For coverage of the DC Vertigo/Black Label panel at NYCC, click here.
The most exciting thing happening at DC Comics right now is by far the Absolute Universe. Fans have been treated to a gritty reimagining of the much-beloved DC Universe where heroes and villains alike are more horrific and more extreme than ever before. The little hope that heroes like Wonder Woman or Superman provide to civilians on Earth is constantly dashed away as newer, bigger and scarier threats continue to rear their ugly heads.
Two years after the initial slate of Absolute titles was released, editors Chris Conroy and Katie Kubert hosted two squads of panelists currently working on Absolute titles to speak about their upcoming issue #25s and what’s waiting in the wings for the Absolute Universe on Friday during New York Comic Con.
The hourlong panel covered every Absolute title possible. It was a ton of material to get through, but Conroy and Kubert navigated it all with time to spare.
Absolute Green Arrow just completed its first story arc, and artist Rafael Albuquerque joined the panel to discuss what’s next for the book. The first arc centered on Dinah Lance, the Black Canary, as she tried to solve the mystery of a series of murders targeting the ultra-wealthy. The next six issues will follow the point of view of the Green Arrow himself, as we learn more about the mysterious killer and what drove him toward his current path.
Fans were treated to a special look at Absolute Cyborg as Nick Robles chatted about the art of Absolute Flash. Absolute Green Lantern writer Al Ewing then revealed a chart (we love a chart!) detailing the state of the Absolute Universe’s emotional spectrum. Writer Che Grayson then spoke about Absolute Catwoman alongside co-writer Scott Snyder, promising a more in-depth look at Selina Kyle as she navigates a life of crime in Gotham City.
Kubert then took over for Conroy as panel moderator to discuss the Absolute Trinity alongside the creators of Absolute Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each of the three books’ issue #25s will be oversized 30-pagers that promise conclusions to ongoing arcs while setting up the future of the line.
Snyder did his best to overcome his Tom Holland-esque reputation for spoilers (though not entirely succeeding) to tell us about this month’s Absolute Batman #25 and what’s to come after. Batman will finally confront Jack Grimm, the Joker, at Grimm Manor after defeating the Scarecrow. Batman and the readers will be treated to an in-depth look at the Joker, who he is and what he wants. Alongside Absolute Batman #25 will be next month’s Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark M, which promises to explore Arks A-L, revealing new characters and key information about the Absolute world and the Joker’s role in shaping it.
Next month’s Absolute Superman #25 will see Kal-El finally confront Brainiac, setting off a series of surprising events that will lead Superman to space in subsequent issues. Writer Jason Aaron stressed to the audience that this version of Superman is still growing into his powers, having only lived beneath Earth’s yellow sun for five years. Kal-El must push himself beyond his limits in his upcoming fight with an utterly ruthless Brainiac.
When Diana of the Wild Isle made her deal with Persephone to be allowed to leave the underworld, she never imagined how that would end up screwing her. Of course, fans are aware that Diana was taken back to her home against her will, but poor Dr. Barbara Minerva is under the impression that she was abandoned by the one person who could help her in her hour of need. In this month’s Absolute Wonder Woman #25, readers will see the result of that built-up resentment as Dr. Minerva confronts Diana as the Cheetah.
Finally, fans were treated to a surprise announcement: Absolute Justice by Aaron and Juan Ferreyra. The five-issue miniseries will center on the formation of the Justice League in the Absolute Universe. The heroes of Earth act as beacons of hope for everyone, but begin to realize that something is rotten at the core of their world. Working together to uncover the reality of their deeply evil setting, the classic Justice League lineup is reimagined for the Absolute Universe, with many of these characters meeting each other for the first time.
Fret not! This mini will not interrupt any of the current Absolute ongoing series but will be a tie-in companion, creators said. Absolute Justice is set to release in April 2027.
