After 65 Years, One Justice League Hero Just Got Their Greatest Redesign Yet
DC Comics has been hitting nothing but home runs lately when it comes to the reimaginings and redesigns of its most iconic characters in the publisher’s Darkseid-created Absolute Universe. Since launching in October 2024, the line has delivered darker takes on a multitude of Justice League heroes, introducing them with bold new looks, origins, and interpretations. Now, DC has released the first look at one hero’s upcoming Absolute makeover.
DC Comics has finally unveiled its October solicitations, and there are more than a few exciting reveals, especially among the month’s upcoming Absolute Universe releases. One of the biggest highlights is writer Jeff Lemire and artist Haining’s upcoming October 21, 2026, release of Absolute Flash #20. While Wally West’s story will continue in the issue, fans can also look forward to another major hero entering the Absolute Universe: ABSOLUTE ATOM.
While multiple heroes have taken on the Atom mantle throughout DC history, the issue’s synopsis confirms that Ray Palmer will be the one introducing the iconic identity in the Absolute Universe: “MEET THE ABSOLUTE ATOM! After his near-death experience in Iron Heights, the Flash is taken into the subatomic realm of Ray Palmer, a.k.a. the Absolute Atom. But the Atom is not the only new hero Wally is about to encounter as another major DCU character makes his Absolute debut!”
Based on this synopsis, fans already know that the Atom will not be the only hero making their Absolute Universe debut, making Absolute Flash #20 a can’t-miss issue. At the time of writing, DC has yet to reveal the identity of this mysterious new character. However, while fans wait for that reveal, the main cover for Absolute Flash #20 by lead series artist Nick Robles provides the first official look at Absolute Atom.
DC Officially Reveals First Image of Absolute Atom Ahead of October Debut
Main Cover by Nick Robles for Absolute Flash #20 (2026)
While the Absolute Universe is known for giving DC’s heroes radical redesigns, fans of the current main universe version of Ray Palmer will likely be pleased to see that Absolute Flash appears to be paying respect to his existing design and carrying many of those elements over, albeit with a few exciting upgrades.
It's through Absolute Flash lead artist Nick Robles’s main cover for issue #20 that fans get their first look at Ray, who appears to be sporting a remarkably similar suit to that of his main universe counterpart. For those looking to catch up on Ray Palmer’s current status in the DCU, fans should check out writers Ryan Parrott and John Ridley’s Ray Palmer-starring Justice League: The Atom Project limited series, as well as Mark Waid’s ongoing Justice League Unlimited, where Ray has made several appearances.
Those familiar with the main universe’s Ray Palmer will immediately notice that the core design carries over into the Absolute Universe, though with several notable tweaks. For example, the Absolute version retains the lightly armored appearance and the black, blue, and red color scheme of his traditional costume. However, this new iteration removes the main universe’s helmet and replaces the signature stylized red atom chest insignia with a glowing blue emblem that appears to project some kind of atom-shaped construct around Ray.
Given that the Absolute redesign keeps the signature elements of the main universe costume while amplifying them through new and innovative stylistic choices, this feels like a 10/10 redesign. It will be especially interesting to learn what exactly the atom construct surrounding Ray Palmer represents, as it is likely tied to his powerset in the Absolute Universe and, if so, may represent his size-manipulation powers. For now, however, fans will have to be content with this first look and wait until October for this Justice League hero’s official debut.
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 Flash #20 from DC Comics will be available to read on October 21, 2026!