A first look at DC Comics’ ultimate universe, ABSOLUTE BATMAN, has leaked online

For nearly a year, rumors have been swirling that DC Comics is considering another reboot. The publisher has revamped the DC Universe numerous times in the past, all in an effort to generate interest and increase sales.

Longtime Batman writer Scott Snyder is expected to spearhead this initiative. However, “Absolute Comics” will be a separate line from the main DC Comics continuity, which will be similar, but not identical, to Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe.

Originally, it was about telling the origins of characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men in a reality closer to our own, without the decades of baggage and hard-to-follow continuity. Recently, the series was revived, this time in a world that, for years, had no superheroes (meaning Peter Parker became Spider-Man at age 30).

It was a huge success – with Ultimate Spider-Man even surpassing sales The Amazing Spider-Man – so it’s no surprise that DC Comics is looking for a piece of that action.

Today, Bleeding Cool shared what they believe to be a first look at the new “Absolute Batman.” Nick Dragotta illustrated the cover which shows a much bulkier Dark Knight with a hand-sewn costume and a flight suit in place of a traditional cape.

It appears that the bat symbol on his chest is a plate of armor and perhaps just an accidental nod to the creatures he shares a name with.

The site has known about this reboot for some time, which is expected to be announced at San Diego Comic-Con. Here’s how they describe DC Comics’ plans for its new absolute universe:

“The discussion of what’s coming for Absolute, Absolute Comics or DC Comics’ Absolute Universe, is supposed to be a new, separate continuity series led by Scott Snyder, as part of his larger overhaul of the DC Comics line, as DC All-In has been a pretty big talking point of late. Compared to the Ultimate line, but sharing its own internal continuity between books, unlike the Elseworlds, All-Star or Black Label books, there’s been some “loss” planned from the start so that the Absolute Comics line is in the same multiverse as the standard DC continuity. It’s all part of the plan.”

Apparently, Thor Scribe Jason Aaron will write Absolute Superman with Kelly Thompson (Captain Marvel) on Absolute Wonder Woman.

See what you think of Absolute Batman in the X post below.