DC All-In, Absolute or Bust?
There’s been a lot of buzz about the new DC Comics Absolute line, with many comparing it to Marvel’s Ultimate line. We’re still two months away from the launch, but based on the news that’s trickled out, I’m seeing a mixed bag. Why? It looks like the same characters that headline the main line of comics—titles I’ve consistently dropped (or never started) over the last two years.
Let’s check out the offerings so far.
Absolute Batman by Scott Snyder with art by Nick Dragotta is getting the most attention. The story features a buff Bruce Wayne who isn’t rich, has no mansion, and no Alfred the Butler. He’s a mechanic and essentially a nobody. The preview art looks very good, but ultimately the key will be the story. Absolute Batman hits on Oct. 9.
Absolute Superman features the creative team of Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval. This Superman has no family, no Fortress, and no home, and apparently has more connection to Krypton than the Kal-El who was launched as a baby from his homeworld. Absolute Superman #1 is out Nov. 6.
And finally, Absolute Wonder Woman has lined up Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman. Diana has no island, no sisterhood, and is not on a mission of peace. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 is out Oct. 23.
At San Diego Comic-Con, DC revealed Absolute Flash by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles, and Absolute Green Lantern with Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay are planned. Flash is described as a tormented hero, while the Green Lantern book features Jo Mullein and other lanterns in a first contact situation.
While there is enough “new” with these previews to pique my interest (I’ll certainly pick up the first issues), will there be enough to bring me back for more? The art for Superman is great, sexy even. But other than the “S,” how will this story be any different than a super-powered hero that I could write myself? When layers are stripped away, when is it only Superman in name only?
Unlike the 2011 New 52 reboot, I’m not seeing the excitement around the relaunch. In fact, this feels more like ongoing comics versions of the “Earth One” hardcover titles that DC dropped every few years with top talent and varying quality.
In addition to the Absolute Universe, DC’s also using this “All-In” event, a follow-up to their current “Absolute Power” event, to bring readers back with new storylines and jumping-on points. And this is another part of the reason I’ve dialed back my DC pickups. DC keeps doubling down on more of the same—pushing the same characters, similar storylines, and shelving fan-favorite characters that don’t fit into their non-comics media plans.
I would have preferred a line-wide reboot and not a trickle of releases, or at the very least a more equal split between main line and Absolute titles. While more books for 2025 are expected to be announced over the next few months, I’m not at all interested in the same old characters from the main line getting their own books in the Absolute line. Here’s hoping that DC creative brings us some of the excitement last seen in 2011. I’m not counting on it though.
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