DC Isn’t Going Far Enough With Their Absolute Universe

The publisher has experienced unprecedented success with the Absolute series, especially in recent years. Initially, many comic book enthusiasts were skeptical about the popularity of titles like Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, and Absolute Wonder Woman. However, instead of waning, as was often the case with Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe, the Absolute line has continued to gain traction. Now boasting six titles – including Absolute Martian Manhunter, Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, Absolute Green Arrow, and an upcoming crossover titled “Absolute Evil” – the series’ popularity shows no signs of cooling off.

The main reason for this success can be attributed to fans’ curiosity about this universe and its differences from the primary DC Comics universe. While the books have provided a wealth of information, some fans feel that they could delve even deeper into the intricacies of this alternate world.

The Absolute series of books have been praised for their brilliance, particularly for the transformative changes made to characters and their worlds. These books breathe new life into familiar characters with well-known histories, subtly altering them to produce captivating narratives. Readers have been intrigued by the Absolute DC characters, but at times, the stories can feel a bit too similar or could venture into more adventurous plotlines. The Absolute DC Universe possesses tremendous potential and can fully realize it by acknowledging and embracing its unique differences.

Absolute DC Need to Take the Wildness of DC and Run With It

One compelling concept created by DC is the Absolute DC Universe, deeply rooted in the cosmic lore of the DC Multiverse. This multiverse is characterized by two primary forces – hope energy, commonly referred to as “Superman’s energy” due to his role as the first hero and the foundation of DC, and doom energy, associated with Darkseid, who embodies destruction and was created by Jack Kirby as an icon of ultimate evil.

Darkseid seized the power of The Spectre and initiated a ritual aimed at gaining control over Alpha Earth, a malleable planet that he can shape according to his desires. In the Absolute Universe, Darkseid is worshipped as a deity, ruling over a society rife with wickedness. This setup provides a fascinating backdrop, and so far, creators have used it in captivating ways. However, there remains tremendous potential for further exploration within the Absolute Universe. To truly unlock its full potential, one might suggest pushing boundaries to their limit.

One aspect I greatly appreciate about the DC Multiverse is its capacity for extraordinary narratives. Essentially, it revolves around Superman’s strength and hope, ensuring the good triumphs. Contrastingly, The Absolute Universe is intended to be the inverse, and it’s crucial that creators remember this distinction. While we root for our heroes in their struggles, I believe a more authentic representation would involve the villains emerging victorious more often.

Admittedly, it’s exhilarating to witness Superman clash with Lazarus, championing the underdog, and eventually emerge triumphant. However, if Superman were to lose, say against Darkseid, it would align better with an Earth dominated by him. Heroes should experience defeat, stumble, and even lose things. Imagine if Lois Lane met a tragic end? Such a dramatic shift would resonate with the bleak atmosphere that Darkseid’s influence would create.

For instance, in ‘Absolute Martian Manhunter’, it could be intriguing if the White Martian emerged victorious, leaving John Jones and the Martians to seek revenge for Middleton’s people. They’d save the world from the White Martian, but at a devastating cost.

The Absolute comics have indeed explored unique character dynamics, offering an enjoyable read. However, to truly captivate readers and demonstrate that complacency is not an option, the stakes need to rise significantly. It would be compelling if the Justice League formed, only to be thwarted by this universe’s equivalent of the Legion of Doom in their initial confrontation. This would underscore that outcomes are unpredictable in the Absolute comics, offering a refreshing twist.

The Absolute Universe Needs to Up the Stakes on the Heroes

I’ve found myself deeply enjoying the Absolute series so far. As a DC comics aficionado, I must say these books have rekindled a sense of freshness that I hadn’t felt for quite some time. This novelty is part of what makes the Absolute series so popular, as they often present unique takes on classic characters. For instance, while titles like “Absolute Batman” aren’t drastically different from their mainline counterparts, collections such as “Absolute Green Lantern” offer a completely fresh reading experience compared to any Green Lantern book in decades. It’s high time we explore even more innovative approaches with these series.

To ensure DC continues captivating its audience, it’s crucial they avoid repeating the same storyline patterns from past decades. The DC universe thrives on tragedy and the unexpected. If heroes consistently triumph, it may feel unauthentic. Embracing the darker aspects of the universe could provide more suspense and intrigue for readers. So, DC creators might want to consider leaning into the universe’s inherent darkness to maintain reader interest.

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2025-09-02 14:10