10 Things About DC’s Absolute Universe That Make No Sense

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DC Comics‘ new Absolute Universe has become one of the most popular alternate universes in modern comic book publishing, and fans can’t seem to get enough of the brand-new versions of characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and more. Despite its popularity, however, fans are still a bit confused by some aspects of the Absolute Universe.

There’s so much to love with the new lineup of heroes and their respective series, and the fresh takes on classic characters like Batman and Superman are exciting, but some things just don’t add up. Certain elements of DC’s Absolute Universe have left readers confused, and so far, the comics haven’t done much to clear things up.

10

Batman Still Seems to Have Plenty of Resources Despite Not Being Rich

The Absolute Batman Still Has Hideouts, Gadgets, and aTricked-Out Batmobile

One of the core aspects of the Absolute Universe and its appeal to new readers was the idea that these versions of the classic heroes and villains that fans know and love would be different in major ways. The idea was that the characters would have something taken away from them or changed drastically, and then readers would see how those characters would come about without those aspects.

One of the big changes with Absolute Batman was that this version of Bruce Wayne was not a billionaire and doesn’t have unlimited money and resources. He’s a working class man in Gotham City trying to make his home a better place. The only issue is that it seems like this version of Batman basically has all the same levels of toys and gadgets that his rich counterpart has, and that has confused some readers. A Batmobile, a suit full of custom weapons, and multiple hideouts across the city make it seem like this Batman might as well just still be a billionaire for all the difference it’s made.

9

All the Main Universe’s Green Lanterns Happen to Live In the Same Small Town

Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Jo Mullein, and Guy Gardner All Seem to be Friends

Absolute Green Lantern is the newest addition to the Absolute Universe, and despite the fact that it is only one issue in, fans already have questions. The central mystery and tone of the book so far seem to be quite compelling, and although the first issue seems to mainly be a set-up issue for things to come, there’s still plenty to latch onto for readers.

One thing that many fans pointed out was the odd coincidence of every major human Green Lantern character from the mainline universe just happening to live in the same small town together in this new Absolute Universe. Obviously, some level of cosmic coincidence has to be allowed with comic book storytelling, but it seems odd that the book would make these characters all friends from the get-go instead of allowing them to come together naturally like the original universe.

8

Lois Lane Works for Lazarus Corp

The Hot Shot Reporter Is Relegated to a Military-Like Position In the Absolute Universe

Lois Lane is one of the most important supporting characters in all of fiction, and her connection to Superman is one of the things that makes him so special. Their relationship has stood the test of time, and the two characters together are almost always better than when they are apart. One aspect of Lois’ life that is vital to her character is her life as a journalist and reporter. She has strong moral convictions and a dedication to the truth, but her Absolute counterpart does not.

Although the new universe has shown itself to be willing to turn characters and their core beings on their heads, it’s still surprising to fans to see Lois Lane working with Superman’s greatest enemy, the enigmatic Lazarus Corp. It seems that Lois will have a slow change of heart over the course of the series, but Superman’s greatest ally starting out as a pawn of a fascistic private military group is not something fans were expecting.

7

Wonder Woman Seems to Be Just as Noble and Wise, Despite Being Raised under Vastly Different Circumstances

Absolute Diana Grew Up In Hell Rather Than Paradise, But She’s As Good As Ever

Absolute Wonder Woman is perhaps the most consistent Absolute title so far, and that is in no small part due to the characterization of Wonder Woman herself. She is wise, compassionate, empathetic, and fierce, all the things that her mainline counterpart excels at as well. The bizarre thing that fans are confused about is the fact that both versions of Wonder Woman are so similar in their levels of goodness, despite the Absolute Universe stacking the odds against Diana.

Raised in Hell by the witch Circe, ordinarily one of Wonder Woman’s greatest foes, instead of on Paradise Island, readers expected this version to be darker, more aggressive, and quicker to violence, but instead, this Wonder Woman is as incredible as ever. It’s not really a bad thing that Wonder Woman is so inspiring, but it is odd.

The Head of The Demon Is Being Set Up As An Enemy for the Man of Steel Instead of The Dark Knight

Ra’s al Ghul is one of Batman’s most dangerous enemies in the mainline DC Universe, and he has proven himself a worthy opponent time and time again. Perhaps even Batman’s best villain, fans expected Ra’s al Ghul to pop up eventually in the pages of Absolute Batman. Instead, they were surprised to discover him in Absolute Superman.

