Collecting DC Absolute Universe Comics isn’t just a fun hobby; it might just be one of the smarter moves you make this year. DC’s bold new reboot, launched in late 2024, is only eight months old, and the buzz around titles like Absolute Batman and Absolute Superman is growing louder than my neighbor’s karaoke at midnight.
And trust me, that’s saying something.
If you’re coming from my post on Getting Into Comics? Start with DC’s Absolute Universe, you already know this line is designed to be accessible. However, today, we’re not just talking about reading. We’re talking about collecting first prints, variant covers, condition, and yes, even slabbed books that might outlive all of us. Let’s dive into the collector side of DC’s freshest universe.
Why Start Collecting DC Absolute Universe Comics?
The DC Absolute Universe, part of the DC All-In initiative, resets iconic heroes into a grittier, standalone world influenced by Darkseid. Great for new readers. Even better for collectors.
Here’s why:
Demand Is Real
- Absolute Batman #1 sold over 400,000 copies.
- Absolute Superman and Wonder Woman are clocking in at 180,000 and 150,000, respectively.
That’s not a fluke. That’s heat.
A Brand-New Continuity
Like Marvel’s Ultimate Universe before it, these early issues, especially #1s and variants could become cornerstone collectibles.
DCU Movie Momentum
The Superman movie (July 2025) will only increase interest in anything even remotely Kryptonian. Ride the wave.
So, yeah, 2025 is a fantastic time to start building your Absolute set. Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Start with First Issues
Ask any seasoned collector: first issues are the crown jewels. In the DC Absolute Universe, that means:
- Absolute Batman #1
- Absolute Superman #1
- Absolute Wonder Woman #1
These launched in October 2024 and are still findable, if you’re quick.
Why They Matter
Collectors love key #1s for a reason: scarcity meets significance. Especially when these characters are tied to upcoming movie hype.
Where to Buy
- Your local comic shops (try comicshoplocator.com)
- Trusted retailers like Midtown Comics
- Online resellers (eBay, etc.)
- DC’s website or ComiXology, but those are digital only. Great for reading, useless for collecting.
Collector Tip
Aim for Near Mint or better (graded 9.0+). Your future self (and possibly your wallet) will thank you.
Step 2: Hunt Down Variant Covers
Variants are the spicy extras in this collecting stew. They’re alternative covers of the same issue, often with limited print runs or special artist collaborations.
What to Look For:
- Jim Lee’s sketch variant for Absolute Batman #1
- Retailer exclusives with limited distribution
- 1:25 or 1:50 ratio variants (printed in lower quantities)
Why They’re Valuable
- Lower print = higher scarcity
- Artist-driven appeal
- Sometimes they just look amazing, and that’s valid too
Where to Find Them
- Comic shops with variant bins
- Convention booths
- Online platforms like Things From Another World or eBay
Juan’s Tip
Stick to variants by big-name artists or those with limited ratios. Skip the “foil gimmick” stuff unless you’re into disco-ball aesthetics.
Step 3: Store and Protect Your Comics
Look, comics are basically fancy paper. Moisture, light, and rough handling will destroy them faster than a toddler with crayons.
Protection Basics:
- Use acid-free bags and backing boards
- Store in long boxes or plastic bins
- Avoid sunlight, humidity, and I say this from experience, cats
- Details on comic book preservation here
For high-value books (like a clean Absolute Batman #1), consider sending it for grading:
- CGC or CBCS will slab your comic, preserving its condition and assigning a market-grade score.
Why This Matters:
A raw copy may go for $15. A graded 9.8? Try $80–$150 (or more, depending on demand).
Step 4: Keep Up with New Releases
DC isn’t stopping. Upcoming titles like:
- Absolute Flash (March 2025)
- Absolute Martian Manhunter
- Absolute Green Lantern
…are your next chances to snag future grails.
How to Stay Updated:
- Join pull list at local comic shops
- Follow DC’s newsletter and social media
- Bookmark sites like Comic Book Herald or League of Comic Geeks
Pre-Order Tip:
Always pre-order #1s and key variants. It’s cheaper and guarantees you get a copy before the prices get silly.
Reading vs. Collecting: Why Not Both?
Yes, I’m a collector. But I’m also a reader, and honestly, that’s how most of us started. Collecting adds thrill: the hunt, the condition obsession, the quiet satisfaction of owning something rare. But reading keeps the passion alive. Keeps the brain ticking.
Start with Absolute Batman #1, read the digital version, bag the physical copy. Then maybe go deeper into older DC titles like Batman: Year One or All-Star Superman. Reading and collecting aren’t two hobbies. They’re one hobby, done right.
Start Collecting DC Absolute Universe Comics Today
Collecting DC Absolute Universe Comics is one of the best ways to get into comic collecting in 2025. It’s fresh, affordable (for now), and backed by growing movie momentum. First issues like Absolute Batman #1 and hot variants are already making noise, so if you’re thinking about jumping in, now’s the time.
What’s your next buy? Got a favorite variant? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to bookmark ComicsDeck for more comic collecting tips, reading guides, and semi-professional sarcasm.
