WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE POWER #4!DC's latest crisis event, Absolute Power, is nearing its conclusion with one final battle that promises a universe-changing impact as it sets the stage for the publisher’s brand new ALL IN initiative. This initiative will redefine DC's storytelling for years to come by introducing the Absolute Universe. But what exactly are ALL IN and the Absolute Universe, and how do they tie into this climactic Absolute Power battle? Keep reading to find out.

The result of the Darkseid vs. Justice League battle is the emergence of a true "Duoverse," where the DCU and the Absolute Universe exist side by side.

The Absolute Power crisis event, led by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, has pitted DC’s heroes against Amanda Waller and her power-stealing Amazons for months, and it will reach its conclusion in Absolute Power #4, releasing on October 2, 2024. According to the synopsis and preview, the issue will focus on a final battle between the depowered heroes of the DCU and Waller’s army, which includes her Amazos, reinforcements from across the Multiverse, and more.

This battle will not only determine the fate of all metahumans but also sever DC’s heroes from the Multiverse, paving the way for the creation of DC’s Duoverse—a term writer Joshua Williamson confirmed has been used behind the scenes to distinguish the main universe from the alternate Absolute Universe set to emerge from the ALL IN initiative.

What Is DC’s ALL IN Initiative & How Is It Connected to the Absolute Power Crisis Event?

DC’s ALL IN Special Takes Place 52 Days After the Events of Absolute Power #4

DC’s ALL IN initiative, set to launch in October with the release of the ALL IN Special #1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere, and Wes Craig, marks the beginning of a new creative era for the publisher. This initiative serves as a fresh start for DC’s storytelling, offering fans an accessible entry point into both new and existing titles, with story arcs across the board designed not to require prior reading. It’s important to note that this is not a reboot or retcon, but rather a revitalization, with two years of storytelling already mapped out, as revealed in a behind-the-scenes roundtable interview with Scott Snyder and other DC creatives.

Absolute Power #4 will act as the bridge between DC’s recent events and the ALL IN initiative, with the ALL IN Special taking place 52 days after the Absolute Power finale. Fans can expect the events and outcomes of Absolute Power #4 to be referenced in the ALL IN Special and have a direct impact on the storyline. With a final battle confirmed as the focal point of Absolute Power #4, it is likely that its outcome will set the backdrop for the ALL IN Special, creating a smooth transition between the two storytelling eras and eventually leading to the formation of the Absolute Universe.

What Is DC’s Absolute Universe & How Is It Different From DC’s Main Universe?

The Absolute Universe Will Be Founded On ‘Darkseid Energy’ Rather Than ‘Superman Energy’

Thanks to previous solicitations and teasers, fans already know that the Absolute Universe will be born from an epic showdown between Darkseid and the DCU’s new Justice League. This battle will lead to the creation of an entirely new world, completely cut off from the Multiverse. The result is the emergence of a true "Duoverse," where the DCU and the Absolute Universe exist side by side, with two versions of each character coexisting. For example, alongside the familiar Batman, there will now also be an Absolute Batman. Think of the Absolute Universe as DC’s answer to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, but with a darker twist.

Although full details on the Absolute Universe's creation remain under wraps, previous interviews have revealed that this new world will be powered by "Darkseid Energy," as opposed to the "Superman Energy" that sustains the current DCU. This shift will forge a darker, more ruthless reality, where villains dominate and heroes struggle to survive. Beloved characters like Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman will be radically reimagined in this grittier, more chaotic universe, with origin stories that strip them of any advantages their DCU counterparts had. For instance, Absolute Wonder Woman will no longer hail from the paradise of Themyscira; instead, she’ll be the last Amazon, raised in the depths of Hell.

Pre-Reading Recommendations For DC’s ALL IN Special #1

Absolute Power #4 Is a Must-Read For Fans Seeking the Full Scope of DC's New Duoverse

The ALL IN initiative offers a fresh jumping-in point for fans, requiring no prior knowledge of past story arcs, with DC’s ALL IN Special #1 setting the stage for what's to come. However, for those wanting to fully appreciate the nuances of the storytelling and the bigger picture, the Absolute Power crisis event is highly recommended as pre-reading. Key titles include Absolute Power, Task Force VII, and various tie-ins from DC’s main titles. For a quick catch-up, Absolute Power #4 is the best choice, as it provides a concise overview of the event and the final battle that leads directly into DC's ALL IN Special.

Absolute Power #4 is available October 2, 2024, from DC Comics!