Batman

When you think of Batman, you probably envision the gloomy, edgy vigilante billionaire Bruce Wayne, driven by the tragic deaths of his parents. But what if his story was different? What if he were a humble blue-collar civil engineer? With no money, no sidekick, and no butler, how do the circumstances change him? How will he become Batman? 

This is the premise of DC’s new Absolute Universe comic book run, which takes place in an alternate universe where classic DC heroes are reimagined with new backstories and placed into a grittier setting. Each character loses a quintessential aspect of their original identity in their new origins.

Superman

A young and inexperienced Clark Kent lands on Earth after the destruction of his dystopian home planet, Krypton. Upon arriving in a town where underpaid miners are violently mistreated by enforcers known as “Peacemakers,” Superman resolves to become a champion for the oppressed. 

There are tales of the fabled Man of Steel traveling around the world saving people from Peacemakers; however, there are even quieter rumors—no, prayers—that one day, Superman will snap and finally end the peacemakers for good.

WonderWomen

She rides an undead Pegasus, wields a massive sword, and chants witchcraft. Appearance-wise, Absolute Wonder Woman is the most visually jarring character compared to her original counterpart. 

Raised in hell by the witch Circe rather than on Themyscira with the Amazonians, Diana is forced to forge her own path as she struggles with what it means to be an Amazon—while fighting demons and Olympian gods.