10 DC Absolute Universe Characters That Are Way Better Than the Originals

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DC Comics‘ new Absolute Universe has gotten off to an incredible start. With titles like Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman bringing incredible action and dynamic artwork, Absolute Superman delving into the emotional turmoil associated with being a Man of Steel, and the three newest books, Absolute Flash, Absolute Martian Manhunter, and Absolute Green Lantern all getting off to an exciting start, the new universe has been a real treat for fans.

Many of the most iconic characters in DC Comics history have already appeared in some fashion in this new universe, and there’s no signs that the Absolute books are slowing down. Main characters with new personalities, supporting characters given a total revamp, or throwaway cast members who are finally getting a shot fill out the rosters of each Absolute Universe title. Though the books are still in the early stages, some fans believe that many of the Absolute characters have already surpassed their mainline universe versions.

10

Absolute Black Mask Is More Terrifying Than His Original Counterpart Ever Was

The Brutal New Version of Roman Sionis Leads the Party Animals Gang

The first storyline of the brand-new Absolute Batman book has been taking readers by storm every month, and a large part of that is due to the new iteration of the villainous Black Mask. Originally created in Batman #386 in 1985, Black Mask was a minor threat to the Dark Knight, and though he led a group called the False Face Society, he didn’t have the same pull that his Absolute counterpart does.

The Absolute Black Mask is a brutal, intimidating force of nature in this universe’s Gotham City, and his showdown with Batman over the course of the first few issues was a perfect way for writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Dragotta to introduce this brand-new world of Batman lore. This new version of Black Mask is a genuine force to be reckoned with, even for a Batman as physical domineering as the Absolute Universe’s.

9

Absolute Peacemaker Is Shaping Up to Be Even More ComplexTthan Ever Before

Christopher Smith’s Absolute Counterpart Is a Mentally Damaged Member of Lazarus Corp

The pages of Absolute Superman have featured some of the new universe’s most shocking moments so far, and writer Jason Aaron doesn’t seem to be slowing down on the bold new direction for the last son of Krypton. Though some of the best moments in the Absolute Universe come from the Krypton side of Absolute Superman‘s story so far, the events taking place on Earth in the modern day are shaping into something truly special.

Lazarus Corp, an extremely powerful entity determined to hunt Superman to the ends of the earth, employs a terrifying army of Peacemakers, men and women dressed in attire strikingly similar to the original DC Universe’s costume for Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker. Among the ranks is a new version of Smith himself, and his actions in the book so far have proven that this version of the character may be even more engaging than his mainline counterpart. Deranged, emotionally complex, and set on a path that could make him one of the best characters in the entire Absolute Universe, Peacemaker has surpassed his original in almost every way already.

8

Absolute Circe Is a Complex Maternal Figure for Wonder Woman

Circe Is Diana’s Mother Rather Than Her Longtime Foe In the New Absolute Universe

Absolute Wonder Woman has perhaps been the most consistently excellent title in the entire Absolute lineup, and that is in no small part due to the incredible characterization of Wonder Woman herself. Filled with empathy, grace, and compassion in spite of a world of terrors and pain, this version of Diana is nothing short of amazing, and that is due in large part to her relationship with her adopted mother, Circe.

Circe’s mainline universe counterpart is typically a villain of Wonder Woman and the Amazons of Paradise Island, but this version is a quieter, gentler witch who lives in the Isle of Hell and is tasked with taking care of a young Diana as she grows into the woman she is destined to become. The wonderfully complex new version of Circe has already surpassed the original villain version, and her supporting role in Absolute Wonder Woman is sure to only grow.

7

Absolute Waylon Jones Is So Much More Than Killer Croc

The New Version of The Longtime Bat-Foe Is One of Bruce Wayne’s Closest Friends

The mainline Killer Croc is one of Batman’s most interesting enemies, and he has existed in the canon of the Batfamily’s rogues gallery for decades. One of the best Batman villains with actual superpowers, Killer Croc has been a constant pain in the side of the Dark Knight for years, but it feels like his actual characterization has left a lot to be desired for fans.

Killer Croc has always been a very cool addition to Batman’s mythos, but fans have rarely gotten a chance to see what makes him tick. The Absolute Universe’s version, on the other hand, seems to be sending the human Waylon Jones down a much more emotionally rich and compelling path. Though he still only exists in a supporting role alongside Bruce Wayne, this new Jones is shaping up to be so much more than a super-powered brute.

6

Absolute Steve Trevor Has Given Wonder Woman Outlet for Her Love

The Military Man That Diana Saves From Certain Death Is Even Better In the Absolute Universe

Steve Trevor is one of the most important characters in Wonder Woman’s history, and his constant placement in her supporting roster of characters is a testament to his long-lasting appeal, having even featured heavily in both live-action Wonder Woman films starring Gal Gadot. The Absolute Universe makes key changes to the character and makes him even more compelling in the process.

