Absolute Hit Or Miss (My Ranking of the DC Absolute Titles)

cambenson359
Aug 18
4 min read

Updated: Aug 22

I have always been a fan of comics and graphic novels, especially ones featuring superheroes. I recently got back into comics after the Superman movie and have gotten into the new DC Absolute Universe where they have put new spins on their trademark heroes. I have seen all sorts of lists and rankings all over Tiktok and Instagram, so now I want to make my own here at the Nest.

This ranking was a little difficult as I read a mix of the trade paperbacks and digital issues on DC Universe Infinite so I will show where I got to with each series.

Absolute Superman: Read Issues 1-6
Absolute Batman: Read Issues 1-6
Absolute Wonder Woman: Read Issues 1-7
Absolute Green Lantern: Read Issues 1-4
Absolute Flash: Read Issues 1-5
Absolute Martian Manhunter: Read Issues 1-5

This ranking will also contain my thoughts on the series so far, so consider this a spoiler warning for comics fans.

The DC Trinity in the new Absolute Universe

1. Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson

So, I wanted to start with my favorite, and I think it was the most successful twist on a well-known character. Here Wonder Woman is the last of the Amazons and she is raised in hell by the sorceress Circe. This was such a cool twist especially to me as I have always had an interest in Greek mythology, thank you Rick Riordan. I also loved the amount of content I got in the trade, two whole stories to really get a feel for this new version of Diana. I am excited to continue this series especially because the covers for the next couple issues hint at her entering the labyrinth.

2. Absolute Superman by Jason Aaron

So I wasn't sure initially that I was going to read this one at all since I am also reading the current Superman run in the main universe by Joshua Williamson. I wanted to keep my Superman stories straight, but this one really surprised me. Having him come to Earth as a teenager really worked and I liked seeing him actually get a chance to grow up on Krypton. Plus after seeing the Superman movie, I loved getting to see Krypto more on the page. I think what stood out to me was his new suit and that its like a bio-organic material is insanely cool. His cape was also amazing, the fact that it was comprised of remnants of Krypton was such a neat detail. Can't wait to continue this series, although I think I will be reading this series online moving forward.

3. Absolute Green Lantern by Al Ewing

So in many rankings that I have seen, this is always toward the bottom and I did not understand why. Now I will preface that I knew very little about this series going in and was hesitant to because I did not know much about Jo Mullein, the lantern who was leading the title. I was pleasantly surprised when I read this though. I felt like the initial dome scene across the first three issues felt like watching a horror movie and it was building to something great. Now as of right now this is the series with the fewest issues out, at least that I read. So it is this high based on the anticipation that the payoff will be great.

4. Absolute Flash by Jeff Lemire

So, again to preface I have not read a solo Flash comic before. I have been a fan of Wally seeing him on the Titans team and during the Young Justice show so I am glad that he is the Flash in the spotlight here. I loved the revamping of the "origin story" as Wally works to figure out his new powers. I also feel like I really related to Wally in terms of those feelings of loneliness when growing up. I am excited to see where this goes but much like Superman, I think I'll stick to reading online for this one.

5. Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder

Ok I feel like I might get some flack for putting the Dark Knight this low but I feel like the twist failed here because it was answered so easily. Like yes Batman can still kick butt without his wealth, I feel like that got answered within the first four issues. Also I was confused why his rogues gallery is split up, like why is he still fighting Black Mask if he has Killer Croc, Penguin, Catwoman, and Riddler as allies. If i do decide to continue this series it will definitely be online.

6. Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp

Ok ok yes, the art is amazing but I am more focused on the story here. Yes it was a cool possession moment but I feel like the big reveal at the end of Issue 5 did not payoff. Plus its not building to anything, at least at the moment, at least the other five titles above this one are building to the Crossover event.