The Absolute Universe is a shared DC Comics continuity that launched in October 2024 as part of the DC All In initiative. Overseen by Scott Snyder, it reimagines iconic heroes as "underdogs" in a world shaped by the dark energy of Darkseid rather than the hopeful "Superman energy" of the main DC Universe. 

Core Premise and Setting

• The World: Known as Alpha-World (or the Elseworld), it is a younger, harsher reality where villains are often already in power and heroes lack the traditional support systems that defined them.
• Hero Status: Heroes are considered "small chaos" in an established system, forced to be tougher and more resourceful without the benefit of vast wealth, family legacies, or divine heritages.
• Shared Continuity: Unlike past standalone "Elseworlds" stories, all Absolute titles take place in the same world, allowing for future crossovers. 

Reimagined Hero Origins

• Absolute Batman: Bruce Wayne is a working-class city employee without his family fortune or Alfred the butler. He uses a massive battleaxe and brute force to fight crime.
• Absolute Superman: Kal-El is an immigrant with no home base (Fortress of Solitude) or human parents (the Kents) to guide him. He is often viewed as a cold alien rather than a savior.
• Absolute Wonder Woman: Diana was not raised on Paradise Island but was instead raised by Circe in the Underworld. She is an Amazon warrior and witch who uses dark magic and a "Nemesis Lasso".
• Absolute Flash: Features a teenage Wally West who must navigate his powers without a Flash Family or a Speed Force to rely on.
• Absolute Martian Manhunter: A psychological horror take where John Jones is an FBI agent being slowly taken over by a Martian entity.