The first issue of DC Comics’ premiere All-In Initiative Absolute Universe title has reached an impressive milestone. The publisher recently announced that Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #1 is, so far, the bestselling comic of 2024.

While DC did not disclose the sales numbers, Popverse reports that Absolute Batman #1 has sold just under 400,000 copies. The sales include the book’s three printings in addition to the black-and-white ‘Noir’ edition. Breaking it down, the first printing of the Absolute Universe book sold well over 200,000 copies, with one estimate pegging it at around 275,000. Absolute Batman #1’s second printing reportedly sold between 20,000 to 35,000 copies when it hit stores on October 30, while the third printing is now estimated to potentially double that number when it hits comic book shelves on November 27. The surge in sales is attributed to the book’s strong word-of-mouth after its initial blockbuster debut.

Absolute Batman #1’s strong performance continues a good streak for comic books in 2024, which has also seen 1DW’s Teenage Mutant Turtles #1 shift 300,000 copies with its first printing, making the book a strong contender for the title DC now lays claim. Also, the first printing of Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment’s recent release, G.I. Joe #1, has reportedly sold 225,000. What do all three titles have in common? They are all strong entries, transcending the often proffered reason that fans usually and, at times, exclusively embrace first issues for being “the new, shiny thing.”

Part of CBR’s review of Absolute Batman #1 reads, “All in all, Absolute Batman #1 is a strong first entry into the Absolute Universe and its iteration of the Caped Crusader. The comic succeeds at setting up its tone and its core cast of characters without sacrificing pacing and organic storytelling. Both Snyder and Dragotta work in perfect harmony with each other, with Snyder writing a solid first script and Dragotta successfully bringing this new world to life with the assistance of Frank Martin’s colors.”

Shortly after Absolute Batman #1’s debut, Dragotta’s original art for the Absolute Universe book became the highest-grossing of all time for a modern artist. The Absolute Batman #1 cover reportedly sold for a whopping $70,000. For context, covers typically sell for $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the artist. Exact sales figures for Dragotta’s entire art for the issue are not yet privy to the public, but it is estimated to be a lot.

Absolute Batman #2 is now available. Absolute Batman #1’s third printing will arrive in comic book shops on November 27, 2025.

Source: Popverse