WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE EVIL #1 (2025)!
DC fans have been eagerly awaiting the debut of the Justice League in the Absolute Universe, hoping to see Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, and other heroes of the Darkseid-created world finally unite as a team. Now that wish has been somewhat granted, but not in the way fans expected. Instead of DC’s greatest heroes, this Absolute Justice League is made up of the universe’s absolute worst.
Even if you have not bought into DC’s Absolute Universe yet, you should drop everything and read Al Ewing and Giuseppe Camuncoli’s Absolute Evil #1. This special is a masterclass in storytelling and will get you hyped for what the Absolute line has in store.
The issue brings together the primary antagonists of each Absolute title for a secret meeting, where they confront the problem of rising heroes threatening their iron-fisted rule. While the one-shot delivers several twists and jaw-dropping moments, the biggest reveal is that these villains have officially formed the Absolute Justice League.
Absolute Evil Debuts DC’s New Villainous Justice League
Comic Page Comes from Al Ewing’s Absolute Evil #1 (2025) – Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli
The Justice League has always symbolized unparalleled heroism, uniting DC’s greatest champions to protect the Earth. That is why DC’s decision to twist the Justice League name into a force representing the darkest of evils is such a bold and exciting shift. This reimagining turns the League’s legacy on its head, making it a banner for villainy rather than justice.
Absolute Evil introduces this sinister alliance, bringing together Elenore Thawne (Absolute Flash), Hector Hammond (Absolute Green Lantern), Veronica Cale (Absolute Wonder Woman), the Joker (Absolute Batman), and Ra’s al Ghul (Absolute Superman). Additionally, the newly debuted Absolute Hawkman also joins the ranks, strengthening the roster and solidifying the group as a truly formidable assembly of DC’s most dangerous villains.
Yet unbeknownst to them, Brainiac (Absolute Superman) is secretly eavesdropping and manipulating events from the shadows. Fans soon learn he has orchestrated parts of this gathering, pointing out how each member balances the others and insisting this equilibrium will advance his own hidden goals. Hence, it is Brainiac who christens this new villainous team with its infamous title: the Justice League.
Lex Luthor FINALLY Makes His Debut in Absolute Evil
Comic Page Comes from Al Ewing’s Absolute Evil #1 (2025) – Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli
As mentioned earlier, Brainiac explains how the team members balance one another, noting that Hammond counteracts Ra’s and Hawkman, while Thawne and Cale balance each other. However, he insists that one piece is still missing, declaring, “For the Justice League to be complete, it needs one more member,” with the implication that the group is not yet whole.
The issue then delivers a shocking shift to Lex Luthor, who appears anything but villainous as he peacefully enjoys his farm alongside his wife. Yet Luthor being on Brainiac’s radar suggests all is not as it seems. The implication is clear: Luthor is destined to play a pivotal role in DC’s new villainous Justice League, though the nature of his involvement remains uncertain.
ABSOLUTE EVIL #1 is available now from DC Comics!