Despite his history, Ra’s al Ghul was revealed to be behind the nefarious Lazarus Corp in the final moments of Absolute Superman #6, a fact that has left some fans confused and others disappointed. With Ra’s being such an important foe for Batman, it seems odd that he’d be used in the pages of a Superman book.

5

Batman’s Brutality Would’ve Accidentally Killed Someone By Now

The Absolute Batman’s Savagery In Combat Teeters on Lethal Quite Often

Absolute Batman features some of the most staggering artwork for action sequences in a modern comic book. Artist Nick Dragotta infuses the book with fluidity and dynamism on levels rarely seen. Because Batman apparently has fewer resources, he is forced to resort to more intense measures of crimefighting, and that has confused some fans.

Though the action and fight sequences are incredibly designed, readers are often taken aback by Batman’s brutality. Despite still retaining a “no killing” rule, this Batman is stabbing, slicing, and bashing his way through swaths of enemies. Comic book logic dictates that he apparently isn’t killing anyone, but that’s a tough leap for some readers to make.

4

Wally West Was Strangely Allowed In a Top-Secret Laboratory

The Young Man Who Would Become The Absolute Flash Got His Powers Through Bizarre Means

The first issue of Absolute Flash was incredibly well-received by readers, and it established a bold new direction for the iconic character of the Flash. Though the issue was engaging from start to finish, some readers took issue with the set-up for how the young Wally West got his super-speed powers.

Living on a military base with his father, Wally befriends Barry Allen, a character who, in this universe, is working on a top-secret project involving animals and some sort of scientific speed tests. Despite Wally being a teenager, Barry gives him a guided tour through the base’s most guarded lab, leading to Wally accidentally becoming the Flash. It’s a bit of a stretch, and it took some readers out, even if the issue overall was quite good.

3

Martian Manhunter Is Not Actually a Martian

The Mind-Bending Absolute Take on John Jones Is Going in a Bold New Direction

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is the best debut from the all-new universe yet, and it is promising to only get better from here. With masterful scripting from rising star Deniz Camp, and mind-boggling artwork from Javier Rodriguez, Absolute Martian Manhunter is practically flawless, and it has already become one of Martian Manhunter’s best stories, but one thing is confusing fans.

Though it will hopefully be further explained in later issues, fans are stuck on the idea that the titular Martian Manhunter is not, in fact, actually a Martian at all. Some kind of alien entity that has inhabited human John Jones, “the Martian” simply takes from Jones’ mind and uses the most common name for an alien that exists to humans. It’s a seemingly small change, but the implications for Martian Manhunter’s lore are wide-reaching in this new Absolute Universe.

2

Lazarus Corp Hasn’t Been Mentioned In Any Other Book

The Seemingly Wide-Reaching Corporation Is Entirely Non-Existent In Other Absolute Books So Far

Absolute Superman‘s main antagonist on Earth so far has been the terrifyingly powerful Lazarus Corp, an entity that seems to have far-reaching control over large parts of the globe. However, fans are confused about the fact that, despite being a supposed global powerhouse, Lazarus isn’t mentioned in any other book.

Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman are confirmed to take place within the same universe as Absolute Superman, but there seems to be very little connective tissue when it comes to the world itself. Lazarus Corp seems to be a pretty major player in this world’s global politics and machinations, but the other heroes seem to have no interest in it. Perhaps down the line, the heroes will cross over to battle Lazarus, but until then, it remains a puzzling omission for fans.

1

Darkseid’s Plan for The Absolute Universe Is Flawed

The Terrifying Villain’s Scheme for a New Universe Seems to Have Backfired

The Absolute Universe’s origins were first revealed in the pages of DC All-In Special #1, where readers were introduced to Darkseid’s villainous plot to create a new universe. Similar to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and the plot of the Maker, an evil alternate version of The Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards, the Absolute Universe came about due to Darkseid attempting to create a world free of heroes.

Taking away what he perceived to be the major reasons for the heroes’ existences, Darkseid’s new universe was created from negative energy instead of the mainline universe’s positive energy. What has confused fans, however, is the fact that most of the characters of the Absolute Universe are still fairly similar to their mainline counterparts. Despite having aspects of their characters removed, they turned out basically the same, and that is something that has perplexed readers. Whatever happens moving forward, it seems clear that the Absolute Universe is here to stay, and despite there being some confusion from fans, its future is bright.

“}]] DC’s Absolute Universe has been a huge success with fans so far, but there are still some things about the new universe that don’t make any sense.  Read More