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DC’s Absolute Universe gives Batman and Superman different starting conditions without replacing their familiar counterparts. Absolute Bruce Wayne grows up in Gotham’s Crime Alley without the wealth, mansion or butler associated with core Batman; Absolute Superman grows up on Krypton before coming to Earth. The two versions belong to a parallel setting that coexists with DC’s core All In universe.
What is DC’s Absolute Universe?
The Absolute Universe is a separate setting introduced as part of DC’s All In publishing initiative. DC says it coexists with the core All In universe; it is not a replacement for the familiar continuity. The heroes retain broad elements of their origins, but their resources, circumstances and challenges differ. DC connected the two settings to the events of DC All In Special #1 and a prophecy centered on Darkseid. DC’s October 2024 preview describes the relationship and the new line’s premise.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo (Absolute Universe) | $16.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Batman Vol. 1: Daylight | $18.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Absolute Batman Vol. 2: Abomination (Absolute Universe) | $18.63 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Batman: The Court of Owls Saga: DC Compact Comics Edition | $8.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Batman: Year One | $10.48 | Buy on Amazon |
The first Absolute ongoing series introduced new versions of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The launch announcements focus on these heroes’ altered starting points, rather than suggesting they are the only characters or stories in the setting.
How is Absolute Batman different from core Batman?
The biggest change is Bruce Wayne’s social position. DC’s August 22, 2024 announcement says Absolute Batman “doesn’t have the money, mansion, or butler of his core-line counterpart.” The announcement frames the contrast as a premise for a Batman who must confront Gotham without the familiar advantages of the wealthy Wayne heir.
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A Bruce shaped by Crime Alley
Writer Scott Snyder says this Bruce grew up in Crime Alley, giving him a different relationship to Gotham and its problems. Snyder described the concept as changing how Bruce’s family circumstances shape him: “If I could really change the mythology, if I could have Batman grow up in a way where his family never had the money, and how he’s formed happens differently in this…” The remark explains the creative idea; it is not a guarantee about every later plot development.
An engineer and problem-solver
DC and Snyder describe Absolute Bruce as an engineer who tries to fix problems in the city. The character is oriented toward chaos and anarchy rather than the order associated with core Batman, and Snyder has characterized the creative goal as having Batman “punch up.” These are framing choices for this version, not claims that the core Batman lacks concern for Gotham’s problems.
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Alfred’s changed role
Alfred is also reimagined: in the Absolute premise, he is a grizzled former MI6 agent and mercenary, rather than simply occupying the familiar butler role. That change sits alongside Bruce’s lack of a mansion and inherited wealth, but does not make the two characters’ relationship identical to their core-continuity one.
Did Absolute Superman grow up on Krypton?
Yes. Absolute Superman remains the last son of Krypton, but DC says this version grew up on Krypton before coming to Earth. That makes his formative upbringing different from the familiar version’s while preserving his Kryptonian identity. DC’s November 18, 2024 announcement specifies the Krypton upbringing.
DC’s October preview put the change in context: “Aaron and Sandoval’s Superman is still the last son of Krypton, but it remains to be seen if he can be the same symbol of hope and optimism in this strange new world.” The question of how he functions as a symbol of hope is an open story question in that announcement, not an established conclusion about the character.
How the two versions compare
| Point of comparison | Core versions | Absolute versions |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Wayne’s resources | Core Batman is associated with the Wayne wealth, mansion and butler, as contrasted in DC’s August 22, 2024 announcement. | DC says Absolute Batman lacks the money, mansion and butler associated with his core counterpart. |
| Bruce’s background | The cited launch material contrasts Absolute Bruce with the core portrayal but does not detail the core version’s full upbringing. | Snyder says this Bruce grew up in Crime Alley; DC describes him as an engineer and problem-solver. |
| Superman’s upbringing | The cited launch material does not provide a full account of the core version’s childhood. | DC says he grew up on Krypton before coming to Earth and remains the last son of Krypton. |
| Setting | The core All In universe continues alongside the Absolute setting. | A coexisting setting in which heroes face different resources and challenges, according to DC. |
Where should you start reading Absolute DC?
Choose the launch issue for the character you want to follow. The comics were announced with these dates and creative teams:
| Comic | Launch date | Writer and artist |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Batman #1 | October 9, 2024 | Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta |
| Absolute Superman #1 | November 6, 2024 | Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval |
DC’s Absolute Batman and Absolute Superman collection pages list the launch issues and dates. Digital access and catalog availability can vary by location. Readers who prefer a collected edition can look for Absolute Superman Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton, listed by DC with a publication date of August 19, 2025: DC’s volume page. For single issues, DC directs readers to participating comic shops; check the edition, format and current availability with the seller.
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The launch premises establish the main points of difference: Bruce’s lack of familiar wealth and support, his Crime Alley background and engineering role, and Superman’s upbringing on Krypton. They also establish that the Absolute and core All In settings coexist. They do not, by themselves, settle every later development in either character’s origin or the direction of future story arcs.
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DC called Absolute Batman #1 “2024’s bestselling comic book” in its November 18, 2024 announcement and noted that the issue had multiple additional printings. That is DC’s attributed claim; the announcement does not provide a sales total or an independent audit, and it applies to that issue—not to the Absolute line as a whole. DC’s announcement includes the claim.
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