DC Comics’ Absolute titles are reimagined and radical new takes on their most popular heroes, and have genuinely got me excited about reading comics again. The set-up is fascinating: The characters of the Absolute universe are at a disadvantage, because this world bends towards darkness and evil.
Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman were the first wave of titles, featuring exceptional stories and fantastic art. The next three — Green Lantern, The Flash and Martian Manhunter — are amazing as well.
Absolute Green Lantern diverges wildly from the mainline title. In the first volume, Without Fear, there is no Green Lantern Corps. Instead, there is an alien who has trapped the small town of Evergreen inside an impenetrable green barrier. After the alien begins passing judgement and disappearing the people of Evergreen, Jo Mullein and Hal Jordan confront it and are greatly changed by the encounter (and not in a good way). Writer Al Ewing sets up engrossing mysteries that really draw you in.
Absolute Flash, on the other hand, is not a massive departure from the usual DC character mythos. In Of Two Worlds, Wally West is given powers after interrupting a science experiment at the military base in which he lives. Though the nature of his powers aren’t clear, he appears to have super speed and may be unmoored from time. A group of soldiers, the Rogues, are tasked with tracking him down. The art by Nick Robles is vibrant, and it captures Wally’s youth well.
The best title of the three is definitely Absolute Martian Manhunter. Martian Manhunter is probably the least well-known character to get the Absolute treatment, and writer Deniz Camp, along with artist Javier Rodriguez, take advantage of that to create a truly trippy experience. After FBI Agent John Jones’ brain is infected by an alien being known as the Martian, the two reach an uneasy understanding. It’s good that they do, because the powers they’re up against can warp reality and minds.
The second Absolute volumes of DC’s three main heroes are now available as well. I read both Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman Volume 2, and they continue to excel; the latter, in my opinion, is the finest comic book currently published. You can find all of these and many more at the library!
Brad Visser is a librarian at the Iowa City Public Library. He likes listening to books and is partial to sci-fi and fantasy. This article was originally published in Little Village’s April 2026 issue.
