One of the biggest hurdles to getting into comics is catching up with years of continuity–one that DC sought to remedy when it launched its new Absolute Universe imprint, which reimagines several of DC’s most popular characters in wild and startling ways that are disconnected from their previous incarnations. That makes it a great entry point for new readers while giving long-time fans unique takes on DC’s heroes. If you’re interested in checking out the Absolute Universe, trade paperback editions collecting the first issues of the new Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman series are launching in August and available to preorder now at Amazon.
$16 (was $18) | Releases August 5
This trade paperback collects the first six issues of Absolute Batman, which launched this new universe. This incarnation of the Dark Knight relies more on his cunning, intelligence, and skills than ever before. He’s also an absolute unit, packing on more muscle than previous versions of the character.
The series follows Bruce Wayne in the early days of his crusade against crime, but without the vast resources and wealth the original version of the character relies on. In his first storyline, Batman faces off against a sinister reimagining of the Black Mask, who has plunged Gotham into chaos. Absolute Batman Volume 1: The Zoo launches on August 5.
$16 (was $18) | Releases August 12
The second Absolute Universe trade paperback release will be Absolute Wonder Woman on August 16. The series sees everyone’s favorite Amazonian exiled to the underworld as a baby by Apollo and raised by the witch Circe into a powerful magic-wielding warrior. When the chance to reach the surface and reclaim her Amazonian heritage presents itself, Diana doesn’t hesitate to escape Hell and find her place in a strange new world.
This trade collects Absolute Wonder Woman #1-7.
$16 (was $18) | Releases August 19
The third of the new trade paperback releases, Absolute Superman Volume 1, will launch on August 19. Just like Absolute Batman and Wonder Woman, Absolute Super Man makes a massive change to the Kryptonian’s origin story. Instead of crash-landing on Earth when he was a baby, Superman arrives on Earth as an adult interstellar refugee following the destruction of Krypton. Without the guidance of the original Superman’s adoptive human parents, the Kents, This version of Superman also has a different set of powers, and rather than being powered through Earth’s sun, he must continually recharge his strength using a Kryptonian gem. The series is one of the boldest changes to its titular hero, and explores whether Superman is really Superman if he was never raised by his adoptive human parents, the Kents.
Beyond DC’s big three, more established characters are being reimagined for the Absolute Universe. Absolute editions of The Flash, Martian Manhunter, and Green Lantern will also debut later this year, offering wild new interpretations of these classic heroes.
For more comic books, you can also head on over to Marvel to check out a new collected edition of its terrifying Alien series, or you can dive into the world of Blade Runner for some cool sci-fi sleuthing.
