Absolute Batman heads up the first wave of a new Ultimates-style universe as part of DC’s All In comic book line refresh
The Absolute Universe recasts DC’s core heroes as “underdogs”
Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in the DC Comics universe! We’re just a week away from this year’s San Diego Comic Con, and DC has just dropped one of the biggest comics bombshells of the year – one that’s been buzzing around for a while now. Spearheaded by acclaimed writers Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, DC is launching All In, a groundbreaking initiative that promises to shake up both the regular DC comics landscape and introduce a brand-new Absolute comics line featuring revamped versions of the publisher’s most iconic characters.
In a captivating 10-minute video presentation on YouTube, Snyder and Williamson unveiled their ambitious plans, which kick off in October with the highly anticipated DC All In Special one-shot. Buckle up, comic book fans, because this is a journey you won’t want to miss!
DC All In Special #1
This 64-page one-shot is presented as a mind-bending flipbook that can be read in either direction, offering two distinct and exciting stories about Superman and Darkseid. The special is a collaborative effort, with Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson sharing writing duties, and the art brought to life by the talented Daniel Sampere and Deadly Class co-creator Wes Craig. It’s a unique and immersive experience that promises to leave readers wanting more!
Crucially, the special serves as the launching pad for two distinct ongoing publishing strands. The Superman tale, beautifully illustrated by Sampere, unfolds within the regular DC universe, picking up the threads of the ongoing Absolute Power event and presenting the story from the Man of Steel’s perspective. While all of DC’s monthly comics will embark on new arcs, and some will see new creative teams at the helm, Snyder and Williamson were quick to emphasize that this is not a reboot or a retcon – it’s an evolution!
The second half of the one-shot takes us on a thrilling journey through the eyes of the formidable Darkseid. This is where things truly heat up, as Snyder and Williamson introduce a captivating new twist to the character’s narrative.
“This special reintroduces Darkseid as who he should be: the greatest villain in the DCU,” Snyder enthused, explaining that during the Absolute Power event, Darkseid makes a groundbreaking discovery that he’s determined to exploit. “He senses something in a special moment during Absolute Power that…sets him off on a quest that’s gonna bring him into direct conflict with this new Justice League that Superman is setting up, this more robust Justice League. And the collision between those two forces will reshape the DC cosmology in a brand new way, in a radical way, in a way that we’re really excited about.”
There’s a lot to unpack here, including the exciting revelation that the disbanded Justice League will be making a triumphant return. Snyder then went on to tease the creation of, “A new DC Universe, where we’ve invited in some of the biggest names in comics, and some rising stars, to reinvent the characters in personal, passionate, and daring new ways, all in one shared space, and as part of a bigger story that we’ll be telling over the course of the next few years.”
DC’s Absolute Universe
Following the groundbreaking All-In one-shot, a trio of exciting new comics will launch, featuring the Absolute Universe versions of DC’s trinity, now presented as underdog characters. This new reality is “founded on Darkseid energy,” explains Snyder. “In this universe, the heroes come up in ways that make them underdogs. They have a lot less of the comforts and things they have in the main universe. Without spoiling things in each of the books, they have to be tougher, they have to be more resourceful, and they gotta shine brighter.”
The first new book in this exciting new universe will be Absolute Batman #1, arriving on October 9th, and bringing together the creative talents of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta. This gritty and compelling story will center on a version of Bruce Wayne who has been stripped of his wealth, his loyal Alfred, and his iconic Wayne Manor. He’s a Batman forced to operate from the shadows, relying on his wits and his unwavering determination to fight for justice in a world that seems to have abandoned him.
Following closely behind will be Absolute Wonder Woman #1, written by Kelly Thompson and brought to life by artist Hayden Sherman, on October 23rd. This captivating new take on Diana will see her stripped of her idyllic island paradise, her strong sisterhood, and her mission of peace. This Wonder Woman is a warrior who has been thrown into a brutal and unforgiving world, and her journey promises to be full of challenges, surprises, and ultimately, triumph.
Finally, for now, we have the highly anticipated Absolute Superman, arriving on November 6th, and placing veteran writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval at the helm. This version of Kal-El has been robbed of his home, his family, and his iconic Fortress of Solitude. It’s a Superman forced to confront a world that has turned its back on him, and his struggle for survival will resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.
Snyder described the Absolute versions of the characters as “more badass,” stating that, “We’ve invited in a lot of people who want to embrace that spirit, and they’re gonna blow you away with the takes they’ve created for these characters. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and on and on. We can’t wait for you to see what we came up with.”
So, get ready for a thrilling new chapter in the DC universe, as these iconic heroes are pushed to their limits and forced to confront their deepest fears. The Absolute Universe promises to be a daring and innovative reimagining of DC’s most beloved characters, and one that will leave a lasting impact on the comics landscape. We’re promised more Absolute Universe news to come at SDCC, so keep your eyes peeled for more updates.
Scott Snyder sums up the news perfectly in the video when he says, “This is not a retcon or a reboot or something like that. It’s a celebration and an expansion of the great storytelling that’s been happening at DC. What it is is an invitation to jump in.”
DC All In Special #1 hits shelves on October 2nd, with Absolute Batman following on October 9th, Absolute Wonder Woman on October 23rd, and Absolute Superman on November 6th. Don’t miss out on this exciting new chapter in the DC universe!
Find out more about writer Mark Waid’s plans for Absolute Power in our in-depth interview.
Will Salmon is the Comics Editor for GamesRadar/Newsarama. He has been writing about comics, film, TV, and music for over 15 years, which is quite a long time if you stop and think about it. At Future he has previously launched scary movie magazine Horrorville, relaunched Comic Heroes, and has written for every issue of SFX magazine for over a decade. He sometimes feels very old, like Guy Pearce in Prometheus. His music writing has appeared in The Quietus, MOJO, Electronic Sound, Clash, and loads of other places and he runs the micro-label Modern Aviation, which puts out experimental music on cassette tape.
What is the Absolute Universe in DC’s All In comic book line refresh?
The Absolute Universe recasts DC’s core heroes as “underdogs” in a new Ultimates-style universe.
What is the DC All In Special #1 and what can readers expect from it?
The DC All In Special #1 is a 64-page one-shot presented as a mind-bending flipbook with two distinct stories about Superman and Darkseid, written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, and illustrated by Daniel Sampere and Wes Craig.
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Is the launch of the All In initiative by DC a reboot or a retcon?
No, the launch of the All In initiative by DC is not a reboot or a retcon; it is described as an evolution of the regular DC comics landscape.
Who are the writers and artists behind the DC All In Special #1?
The DC All In Special #1 is written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, with art by Daniel Sampere and Wes Craig.
