For the first time in its 91-year history, DC Comics is releasing a Philippine-exclusive variant cover.
Photo: DC Comics
Absolute Flash #1, part of the groundbreaking Absolute Universe—a bold reimagining of DC’s iconic superheroes—will be unveiled locally by SuperManila this March.
A Flash of Manila
The exclusive cover features the Absolute Universe’s Flash speeding through Ayala Avenue at the start of the SuperManila Fan Run, which will be held in real life in Makati this March. Eagle-eyed fans will spot several fun Filipino Easter eggs, from The Flash enjoying the popular chicken feet street food “adidas,” to a racing stray cat—a playful nod to DC superpet, Streaky.
Bringing this exclusive variant cover to life is an all-star team of celebrated Filipino comic book artists. The cover is penciled by Carlo Pagulayan, widely recognized for designing Warrior Hulk, featured in Thor: Ragnarok. It will feature inks from Jason Paz and colors from Romulo Fajardo, both of whom have been regular collaborators with DC and Marvel. Their combined artistry makes this variant a must-have for collectors and comic book enthusiasts alike.
Exclusive to SuperManila Fan Run Registrants
This Absolute Flash #1 SuperManila variant will be available exclusively to registrants of the SuperManila Fan Run. With a limited print run, this highly collectible edition is expected to be a sought-after item among fans and collectors alike.
Photo: DC Comics
As the first issue in DC’s Absolute Universe, Absolute Flash #1 is the perfect jumping-on point for new fans diving into the new era of DC storytelling, which reimagines the origin stories of beloved superheroes.
Happening on March 16, 2025, along Ayala Avenue, the SuperManila Fan Run isn’t just a race—it’s an immersive pop culture experience. Organized by the team behind the successful SuperManila Comic Con, the event encourages participants to come dressed as their favorite pop culture characters. Registrants can choose to walk, jog, or speed through—just like The Flash himself—across four distance categories: 1KM, 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM.
The Philippine’s Place in the DC Universe
“The team behind SuperManila wanted a cover that celebrates the unique connections between DC Comics and the Philippines,” said SuperManila organizer Ivan Guerrero. “Few people realize that the city of Manila has appeared in DC Comics for over 80 years, starting with Blackhawk #9 in 1944 and most recently in Absolute Batman #1 in 2024.”
“We’ve worked with many amazing Filipino artists on past DC variant covers, but those were always shared editions released in other countries,” explained co-organizer Sandy Sansolis. “This is the first Philippine-only release for a DC variant cover.”
The Flash’s legacy is also deeply connected to Filipino talent. Acclaimed Filipino-born artist Francis Manapul played a major role in shaping The Flash’s modern stories during DC’s New 52 era, while Fil-Am artist Greg LaRocque helped define The Flash’s look in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
Don’t Miss Out on This Historic Release!
Mark your calendars and register for the SuperManila Fan Run to snag this exclusive edition featuring the “SuperManila” cover. As a Philippine-exclusive DC variant, this is a chance to own a true collector’s piece and celebrate Filipino superhero fandom! Secure your copy now by registering at www.supermanila.ph.
