All DC Absolute Universe Comics, Ranked From The Worst To The Best

Absolute Universe has quickly become a massive hit in the comic book world, achieving a level of popularity not seen for many years. It’s become one of the most successful alternate universes ever created, with its core series consistently performing exceptionally well.

DC’s Absolute editions appeal to both dedicated fans and new readers, and that’s a big part of what makes them successful. While all of these books are excellent, here’s our ranking of the current ongoing Absolute series.

Absolute Superman Has Struggled A Bit To Remain Unique

Writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval launched their Absolute Superman series with a fresh take on the iconic hero. Instead of portraying Superman as an established figure, the series presents him as a wanderer, an outsider who travels the world and empowers struggling workers to fight against those who exploit them. This approach initially made Absolute Superman feel distinct from traditional Superman stories.

Since its launch, Absolute Superman hasn’t been consistently strong. The issues focusing on Kal-El’s childhood on Krypton were the most original and compelling part of the series, and while the story was always meant to move past that, those early chapters really stood out. Once Superman arrives on Earth, the story becomes more familiar. The art remains excellent, and Jason Aaron’s writing is sharp, but Absolute Superman has started to feel like a typical superhero story with just a few new touches.

Ra’s al Ghul doesn’t make a very compelling villain for Superman, and characters like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Lana Lang aren’t particularly well-developed in this series. While Absolute Superman began strongly and could improve, it’s currently the weakest book in the Absolute Universe lineup.

Absolute Flash Is Ironically A Little Slow

Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles have created a truly captivating take on the Flash in their Absolute Flash series, and it keeps getting more impressive. The story focuses on a younger Wally West as the sole hero with super speed.

It’s great that Absolute Flash feels so new and exciting, and readers are really invested in the main mystery and how the story unfolds each month. The biggest issue, though, is the pacing – it’s a bit slow. The story takes a while to pick up, which is a little surprising given that the Flash is known for his speed.

While Absolute Flash shows a lot of promise with its creative world, compelling characters, and engaging story, some readers may prefer to wait for the collected trade paperbacks instead of following the monthly issues. It’s an exciting start, and fans are eager to see where the story goes, but the pacing could be a little faster.

Absolute Green Lantern Has Upped Its Game With Every Issue

Al Ewing, known for his work on titles like , teamed up with artist Jahnoy Lindsay for Absolute Green Lantern. The story began with a captivating mystery: a strange alien appeared in a quiet town, immediately drawing characters like into the unfolding events.

The book started slowly, similar to Absolute Flash, and didn’t immediately grab all readers, but it offered enough interesting elements to keep people curious. As the story unfolded, the initial slow pace made sense. This Absolute Green Lantern collection is particularly unique, presenting a different take on the character’s history and lore compared to the main Green Lantern stories.

Jo Mullein, the main character, is a fascinating and well-developed hero. Recent issues have skillfully brought the various storylines together, and the future of Absolute Green Lantern promises to be full of surprises, thought-provoking moments, and captivating storytelling for fans.

Absolute Wonder Woman Is A Character-Focused Feast For The Eyes

Written by Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Hayden Sherman, Absolute Wonder Woman is a standout take on the classic Amazon princess. The artwork is among the best in the Absolute Universe – a high compliment considering the incredible talent involved in that series. The story truly shines in its portrayal of Diana, emphasizing her kindness and hopeful outlook in every scene.

While Absolute Wonder Woman shares similarities with the main Wonder Woman series, it truly shines thanks to the nuanced changes in Diana’s backstory, how she stands out within this particular universe, and the fresh takes on the supporting characters. From the very beginning, this series has been essential reading, and it continues to be a standout title.

Okay, as a huge Wonder Woman fan, I have to say Absolute Wonder Woman is everything I’ve been waiting for! It really dives into the core of what makes Diana such an amazing character, and the story and action are just incredible. Honestly, it’s way better than anything else I’ve read with her, and it solidifies her place as one of the all-time greats in comics. It’s a must-read!

Absolute Batman Is An Action-Packed Epic

Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman has become a huge hit, even attracting readers who don’t usually read comic books. This version of Batman, a powerful and straightforward working-class Bruce Wayne, makes for one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and beautiful comics in years.

This book perfectly captures what makes Batman so popular, especially in recent years. It showcases memorable new versions of his classic villains and allies – including a particularly impressive take on Bane that many fans consider superior to the standard portrayal of the last thirty years. Simply put, Absolute Batman is a truly powerful and compelling read.

This book is packed with intense action, but it’s also surprisingly heartfelt and deeply focused on its characters. It’s a truly innovative Batman story that goes far beyond a simple ‘what if’ scenario. In fact, it’s arguably Scott Snyder’s best work with the character during his run at DC Comics.

Absolute Martian Manhunter Is An All-Time Game Changer

With so many excellent titles like Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman, it takes something truly special for a comic to rise above the rest in the Absolute Universe. Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez’s Absolute Martian Manhunter does just that. It’s a beautifully illustrated and thoughtful exploration of identity and society, making it a perfect read.

Each issue of Absolute Martian Manhunter has redefined what superhero stories can be. Similar to Absolute Green Lantern, this series takes a significant risk by diverging from the main DC Universe, and it’s been incredibly successful. Originally planned for just six issues, strong positive reactions from fans and impressive sales numbers led to the series being extended to twelve.

Absolute Martian Manhunter is a relatively new comic series, with only seven issues out so far. It’s a powerful and moving story, tackling difficult themes with a personal touch. Following John Jones, his family, and his unusual alien friend, it’s truly exceptional storytelling and stands out as the best of the current Absolute Universe titles.

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2026-02-03 17:39