Just when you thought you knew the score, DC Comics flips the entire game board. This week, the publisher celebrated the one-year anniversary of its groundbreaking Absolute Universe with Absolute Evil #1, a one-shot that didn’t just shake things up—it brought a sledgehammer to the foundations of this critically acclaimed and commercially dominant new reality. With major character deaths, a villainous twist on a classic hero team, and the arrival of a major player, Absolute Evil #1 is the comic everyone will be talking about, and it proves the Absolute Universe is just getting started.
When DC launched its All-In initiative in October 2024, the Absolute Universe was pitched as a fresh, modern take on its iconic heroes, similar to Marvel’s legendary Ultimate Universe. A year later, it has more than delivered on that promise, with titles like Absolute Batman shattering sales records and Absolute Wonder Woman taking home prestigious Eisner Awards. But Absolute Evil #1, from writer Al Ewing and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli, has taken the universe in a darker, more shocking direction than anyone could have predicted.
Caption: Absolute Evil #1 cover art showcases the dark tone of DC’s anniversary one-shot Credit: Giuseppe Camuncoli Source: DC Comics
A Brutal Anniversary: Green Arrow’s Shocking Death and the Fall of the Justice Society
If you came looking for a happy anniversary celebration, you’re in the wrong universe. Absolute Evil #1 wastes no time in establishing its brutal new status quo, and it starts by taking two beloved heroic legacies off the board in shocking fashion.
The End of an Emerald Archer
In a move that will leave jaws on the floor, Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, is brutally murdered by this universe’s Hawkman. The issue opens with a classic take on the Emerald Archer, a billionaire fed up with the corruption of his peers, targeting the villainous Jubal Slade. But this isn’t the triumphant tale fans are used to. As detailed by Comic Book Club Live, the twist is that Oliver Queen is beaten to death, his body unceremoniously dumped on a boardroom table as a message to anyone who dares to challenge the new world order.
This shocking death not only removes a major hero from the board but also sets the stage for the upcoming Absolute Green Arrow series, which will now almost certainly star Roy Harper, Oliver’s former sidekick, on a quest for revenge.
A Golden Age Betrayal
The issue also delves into the dark history of the Absolute Universe, revealing the fate of the Justice Society of America. In a chilling parallel to the McCarthy-era Red Scare, Hawkman is shown to have collaborated with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in the 1950s, selling out his fellow heroes as “commies.” This betrayal led to the deaths of heroes like Sandman and Iron Munro, and the quiet retirement of others like Wildcat. This grim rewriting of the Golden Age establishes a world where heroism has always been a dangerous, and often fatal, pursuit.
The Justice League of Doom: DC’s Biggest Villains Unite
The most audacious twist in Absolute Evil #1 is the formation of the Absolute Universe’s first “Justice League.” But this isn’t the team of heroes we know and love. This is a cabal of the universe’s most dangerous villains, and they’ve taken over the most iconic superhero headquarters in comics history.
A Twisted Reflection
The issue sees Ra’s al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Hector Hammond, Elenore Thawne, and the Joker joining forces. In a chillingly meta speech, the Joker argues that they are the true forces of order in a chaotic world, and that the heroes are the real villains. He reframes their alliance not as a Legion of Doom or an Injustice League, but as a force for “justice.”
“But the world is just. We have evidence. Not of doom. But of a natural order, worked upon the world by a higher power. If spoiler little anarchists like the late Mr. Queen here would stand against that order… That, I call injustice. And injustice must be fought. Chaos must be fought. We must fight it. And how can we fail? God is on our side.”
The Hall of Justice’s New Tenants
The final, shocking reveal is that this villainous “Justice League” has been meeting in none other than the Hall of Justice. The iconic headquarters of the Justice League is now the base of operations for the Absolute Universe’s greatest evils. This single image perfectly encapsulates the dark, twisted nature of this new reality and sets up a terrifying new power dynamic for the heroes to face.
Caption: DC’s All-In initiative promotional artwork featuring the Absolute Universe heroes Credit: DC Comics Source: DC Comics
From Critical Acclaim to Commercial Powerhouse: The Absolute Universe’s Unstoppable Rise
The shocking twists in Absolute Evil #1 are built on a foundation of incredible success. In just one year, the Absolute Universe has gone from a promising new initiative to a critical and commercial juggernaut, revitalizing DC’s sales and earning widespread praise.
Eisner Gold and Critical Praise
The line’s critical success was cemented at the 2025 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, where Absolute Wonder Woman, by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman, took home the award for Best New Series. As reported by IGN, this was a major win for the new universe, proving that these reimagined heroes could stand alongside the best in the industry. The line has been praised by critics for its bold storytelling and fresh takes on classic characters, with The Wilkes Beacon noting that the line has “pleased fans and critics” alike.
Shattering Sales Records
The critical acclaim has been matched by staggering commercial success. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Absolute Batman #1 has gone to an incredible nine printings, with its initial sales topping 200,000 copies. The success of the Absolute line has been a major factor in DC’s rising market share, which now sits at 26.9%. The line has consistently dominated sales charts, proving that fans are hungry for these new, darker takes on their favorite heroes.
What’s Next for the Absolute Universe?
Absolute Evil #1 has blown the doors off the Absolute Universe, and the future looks even more chaotic and exciting. The issue’s final pages set up several major new plot threads that will have fans buzzing for months to come.
The Future of Green Arrow
With Oliver Queen gone, the mantle of Green Arrow is up for grabs. The upcoming Absolute Green Arrow series will almost certainly follow Roy Harper as he seeks to avenge his fallen mentor. This provides a fresh, emotionally charged take on the Green Arrow legacy, and it will be fascinating to see how Roy steps into his new role.
The Arrival of Lex Luthor
The issue’s final surprise is the arrival of Lex Luthor. But this isn’t the villain we know. In a brief scene, we see a seemingly content, family-man Lex Luthor, who is contacted by Brainiac to help deal with the Joker. Could Lex Luthor be a hero in the Absolute Universe? This tantalizing possibility sets up a major new dynamic and a potential clash of titans between two of comics’ greatest minds.
With its first year capped off by the shocking events of Absolute Evil #1, the Absolute Universe has proven to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable places in modern comics. It’s a world where heroes die, villains win, and nothing is as it seems. If you’re not reading the Absolute Universe, you’re missing out on the most talked-about comics on the stands. And if you are, you know that the next year is going to be an even wilder ride.
References
For more on the future of comics, check out our article on The Digital Comics Revolution. And for a look at another iconic hero’s journey, read our piece on The Evolution of Spider-Man’s Costume.
