DC’s Absolute Universe is expanding faster than anyone anticipated. Absolute Catwoman #1 officially hit local comic shops today, but the hype for this new corner of the DC: All In initiative is so intense that the debut issue is already headed back to the printer. Retailers saw massive pre-orders leading up to today’s drop, forcing DC Comics to announce a second printing immediately to meet the overwhelming demand from fans flooding the shops.
The second printing drops on July 15, 2026. That release date actually puts it on shelves one week after Absolute Catwoman #2 goes on sale. It’s a fast turnaround that shows just how much faith the publisher has in this creative team.
What is the New Absolute Catwoman Backstory?
Co-writers Che Grayson and Scott Snyder are completely reimagining Selina Kyle. Artist Bengal, colorist Giovanna Niro, and letterer Lucas Gattoni are trademarking a slick, tech-heavy look for Gotham’s favorite cat burglar. In this timeline, Selina is already established as the world’s most successful thief. She has the ultimate gear, the securest vaults on lockdown, and a global reputation. DC is calling her the “Absolute Apex Predator.”
Absolute Catwoman #1 second printing main cover by Bengal
Absolute Catwoman #1 open-to-order variant covers by Guillem March (T) and Kaare Andrews (foil) (B)
If you’ve been keeping up with the Absolute line, you know the premier titles are pulling zero punches. Absolute Wonder Woman stands out as a massive favorite right now because Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman completely stripped Diana of her traditional Amazon safety net, handing her a massive buster sword and a hellhound. It established a gritty, heavy-metal energy for the entire line.
Absolute Catwoman is taking that same “no safety net” philosophy but channeling it through a different visual lens. Where Wonder Woman relies on raw, mythological grit, Bengal’s preview art for Selina Kyle leans into clean lines, high-tech weaponry, and high-fashion stealth gear. The narrative forces her out of Gotham and across the globe to protect what she built. The first printing lands on June 10, 2026. If you miss that initial drop, the second printing features a recolored logo variant by Bengal, alongside open-to-order variants by Guillem March and a foil cover from Kaare Andrews.
Who is the Absolute Universe Cassandra Cain?
The biggest surprise from the DC Publicity announcement is a stealth spin-off book. Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1 is a special one-shot arriving on September 9, 2026. Che Grayson writes the script, while fan-favorite artist Matias Bergara handles the interiors. Bengal returns to draw the main cover.
Absolute Cassandra Cain: The Shadow’s Hand #1 variant cover by Matias Bergara
This one-shot acts as a bridge, publishing right between issues #3 and #4 of the main six-issue Absolute Catwoman miniseries. The main title will take a brief hiatus in September, then resume with issue #4 in October.
The lore changes for Cassandra Cain are radical, mirroring the wild reinventions that made the untethered world of Absolute Wonder Woman so refreshing. In this universe, The Joker trained directly with the League of Assassins. He learned their secrets and slaughtered the entire organization. Lady Shiva and her daughter, Cassandra Cain, rose from those ashes. The one-shot details Cassandra’s origin as a lethal assassin and explains how her path crosses with Selina Kyle.
