DC's Absolute Universe Reveals a Justice League Like You've Never Seen Before
Warner Bros. Animation
DC's Absolute Universe has done something remarkable by keeping its heroes deliberately isolated from each other, which is a big reason why every series feels so distinct and why the Absolute publishing line has become such a hit with fans and critics alike. But even though these stories unfold mostly separately, they share the same universe, so it was inevitable that the worlds—and characters—would eventually collide.
This December, the first crossover event is set to occur with "Absolute Batman" teaming up with "Absolute Wonder Woman" for a gripping two-part storyline. This thrilling partnership between Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince might just be the opening salvo for what could become the Absolute Justice League down the road. While the heroes might eventually unite their strengths, the name "Justice League" is currently occupied in this universe—but by whom will surprise you.
The latest one-shot, "Absolute Evil" #1, written by Al Ewing with artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli, turns the spotlight onto the villains from five of the Absolute titles. It brings together an unlikely alliance of the Joker (from "Absolute Batman"), Veronica Cale ("Absolute Wonder Woman"), Ra's al Ghul ("Absolute Superman"), Elenore Thawne ("Absolute Flash"), and Hector Hammond ("Absolute Green Lantern").
In the Absolute Universe, the world is a bleak dystopia where these villains hold Earth-shaking power. Veronica Cale sits as the U.S. Secretary of Defense, while the Joker, Ra's al Ghul, and Hector Hammond have risen to become corporate magnates. Elenore Thawne works within black-ops, spearheading weapon research. Contrary to the idea that this is a broken system overrun by corruption, this is the system functioning exactly as intended—deeply rotten at its core. All five understand that the world is operating just as it always has, and they see themselves as its protectors.
But here’s where it gets controversial: an increasing number of "monsters" are emerging all at once, threatening to inspire the public towards hope, equality, and freedom. To crush this dangerous spark of optimism, these villains find it essential to unite and pool their extensive resources.
Since the laws and powers in this universe inherently favor evil, it feels perfectly fitting—although unsettling—that these villains have claimed the name "Justice League" for their alliance.
In Absolute DC, Villains Wear the Justice League Mantle
During the meeting in "Absolute Evil" #1, Veronica Cale reviews the grim history of this world with her comrades. In this reality, the iconic Golden Age heroes never truly began their crime-fighting journeys. Wesley Dodds, known as the Sandman, was assassinated, and his groundbreaking chemistry research was stolen to develop bioweapons. Ted Grant, the Wildcat, was bribed to abandon his masked vigilante career. Carrying on this harsh tradition, Veronica’s enforcer, Hawkman, brutally murders Oliver Queen—the billionaire hero Green Arrow—and coldly dumps his corpse on the conference table.
"If spoiled little anarchists like the late Mr. Queen dare oppose [the natural] order... that’s what I call injustice," the Joker coldly proclaims as he crowns his circle of elite rulers the "Justice League" of the world. To drive home the profound irony and topsy-turvy nature of this scenario, their meeting is held inside the Hall of Justice itself.
The chilling declaration comes from the Joker that God himself supports their Justice League—and, terrifyingly, he might be right. This entire Absolute Universe was forged by Darkseid, the god of tyranny and evil. On a fundamental, molecular level, this world is wired to favor oppression, cruelty, and malevolence over kindness and justice. Any attempt to usher in a gentler world is essentially working against the very laws that govern this reality, which is why the Justice League here is dedicated to maintaining the status quo. It’s a grim reflection of real-world beliefs used to justify inequality—namely, the idea that survival of the fittest is natural, and those at the top or bottom rightfully belong there.
In Absolute DC, the villains possess virtually all the power and resources, while the heroes are stripped of them. Batman emerges from a working-class background, Superman lives as a fugitive, and Wonder Woman was raised in Hell, separate from her Amazon sisters. This twist is crucial for making the Absolute Universe resonate in today's world: it portrays a reality where the current system is failing most people, so the heroes operate covertly, working against the entrenched power structures.
Heroes Defying a Corrupt System
Scott Snyder, who writes "Absolute Batman," has pointed out that this version of Batman flips the traditional script. Classical Batman symbolizes order, but Absolute Batman embodies chaos—because he fights from outside a corrupt and broken order. The world of Absolute DC is tilted to favor villains like the Joker, who sits comfortably atop its hierarchy. In "Absolute Batman" #5, the Joker’s enforcer, Black Mask, offers Bruce Wayne a staggering $200 million to ignore Gotham’s descent into chaos—an offer Batman refuses, much to the Joker’s distress. This refusal contrasts sharply with Wildcat, who happily accepts such corrupt deals.
Meanwhile, in "Absolute Superman," writer Jason Aaron reimagines Kal-El as a 1930s-style crusader for the oppressed. His Superman travels the globe, sabotaging Ra’s al Ghul’s Lazarus Corporation and inspiring workers worldwide to rise up against their exploiters.
Although "Absolute Batman" #1 was released first, Wonder Woman’s story actually unfolds earlier in the timeline, highlighting her as the brightest beacon in this grim world. While Batman and Superman are depicted as gritty and battle-worn, Diana remains a symbol of peace and compassion. Even though she is a witch from Hell who flies on a skeletal Pegasus, she is tender-hearted and values all life deeply. Where others might seek ruthless vengeance, Diana instinctively chooses mercy and believes in the potential for people to change—an outlook that flies in the face of the bleak world around her.
This interpretation of Wonder Woman challenges modern perceptions of her as primarily a fierce warrior, sometimes portrayed as the most ruthless member of DC’s Trinity. "Absolute Wonder Woman"—written by Kelly Thompson with artwork mainly by Hayden Sherman—embraces Diana’s messianic qualities. Her kindness could very well be the Justice League’s ultimate vulnerability.
"Absolute Evil" #1 is now available for purchase.
What do you think—can villains truly claim the name Justice League? And will a hero’s kindness survive in a world ruled by cruelty? Share your thoughts below and join the debate!
