NYCC 2024: DC Teases An Exciting New Era With The ‘Absolute Universe’
by Tito W. James
One highlight of New York Comic Con is to see how the superhero genre has evolved over the years. DC Comics new Absolute Universe promises new creative teams and unique twists on classic characters.
During the DC panel at NYCC, Jason Aaron promised big things in Absolute Superman, where we got a look at the Kryptonian fighting a squad of Peacemakers. It’s worth noting that Aaron only refers to the Absolute Superman as Superman and never Clark. Seeing as this version of the character didn’t grow up on the Kent farm he may identify more with his Kryptonian heritage.
The book that really stole the show was Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman. The book features the Last Amazon riding a black, Heavy Metal-like Pegasus and slicing through monsters. The story has more in common with Berserk than a traditional superhero story and I’m all for it!
We got our first look at the Absolute versions of the Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Written by Jeff Lemire, Absolute Flash will focus on a teenage version of Wally West and feature high tech versions of the Rogues, including Captain Cold. The Absolute Green Lantern will lean into cosmic horror. In this story, the Green Lantern is like a gigantic space obelisk that crushes a whole city. Hal Jordan and John Stewart will be present, but the Green Lantern Corps doesn’t exist yet. Additionally, we got a look at a very different version of Martian Manhunter written by Deniz Camp. This take looks and feels more like a Vertigo comic with detective John Jones sharing a mind with an interdimensional alien intelligence.