Instead of crash-landing on Paradise Island, the Absolute Universe’s Steve Trevor finds himself stranded in the Isle of Hell alongside Circe and Diana, and he becomes very close to the mother and daughter. Eventually, Diana sacrifices her own arm to conjure a spell to send Trevor home, and this leaves him indebted him to her forever. More three-dimensional than his mainline counterpart after only a few issues, the Absolute Steve Trevor is heading down a path towards surpassing his original version.

5

The Absolute Versions of Everyone on Krypton Surpass Their Originals

The Origins of Absolute Superman’s Homeworld Are the Darkest Stories in the Absolute Universe So Far

Absolute Superman has slowly revealed Kal-El’s journey from a young boy alongside his parents on Krypton, living a normal life full of love and family, to being alone and resentful on Earth, assisting people whenever and wherever he can. The new iteration of Krypton has been one of the strongest aspects of the Absolute Universe so far, and every supporting character from the planet has been an improvement on what came before.

Jor-El and Lara-El are the standouts among a group of engaging and interesting new Kryptonians, and their relationship to each other and to their son, Kal, has been the driving force of the tragic new Absolute Superman book. Where the mainline versions of these characters were mainly tools to get baby Superman sent to Earth, these versions bring out genuine empathy and sadness in the reader, something often missing from Krypton origin stories.

4

Absolute Martha Wayne Is a Living Reminder of Who Batman Is

Bruce Wayne’s Mother Is Still Alive and Supporting Him In the Absolute Universe

Even casual fans of the Batman mythos are deeply familiar with the events that led Bruce Wayne to take on the mantle of the Bat: his parents were both brutally murdered in front of his eyes as a child. However, the Absolute Universe has taken Bruce’s origin in a new direction. Instead of both parents dying, only his father, Thomas, was killed when he was a boy.

Now an adult focused on his war against crime, Bruce Wayne is still able to turn to the warm comfort of his mother, Martha. In the mainline universe, Martha is rarely given the chance to actually grow or evolve as a character, as her main use in stories is to die, but the Absolute Universe’s Martha Wayne has already become a compelling character in her own right, and it’s better than anything done with the character before.

3

Absolute Batman Is the Definitive Dark Knight

The All-New Batman Is a Striking New Vision for Crimefighting in Gotham City

Fans have already become enraptured with the new versions of the mainline DC heroes in this brand-new Absolute Universe, and one has commonly been cited as the best example: Bruce Wayne, aka Batman. Although many fans would argue that this new Batman has not yet surpassed the original, the Absolute Batman series is still young, and it seems primed to easily overtake the original.

This brutal new version of the Dark Knight is everything that the mainline version should be, from his dedication, brilliance, and emotional turmoil, to his anger, resentment, and loneliness. Modern Batman stories have lost some of these edges in the mainline universe, as Batman is so often surrounded by supporting characters who help him out of his stupors, but this Absolute Universe version is operating without a safety net, and he’s all the better for it.

2

Absolute Martian Manhunter Has Entranced Fans With Only One Issue

The Bold New Take on Martian Manhunter Has Already Become a Definitive Interpretation

Absolute Martian Manhunter has only had the chance to release a single issue so far, but it might very well be the best single issue of any Absolute title to premiere. Writer Deniz Camp and artist Javier Rodriguez craft an engaging new spin on John Jones and his alien alternate identity, making the hero not even really a Martian at all, but an alien entity using a human being’s understanding of what an alien is to blend in.

The bold new direction for Martian Manhunter has already become a fan-favorite, and the ways in which Martian Manhunter’s powers and weaknesses have been showcased in just a single issue is nothing short of staggering. There are plenty of excellent Martian Manhunter stories, but Absolute Martian Manhunter is primed to become the very best.

1

Absolute Wonder Woman Is the Ultimate Protector

The Absolute Version of Diana Is the Most Thoughtful Portrayal In Years

Wonder Woman is an icon. She is one of the most recognizable figures in comic book history, as well as in pop culture generally. Despite this fact, Wonder Woman is so often sidelined in order to prioritize her male counterparts, Batman and Superman. While both characters have received countless adaptations in live-action, animation, and video games, Wonder Woman has barely received anything comparable.

Absolute Wonder Woman has once again put Diana at the forefront of the DC Universe’s heroes, and despite the mainline Universe’s recent takes on the hero being somewhat controversial with fans, this bold new era for Diana has shown that she is more than worthy of the same levels of attention that the other heroes of the DC Universe get. Her compassion, wisdom, and empathy make her the ultimate hero, and the Absolute version is arguably a better version of this than the original has been for years.

“}]] The new Absolute Universe has introduced fans to tons of iconic new versions of classic DC characters, and they may even be better than the originals.  Read More