DC's Absolute Universe: Our Definitive Ranking After 18 Months

While Marvel has largely dominated the realms of cinema and television, DC has demonstrated a significant edge in the comic book sphere lately. The entertainment giant recently revitalized its mature-oriented Vertigo imprint and launched a key new Batman series penned by Matt Fraction, which has already achieved immense success. Yet, arguably DC's most notable and successful endeavor recently has been the unveiling of the Absolute Universe, offering fresh, bold takes on many of the brand's most iconic heroes and villains.

The Absolute Universe officially kicked off eighteen months ago with the DC All In Special, released in early October 2024, which linked this new continuity to the old. Since then, it has expanded considerably, featuring a series of unique stories based on key Justice League members. Batman, predictably, led the charge, but we've since seen Absolute Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Green Arrow and Catwoman are also slated to make their debuts in May and June 2026, respectively.

The majority of this Absolute Universe is distributed among the core five Justice League icons, as Martian Manhunter's story is a limited series, much like the upcoming Green Arrow and Catwoman arcs. There has also been an Absolute Evil one-shot focusing on villains and a quick tie-in for Absolute Batman called Ark M Special, demonstrating the already considerable breadth of this universe.

Now that eighteen months have passed, allowing many of these Absolute projects time to settle and develop, I felt it was fitting to rank what's been released so far. I'll specifically focus on the stories of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter, as numerous issues for each are currently available. So, here is my definitive ranking of the Absolute Universe, from worst to best (even if none of these stories are truly bad, someone has to be the 'loser').

6. Absolute Green Lantern

The reason Absolute Green Lantern is relegated to the bottom of this list is simply that its narrative takes a bit too long to find its footing, and it lacks some of the more twisted and bizarre character evolutions found in other Absolute stories. Since the entire nature of the Absolute series is to provide unique and fresh perspectives on established heroes and narratives, the one presented in this Green Lantern story just can't elevate the series above its counterparts. While there is an interesting hook that reinvents the entire power dynamic of the Lantern Corps, it ultimately lacks the punch and the fantastic, monstrous quality found elsewhere, hence Green Lantern's sixth-place finish.

5. Absolute Flash

Much like Green Lantern, Absolute Flash is also a pretty great story but stumbles in much the same way. We find a narrative that (ironically) doesn't quite pick up speed like its competitors and notably lacks the brutal and monstrous contortions of villains found in other series. It's an interesting adventure, but compared to other standout series, Absolute Flash simply can't keep up, at least at this point in its story and development.

4. Absolute Wonder Woman

I have a great deal of fondness for Wonder Woman and adore the character, which is why it pains me to see the Princess of Themyscira placed so low. The reason Absolute Wonder Woman falls into fourth position is simply that this story starts incredibly strong but has since struggled to maintain that level of excitement. The first few issues, which presented Diana as a product of the underworld rather than Olympus before seeing the iconic Amazon warrior tackle the Tetracyde, a beast that would strike fear into any man, were an excellent way to kick off this series. However, since that period, the issues have been of less cataclysmic importance and have served a narrative that doesn't quite have the same issue-by-issue punch as what awaits us higher up the list.

3. Absolute Martian Manhunter

Okay, this is almost a palate cleanser, a refreshing take on the formula we've grown accustomed to in the Absolute series. Absolute Martian Manhunter is by far the most unique of these stories, offering a more artistic and creative narrative that reimagines the hero in a more abstract manner. It's less action-heavy than the others on this list, but it's also the most unusual, a perfect narrative "palate cleanser" in the form of a tight story with significant twists and obscure, bizarre developments. This is comic expression at its finest.

2. Absolute Superman

When I think of the Absolute Universe and how it most effectively twists the DC world, this story and the adventures of the Caped Crusader both stand out. These are altered origin stories, recognizable yet utterly unique, coupled with shattering narrative arcs and bestial villains that make Doomsday seem tiny and insignificant. Absolute Superman is a thrilling, impactful story, packed with heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and groundbreaking battles. It's almost everything you could ask for from a Man of Steel story.

1. Absolute Batman

Unsurprisingly, Absolute Batman lands at the top of this list. No series better embodies the Absolute format than these latest adventures of Bats, which see Gotham's famous protector reimagined as an imposing hulk, driving a bulldozer, wielding an axe, and battling monstrously contorted villains straight out of your nightmares. This series is heartbreaking, violent, terrifying, and cruel. It's carnage. Whether witnessing a seven-foot-tall Batman confront ruthless thugs, a chilling Mister Freeze, survive abyssal tortures, a stadium-sized Bane, or even a Joker most resembling a demon, this story has it all. It is a truly unmissable comic book series.

So, what are your thoughts on the Absolute Universe? How would you rank these six stories, and which Absolute arc is your favorite so far?