Fans attending today’s All In/Absolute Universes panel at New York Comic Con were treated to a mammoth event full of the hottest news and exclusive first looks from current and future series spinning out of the DC’s All In initiative.
Moderated by DC group editor Paul Kaminski and DC executive editor Chris Conroy, the panel featured some of the most talked-about creators in comics today, including:
Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta
Tom King and Daniel Sampere
Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora
Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles
Jason Aaron
Jeremy Adams
Al Ewing
Clayton Henry
Hayden Sherman
New DC All In and Absolute Series Announced at New York Comic Con
DC Announces Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez
DC’s launch of its Absolute Universe has been an unqualified success, selling through multiple printings and receiving incredible critical acclaim and fan response. Today DC announced it would be adding to its second wave of titles, as writer Deniz Camp confirmed that Absolute Martian Manhunter would be joining Absolute Green Lantern and Absolute Flash in 2025. Camp is making his DC series debut with artist Javier Rodríguez on a new take on one of DC’s most enigmatic characters. Fans will have to wait until next March to see if Chocos (Martian Manhunter’s favorite snack) will be involved.
Jeremy Adams Talks the Return of Aquaman and the Rise of the Fractal Lanterns
Room 406.2 in the Javits Convention Center was the place to be to get the latest scoop on All In new series as well, and the panel wasted no time, with writer Jeremy Adams revealing that he and artist John Timms are bringing the King of Atlantis back to comics in an all-new Aquaman ongoing series, launching January 8, 2025. Aquaman’s powers have gotten a serious upgrade since the events of Absolute Power, and these new abilities will come in handy, as he’ll be fighting giant, water-based kaiju constructs appearing throughout the seven seas, while investigating the secrets of the “Blue” with Dagon, a guide from Aquaman’s past.
Adams will continue writing the monthly adventures of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, but he also revealed early details on Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum with art provided by V Ken Marion. This January 8 one-shot follows the events of the Green Lantern Civil Corps Special, as a re-formed Green Lantern Corps led by Hal Jordan investigates a new threat: “Fractal Lanterns,” beings that manifest uncontrolled parts of the emotional spectrum, appearing throughout the universe and threatening the very essence of sentient life.
John Ridley to Co-Write Justice League: The Atom Project with Ryan Parrott
In the wake of Absolute Power and the November 27 debut of Justice League Unlimited, DC has announced several upcoming series that have some connective tissue to the return of DC’s preeminent team of Super Heroes—The Question: All Along the Watchtower, Black Lightning,and Challengers of the Unknown. Today the publisher revealed another series with similar ties, Justice League: The Atom Project, co-written by John Ridley and Ryan Parrott, with art by Mike Perkins. Kicking off 2025, this January 1 spy thriller features Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi (the heroes called Atom) working with the newly re-formed Justice League to bring order to chaos, restoring and backing up the superpowers of DC’s Super Heroes following their battle with Amanda Waller. But not everyone wants their powers back, and one hero will do whatever it takes to make sure his abilities are never found—Captain Atom!
Superman: Lex Luthor Special – Lex Luthor Makes His DC All In Debut
January 29 sees the return of Lex Luthor after the events of DC’s “House of Brainiac” in the Superman: Lex Luthor Special from Superman writer Joshua Williamson, with art by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira. During the battle of the House of Brainiac, Lex Luthor’s memories were wiped clean. But following the DC All In Special, the world needs him to remember his past. There’s a key piece of information in Lex’s past that could unlock an epic mystery plaguing Superman and the Justice League, but Lex may not want to remember. It’s up to the Man of Steel to decide if the info is worth sacrificing Lex’s newfound peace and the return of his fiercest enemy.
New Previews of Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, and Absolute Superman
Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta Thank Fans and Reveal New Art for Absolute Batman
During the panel, the Absolute Batman team of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta spoke enthusiastically about the incredible fan reception they’ve received as the series launched. In their gratitude, the pair took a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the magnificent work of series colorist Frank Martin and his contribution to this reimagined version of the Dark Knight. The series’ successful launch was underscored by the reveal of the cover for Absolute Batman Noir Edition #1, in participating comic book shops on November 13.
