ComicsDc ComicsAbsolute Batman heads up the first wave of a new Ultimates-style universe as part of DC’s All In comic book line refreshWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ComicsDc ComicsAbsolute Batman heads up the first wave of a new Ultimates-style universe as part of DC’s All In comic book line refreshWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
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In a10-minute video presentation on Youtube, Snyder and Williamson outlined their plans, which start in October with the DC All In Special one-shot.
DC All In Special #1
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The other half of the one-shot is being told from the POV of the villainous Darkseid, and this is where things get really interesting…
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“This special reintroduces Darkseid as who he should be: the greatest villain in the DCU,” said Snyder, explaining that during the Absolute Power event Darkseid makes a discovery that he is able 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.”
Lots to unpick there, including the not unexpected revelation that the Justice League (currently disbanded) will be making a return. Snyder then goes onto say that these events will lead to 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.”
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So yes, the regular DC books will continue in the same continuity with no reboot, but the new Absolute Universe strand will allow creators to take some risks with the publisher’s most famous characters, starting of course with Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman.
DC’s Absolute Universe
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Following the All-In one-shot a new trio of comics will launch based on 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.”
Finally – for now – recent Action Comics writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval will be the team behind the new Absolute Superman, which sees Kal-El stripped of his home, family, and Fortress of Solitude.
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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. Big changes ahead for DC, but exciting ones. We’re promised more Absolute Universe news to come at SDCC. Scott Snyder sums up the news 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 is published on October 2, with Absolute Batman following on October 9, Absolute Wonder Woman on October 23 and Absolute Superman on November 6.
Find out more about writer Mark Waid’s plans for Absolute Powerin our in-depth interview.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
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3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
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Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”