  5. Introduce Absolute Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Green Lantern at their #1 issues.
  6. Continue each hero in number order, using publication order when switching between independent series.
  7. Place Absolute Evil, the annuals, and other specials at their labeled checkpoints.
  8. Follow required crossover chapters by publication date when the series begin crossing directly.

What comes next

Continue the active Absolute series, event miniseries, and newly launched Absolute Green Arrow and Absolute Catwoman branches.

More starting points

Where to start reading BatmanThree useful Batman starting points: the current main series, Absolute Batman, or a longer historical reading route.Open guide →Modern Ultimate Universe reading orderThe opening, five core Earth-6160 series, annual checkpoints, Endgame, and the Ultimate Universe finale in a practical collected-edition order.Open guide →Energon Universe reading orderA practical collected-edition reading order for Void Rivals, Transformers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K., and the Energon Universe specials.Open guide →