Snyder and Dragotta also teased more details on “The Zoo,” their debut story arc, as fans were treated to an exclusive first look at art from Absolute Batman #2, also in stores November 13. In previewing pages from the issue, the audience was introduced to the “Absolute” version of the Batmobile, and Snyder and Dragotta were extremely excited to talk about reimagining Batman’s iconic vehicle for this series. As a bonus, DC revealed main and variant covers for issues #3 and #4 of Absolute Batman.
Absolute Wonder Woman Artist Hayden Sherman Talks About Collaborating with Writer Kelly Thompson
DC’s Absolute line has attracted an impressive combination of well-known storytellers and rising talents, and the combination of writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman on Absolute Wonder Woman has created a new excitement among comic book fans, with the first issue heading back to press before it’s even hit comic book shops.
While revealing art from issues #1 and #2, Sherman talked with the audience about how they worked with Thompson on this new character design, how it may evolve over time, and how some of the accoutrements of Diana’s All In counterpart will be different across the series. And of course, Sherman’s panel appearance wouldn’t be complete until they talked about the decision to give Diana a giant “buster” sword and a flaming Pegasus.
Absolute Superman Writer Jason Aaron Shares His Plans for the Man of Steel
Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval complete DC’s Absolute “Trinity” when Absolute Superman #1 arrives at participating comic book shops on November 6. Having written Superman in Action Comics, Aaron shares an interesting connection with the Man of Steel, as he resides in Kansas. Today Aaron talked about Scott Snyder recruiting him for the Absolute line and how, like other Absolute storytellers, he and artist Rafa Sandoval stripped down Superman to match this new and unknown universe.
Aaron also spoke about other familiar Superman characters and hinted at how they could be different for this series compared to their All In counterparts, and he discussed what’s impressed him about Sandoval’s innovative design for the costume. Aaron also spoke about Superman as a symbol of hope, and whether this version of Superman can be the same in a world where hope may be in short supply.
DC’s Top Storytellers Share Updated Previews of Highly Anticipated
Series and Storylines
Jeff Lemire Reveals More about JSA, as Well as Absolute Flash with Artist Nick Robles
Following his appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, writer Jeff Lemire talked more about his new take on DC’s Golden Age super-team as he revealed covers for issues #1 (on sale November 6) and #2 (on sale December 4) and interior art by series artist Diego Olortegui. Moderator Paul Kaminski talked with Lemire about his passion for the JSA as a fan and storyteller, what he believes differentiates the JSA from the Justice League, working with Olortegui, and what role their new version of the Injustice Society will play in the series.
Lemire was one of two panelists working on titles for both All In and Absolute, and he was joined on the panel by artist Nick Robles to talk more about their Absolute Flash series, also launching in March. The duo discussed how Scott Snyder recruited them for the series, reimagining the Fastest Man Alive for this new storytelling universe, why Wally West was the right speedster for it, whether others who have carried the mantle of the Flash will be seen in the series (and how), and how Robles approaches drawing a superhero series, compared to his previous work on The Dreaming. In another NYCC first look, fans were treated to interiors from the series, including the very first public look at “Absolute” versions of Captain Cold and Captain Boomerang.
Ram V Discusses The New Gods, Darkseid, and Jack Kirby’s Fourth World
Also following an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, writer Ram V joined the panel to talk about The New Gods, his upcoming take on Jack Kirby’s iconic Fourth World with artist Evan Cagle. As fans got their first chance to see artwork by Cagle, V talked about the feedback he’s received from readers since the announcement; developing the cast for the series; working with Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, and others to help shape his take on Darkseid; and how the Lord of Apokolips may (or may not) show up in the series.
