Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Superman #1Absolute Superman finally made his DC debut, with new abilities that already differentiate him from the original. This new Superman is not as experienced as the classic version of the hero, and this becomes a critical weakness when his explosive powers are unleashed. The Absolute Universe Superman redefines the Man of Steel’s powers, making them more powerful – and more dangerous – than ever.
In Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey, Superman engages in his long-awaited first battle as the Lazarus Corporation’s exploitation of workers pushes him to the limit. He manages to hold his own against the legion of Peacekeepers, but when the Phenomena Field Team is sent to take control, Superman decides to use his heat vision – despite Sol, the AI ​​that powers his suit, reminding him that he is unable to control this power.
Superman’s heat vision explodes from him in a stunning blast of red and yellow light, destroying the environment with surprising force. That’s it the most destructive version of this ability Superman has ever had at his disposal, upgrading Superman’s abilities to a gruesome new level.
Superman’s explosive new powers make him the absolute most dangerous superhero in the universe
Absolute Superman is more destructive than his classic counterpart
Superman uses his heat vision freely in the main universe – hence it is one of his most iconic Kryptonian superpowers – but in the Absolute Universe, he only uses it as a last resort when he feels cornered due to the danger he poses. Instead of emitting light through concentrated bursts as its classical counterpart does, this Superman immediately loses control of his powers the second his heat vision activates. If he had continued, there is no telling how much damage he could have done. The power is too great even for Superman, and he ends up begging Sol to turn it off.
Superman’s new costume is the key to containing his overwhelming power. Once his heat vision goes haywire, Sol powers it up through the suit, revealing its functionality beyond its hardcore design and preventing Superman from destroying everything in sight. But fantasy does more than suppress it. With each attack Superman unleashes, Sol informs him how much damage he is capable of causing, and he is also seen charging the costume to accumulate solar energy. Superman’s suit regulates his powers to prevent him from becoming an unbridled force of destruction, which shows how formidable he would be without this regulation.
Superman’s Sun-Based Abilities Are Redefined in DC’s Absolute Universe
Superman’s greatest power now has a huge downside
Kryptonian powers are influenced by the suns they reside under, and Superman’s are no different. The yellow sun gives him a huge power boost, which is why he is able to reach a godlike level of power on Earth due to the planet’s sun. He then channels this solar energy into his powers, like his heat vision. Absolute Superman may need a suit to charge him with the sun’s energy, but the classic version of the character charges organically. He can even fly to the sun to increase power, proving that he has mastered his sun-based powers in a way that his Absolute variant has not.
It’s important to note that in the DC core timeline, Superman has full control of his powers. This control makes him a serious force to be reckoned with, as he wields heat vision without fearing any disadvantages. The Absolute Universe, however, describes this ability as extremely unstable and therefore unsafe. Superman’s heat vision, an ability that has become synonymous with his heroic deeds, becomes rewritten in the Absolute Universe as a terrifying power that should be kept secret. If he wants to use his heat vision as effectively as the original, this new Superman will have training to do.
Absolute Superman has the potential to surpass the original with his upgraded powers
The Absolute Universe’s Superman could be the best – if he learns to control his powers
Although the Absolute Universe’s version of Superman has powers that are more unpredictable than his counterpart’s, they have the potential to be an asset rather than a liability if they are enhanced properly. One blast from Superman is enough to level the surrounding terrain, and that’s without his suit being fully charged with solar energy. Learning to harness his heat vision could make Absolute Superman even stronger than the original Man of Steel. That SupermanMichael’s powers are unlike any other variant in DC lore, and in time, he may have what it takes to become DC’s most powerful Kryptonian.
Absolute Superman #1 is now available from DC Comics.