I recently read more of the Absolute titles, and what you see below are my thoughts on each. I've ranked these titles from most to least liked. Here we go!
1. Absolute Wonder Woman vols. 1 and 2 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman and Others.
Man, there are some great moments in this series. There are things that bring a smile to your face, and things that feel gratifying. I found myself very invested in this version of an oft over-complicated character, and I was glad they could give her a fresh start.
With Wonder Woman there are often uneasy compromises between Greek mythology, the modern world, modern attitudes, and a tendency to (over) sexualize the character. Kelly Thompson obviates any such compromises by putting Diana solidly within Greco-Roman mythology, and by asserting her presence in the modern world as if it were a self-evident fact.
Steve Trevor, however, seems like a character cut out from a rom-com. Even so this is a small complaint, and moreover one that could be addressed in future issues. He only needs some tiny flaw to make him more convincing.
There has been criticism that this title features too much exposition in its later issues. I'd agree with that. Some of these later issues do need a little less "tell" and a lot more "show."
2. Absolute Martian Manhunter vol. 1 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez and Others
Javier Rodriguez is, as of now, my favorite artist. The story which unfolds in Absolute Martian Manhunter is a little confusing at times, but I suppose that was to some extent the point. I really enjoyed the battle between the two heavies near the end, and the contrast between John Jones and his alien counterpart is very compelling.
I wonder, however, if the writer didn't paint himself into a corner with this one. How would it continue? How would this character/storyline blend with others? As it is it seems more like a pocket universe within the larger Absolute continuity, and with vol. 1's tale told I'm not sure what more there is to say about the character.
3. Absolute Green Lantern vol. 1 by Al Ewing, Jahnoy Lindsay and Others
I am not now nor have I ever been a big Green Lantern fan. I always thought his (and it's usually a "his") powers were a little silly. And don't get me started on all the different colors of the spectrum and the related nonsense. To me all those differently colored lanterns are just a step removed from the Speed Force so often invoked in more recent Flash comics.
And yet I loved this series. Volume 1 (I haven't yet read Volume 2) offers a great mythos on which to build future adventures, and even if Green Lantern's mythos isn't quite as good (or consistent) as Wonder Woman's it's still very well thought out and promises many good stories in the future.
I doubt Absolute Batman will be dethroned anytime soon, but I could see Absolute Green Lantern supplanting Absolute Wonder Woman a few issues down the line. It replaces an old system of magic with a new one, sure, but the new system is WAY cooler.
4. Absolute Superman by...?
I've only read bits of this one online, but what I read seemed very political and heavy-handed. I may return to it in the future.
I'm not a big fan of Jason Aaron though. I doubt my opinion of this series will change much upon further readings.
5. Absolute Flash by...?
What a disappointment. As in the case of Absolute Superman I've only read parts of this series, but nothing I've read has impressed me. The Flash is my all-time favorite superhero, and I think the Absolute line let him down.
Part of my problem with Absolute Flash is that there is a definite hole in the Absolute line up that could have been filled by this title. In Absolute Batman you've got VIOLENCE, in Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Green Lantern you've got magic, and in Absolute Martian Manhunter you've got a kind of surreal psychology that acts as a counterpoint to what's going on in Absolute Batman. Absolute Flash could have rounded out this collection by being a more science-oriented title, crafting a more rational/scientific world around a character with impossible abilities.
But no, they didn't do that. Not really.
Bonus points for NO Speed Force however, at least not yet. That's a welcome change.
6. Absolute Catwoman by...?
Haven't read any of these. Could be interesting.
7. Absolute Green Arrow by...?
Haven't read any of these either. Cool costume though. There's always something a little silly about heroes walking around with bows and arrows in a world full of machine guns, but hey, maybe the creators manage to make that particular trope convincing.
8. Other Titles
Again, haven't read any. There are several one-shots and the DC All-In Special which inaugurated the line.
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