Al Ewing “Doubles Down” with Two DC All In Series
Like Jeff Lemire, writer Al Ewing is also working on two series for DC: one part of All In, the other in the Absolute Universe. During the panel, Ewing talked about making his DC series debut this December with artist Steve Lieber in a new Metamorpho: The Element Man series. Ewing is a big fan of Metamorpho (he says he even knows the Metamorpho theme song) and talked about his background with the character and what drew him to the series. As Lieber’s art from the first issue was shared for the first time with the audience, Ewing also shared his excitement about having him as the artist for the series and spoke about some of the zany shapes of Metamorpho he hopes to see Lieber draw.
The Green Lantern Corps will also join DC’s Absolute line in March of 2025, and Ewing also spoke about collaborating with artist Jahnoy Lindsay on Absolute Green Lantern. As the audience got another exclusive reveal of art by series artist Lindsay, Ewing revealed how Absolute “showrunner” Scott Snyder convinced him to become part of the Absolute Universe, how the series will follow the same aesthetic of the other Absolute titles like Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, and Absolute Wonder Woman, what members of the Green Lantern Corps will appear in the series in addition to Jo Mullein, and what kind of story readers can expect from him and Lindsay when the series launches in March 2025.
Tom King and Daniel Sampere Discuss Wonder Woman and the Birth of Trinity
For more than a year, Tom King has been building up to the birth of Trinity, and readers who picked up this week’s Wonder Woman #14 witnessed that event in a beautiful scene reminiscent of Diana’s own birth. King joined the panel along with his series artist to talk about Trinity’s evolution from toddler to teen, working with Sampere on the final panel of the issue, and how much the character’s changed from what he originally envisioned.
Sampere talked with the audience about how he balances the quieter, more intimate moments for Diana with the powerful action sequences, both overall, and specifically for the historic moment of Wonder Woman becoming a mother. The pair also spoke more about what’s in store for Diana—both as a new mom and as she heads to her final showdown against the Sovereign—the return of the Wonder Girls, and an upcoming appearance by everyone’s favorite simian sleuth, Detective Chimp.
Justice League Unlimited Artist Dan Mora Reveals Art from Debut Issue
The return of the Justice League is among the most anticipated series in comics, made even more exciting by the pairing of writer Mark Waid with artist Dan Mora. Together, they made Absolute Power a runaway hit, and today Mora appeared on the panel and shared a first look at some of his artwork from the debut issue of Justice League Unlimited, on sale November 27. Mora talked with the audience about continuing his work with Waid on the series, what characters he’s looking forward to drawing, what scenes he’s been most excited to draw so far, and how the comic draws inspiration from the Justice League Unlimited animated series.
Mora, Joshua Williamson talk Superman, Superwoman, and “The Many Deaths of Doomsday”
Mora joined Superman writer Joshua Williamson to talk about Superman’s place in the DC Universe following the events of the DC All In Special and share artwork from some upcoming issues of Superman. Williamson talked about how Superman would be adapting to the new state of the world, how their new take on Lois Lane as Superwoman is different from previous ones, and how Lois’s relationship with Superman helps to mold the story he’s telling with Mora.
As the new series artist, Mora talked about ways in which his approach to drawing Superman in a solo title bears similarities and differences to his work in a series like Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, as well as the kinds of inspirations and influences he draws from while bringing the All In version of Doomsday to life.
Artist Clayton Henry Talks About Working with Mark Waid on Action Comics
With the move to All In, Action Comics, one of DC’s flagship titles, goes weekly, and artist Clayton Henry stopped by to talk about “Phantoms,” the story he’s working on with writer Mark Waid. Henry previewed pages from current and upcoming issues of the series as he spoke about creating an updated version of the Phantom Zone as the focal point of the story and revealed some of his favorite moments in it he’s drawn so far. Mon-El has a significant part in the story, and Henry talked about how he and Waid brought the character back for this tale and the role his relationship with Superman plays in it.
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