Comics are hard to read. More from a “Where do I start” than a content standpoint. The more I read the DC Comics Absolute series, the more I realize it is the perfect gateway for new and lapsed comic book readers. DC’s new series reintroduces classic characters like Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter in new and exciting ways. The Absolute Batman and Absolute Martian Manhunter being standouts for their reinvention of those characters. Starting with #1 for each series, fans new and old gave drop in cold and immerse themselves in the world without prior knowledge or a need to read decards of comics to catch up. These isolate restarts give readers a fresh place to start and follow along with engaging superhero stories.
DC for the win
I am a pretty big fan od DC and its pantheon of heroes. My love of classic tights-and-flights heroes and binary good vs evil storytelling lean me towards DC’s god-like pantheon of characters. The hardest thing about liking comics and their characters, is keeping up with their narratives. It’s difficult to jump into comics, let alone back into comics. The numbering, naming, book and character variations, team ups, side stories, one-offs, and tie-in series are enough to make someone run off and read a regular ass novel.
When a new series for your favorite character is introduced, its a chance for fans to get in on the ground floor of a new story. Those stories could still be tied to past issues, be the fallout from a big event, or assume you know something about the leads. All difficult to manage in their own right. The DC Comics Absolute Series undoes all that unease and presents these belvoed characters in new, slightly skewed ways, allowing fans to fall in love with a new version of Wonder Woman, whether they are a longtime fan or a newbie. While visiting my local comic shop (shout out Cloud City) it’s so fulfilling to see.
Absolute Flash #1
I picked up Absolute Flash #1 this week to continute my dive into this DC Absolute Universe. I am not a fan of The Flash. His rogues gallery and general powers never interested me. I took this as an opportunity to try and get into the character through Absolute. I was plesantly surprised at the first issue and I am very interested in where this story could be going. The DC Absolute series tends to uproot your preconceived notions of the titular character. None moreso than Martian Manhunter, but that’s a discussion for another time. Flash kicks off reintroducing Wally West, a number of rogues, and twist on the possible origins of The Flash. I won’t spoil anything, I would encourage a read, preferably a physical copy (#ownphysicalmedia).
New readers, time to pick up some issues
As I have been harping on since the top, these issues are a great way to experience comics for the first time. If you have every felt paralyzed by choice, not knowing where to start with a comic series, this is your north star. Grab those Absolute #1’s and kick off your newfound love of comics. Unlike other reboots like Rebirth, Crisis, or New 52, Absolute gives you the characters you know (or don’t) in a familiar, yet altered form. Something about them is changed, so the hero you knew is slightly askew in a very interesting way. Batman has been Batman forever, with his core tenents remaining intact. Absolute undoes some of those core features and follows Bruce’s journey to become a version of Batman you haven’t really seen in a mainline comic series. This allows you to unhook your expectations and experience these characters for the first time. Be you a longtime fan or not.
You get what I am saying. Just go buy some (physical) comics!
DC Comics Absolute Series Recommendations
I would recommend any and all Absolute refreshes, especially to new comic readers. The top of my recommended pull pile is below (links lead to League of Comic Geeks):