News - DC Comics' Absolute Universe Breaks Sales Records

DC Comics' 2024 launch of the Absolute Universe has culminated in a stellar inaugural year, propelling iconic heroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and Flash into fresh narratives that have captivated readers. As of November 2025, the groundbreaking line achieved remarkable success with 8.2 million copies sold. Spearheading this achievement is Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman, which not only reimagines a gritty, robust Bruce Wayne against a redefined Gotham but also contributes largely to the line's triumph by selling approximately 3 million copies—representing 35% of the line’s total sales. Astonishingly, the first issue of Absolute Batman is celebrating its 10th printing. The top five bestsellers of 2025 include Absolute Batman #15, Batman #158 by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee, Batman #1 by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez, the Batman/Deadpool crossover, and DC K.O. #1 by Snyder and Javier Fernandez. Anne DePies, DC’s general manager, attributes this overwhelming success to a strategy that maintains the universe's separate continuity, which provides a balance of tradition and innovation. By inverting core character fundamentals, DC has pleasantly surprised fans with updates that aren't overwhelming, contributing significantly to the line’s success. “It was expected to do well, but this level of success has exceeded our expectations,” stated DePies. Beyond Batman's prowess, other Absolute series are outpacing previous relaunches like 2011's New 52 and 2016’s Rebirth. Although exact figures for all titles weren’t disclosed, the Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez, for instance, is drawing exceptional figures, achieving six-figure orders—a testament to its appeal despite Martian Manhunter not traditionally being a top-tier character. While some books like Martian Manhunter may conclude, the ongoing enthusiasm from both fans and creative teams guarantees the continuity of the Absolute line, suggesting a lasting presence as long as creative zest persists. As these narratives captivate imaginations, now is an opportune moment for readers to immerse themselves in the Absolute Universe. Stay updated with io9 for more insights into upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, future developments in the DC Universe, and everything on the horizon for Doctor Who.