Ever since 2025, Batman has been on a legendary run, with the Dark Knight consistently shattering records he previously set himself. Now, his newest comic is on the verge of becoming the best-selling Batman issue of all time. If there is one conclusion to draw from this success, it’s that the Caped Crusader is currently experiencing a new golden age.
The 2020s have been a defining decade for Batman across multiple media, but especially in comics. In 2024, DC launched the Darkseid-created Absolute Universe, introducing a line of titles that reimagined some of the publisher’s most iconic characters, including Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s ongoing Absolute Batman. Then, in 2025, DC relaunched its flagship Batman series, returning the title to issue #1 with Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez taking the reins.
Both titles have achieved unprecedented sales success, helping usher in what increasingly looks like a new golden era for Batman in the 21st century. Snyder’s Absolute Batman has repeatedly set and broken its own sales records, while Fraction’s Batman #1 currently holds the benchmark for the best-selling Batman single issue of all time, having sold more than 500,000 copies.
However, according to a post from Scott Snyder on X, Absolute Batman #20 has now reached that same milestone, also surpassing 500,000 copies sold. That achievement puts the two books in a tie for the best-selling Batman comic of all time. Even more impressively, if Absolute Batman continues its current trend of breaking its own sales records, it could soon stand alone as the highest-selling Batman issue ever published by DC.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN: Destined to Become DC Comics’ Best-Selling Batman Comic
Main Cover by Nick Dragotta & Frank Martin for Absolute Batman #20 (2026)
Snyder’s Absolute Batman is defined by the core premise of the Absolute Universe: stripping DC’s most iconic heroes of the advantages they possess in the publisher’s main continuity. In Batman’s case, this meant taking away Bruce Wayne’s billionaire fortune and reimagining him as a blue-collar engineer and construction worker, while also reinventing other classic elements of the Dark Knight’s mythology. To say the least, this new take on Batman has proven to be a major hit with fans.
That success is backed up by hard numbers. Absolute Batman #1 was the best-selling comic of 2024, and the series has continued to break its own sales records ever since. For example, Absolute Batman #14 received orders approaching 200,000 copies from comic book retailers through the direct market. That impressive figure was soon eclipsed by Absolute Batman #15, which reached nearly 300,000 pre-orders. The record was then surpassed again by Absolute Batman #18, and now Absolute Batman #20 has set yet another new benchmark.
On June 7, 2026, Scott Snyder revealed in a post on X that Absolute Batman #20 had sold more than 500,000 copies. The revelation came in response to a critic who wrote, “[Snyder] needs to appeal to both sides of the aisle if he wants anything he does to sell. Just complete derangement.” The comment was directed at Snyder’s opinions regarding President Donald Trump, with the user expressing displeasure over the writer’s political views.
In response, Snyder clapped back with the sales figures, writing: “Issue 20 sold over 500k brother. I’ve been the same way on here for fifteen years. Keep trying though!” With Batman #1 (2025) also having sold more than 500,000 copies, the two issues are now tied as the best-selling Batman comics of all time. Given that sales for Absolute Batman #20 may continue to rise with possible reprints, it could soon pull ahead of Batman #1 by a noticeable margin. Even if Absolute Batman #20 ultimately falls short of doing so, the series’ current trajectory suggests that a future issue likely will.
Bold Reimagining · Alternate DC Universe Test Your DC Comics Absolute Universe Knowledge
♆SupermanReimagined
BatmanNo billions
Wonder WomanReforged
FlashSpeed
UniverseAbsolute
01
DC’s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?
✓ Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC’s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Darkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid’s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.
02
In Absolute Superman, Kal-El’s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman’s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he’s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege. The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman’s new upbringing reflects this perfectly.
03
Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman’s day job?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is engineer / construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.
04
Absolute Batman’s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman?
✓ Correct! Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder. Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe.
05
Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character’s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?
✓ Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana’s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman’s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it’s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.
06
The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don’t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this — that these heroes exist without their usual “safety nets”?
✓ Correct! “Heroes without legacy” is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC’s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them — forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is “Heroes without legacy.” The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies — Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it.
07
Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash’s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?
✓ Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster’s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe’s stripped-down heroic landscape.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it’s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.
08
Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator?
✓ Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval. Together they’ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family’s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art). While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jiménez are all legendary DC creators, it’s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.
Analysis Complete Your Absolute Knowledge
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Are you an Absolute expert — or still in the main continuity?
Absolute Batman #20 from DC Comics is now available to read!
