For 15 years,DC Comicshas primarily dominated the comic book action-adventure sub-genre of games with its series of Arkhamverse titles. From 2009’sBatman: Arkham Asylumto 2024’sSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the Arkhamverse has kept players enthralled by the characters and storylines of the DC Universe. While not every plot or narrative direction in the Arkhamverse has been universally praised, each new appearance of any element of the DC universe has continuously offered players new and old to experience interesting aspects of the heroic comic books for the first time. WithSuicide Squad’s largely lambasted story,DC Comicsand Warner Bros. Games should consider another DC universe into a set of Arkhamverse-like games: the Absolute Universe.
DC Comics’ Absolute Universe Explained
Spinning out of DC’sAbsolute Powerevent, the Absolute Universe will debut in early October with the release ofDC All In Special #1. Described as featuring DC’s most famous icons but with “fewer advantages and facing greater opposition”, the Absolute Universe is set up to be a more gritty version of the main DC universe. Structurally similar to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, the Absolute Universe will launch with three ongoing titles running concurrently with main universe titles. These includeAbsolute Batman,Absolute Superman, andAbsolute Wonder Womanwith future books ofAbsolute FlashandAbsolute Green Lanternreleasing in early 2025.
Unlike the main or even Arkhamverse versions of the Dark Knight, Absolute Batman is poor, doesn’t have the safe haven of Wayne Manor, and doesn’t have the support of a loyal butler. Rather, this version of Bruce Wayne is an engineer who has to rely on his wits and primal, raw strength to perform as Batman. His problems don’t end at his lack of funds or support, however, as Absolute Batman’s first antagonists will be Black Mask anda mercenary version of Alfred Pennyworthwho views Batman as an enigma.
Absolute Superman and Wonder Woman Explained
Absolute Wonder Woman may be the most different from her mainline universe counterpart. ThisDiana is a lone Amazonian warriorwith no Themyscira, sisterhood of Amazon warriors, or a mission of peace to guide her. However, she is described by writer Kelly Thompson as the Absolute Universe’s first superhero and equal parts warrior and witch. Meanwhile, details about Absolute Superman remain vague, but this Man of Steel won’t be raised by the Kents nor will he have the safety of a Fortress of Solitude. Writer Jason Aaron claimed the book will initially take place in Brazil and will see Superman face off against an army of Peacemakers.
Absolute Batman #1will be released on October 9th,Absolute Wonder Woman #1will be released on October 23rd, andAbsolute Superman #1will be released on November 6th.
The Potential of an Arkhamverse-Like Absolute Universe Games
While the books of the Absolute Universe haven’t been published yet, they already hold immense potential as great starting points fornew Arkhamverse-like video games. Batman’s melee combat can be expanded upon or at least be made more rough with Absolute Batman’s backstory. Additionally, players could utilize Absolute Batman’s unique arsenal of weapons and tools to dispatch foes, such as his new bat logo axe. The game could also grant gamers who may not read comics a completely different Batman story than they’re used to with a different origin story and set of antagonists than most Batman stories use.
While Superman and Wonder Woman have only been featured inSuicide Squadso far in the Arkhamverse,DC Comicsand Warner Bros. Games could still make Absolute Superman and Wonder Woman games in the same vein as the Batman Arkhamverse games. Since Absolute Wonder Woman is more a loner, utilizing swords, skeletal pegasi, the Lasso of Truth, and magic, she could easily be the star of her own action game, possiblyplaying more likeMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorthanArkham Asylum. Fans have long desired an Arkhamverse Superman game and Absolute Superman could serve as the best starting point for a new action-focused video game take on the Man of Steel.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as the Suicide Squad to take down the World’s Greatest DC Super Heroes, The Justice League. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, is a genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series.
