WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1!
Superman “Man of Steel” The nickname has been the cornerstone of his identity since his early days, symbolizing his unparalleled strength and resilience. However, Absolute Superman gave this legendary title a dark twist, now directly connected to Kal-El’s gritty new blue-collar roots. This reimagining not only makes the nickname even more badass, but it also redefines what it truly means to be a “Man of Steel.”
…Superman’s new identity is rooted in the strength and dignity of those who form the foundation and backbone of any civilization.
Absolute Superman #1 sees creatives Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola fully embrace the universe created by Darkseid while putting a unique spin on some of Superman’s most iconic traditions, leading to major changes to Kal-El’s origin, character design and identity .
Among the most notable changes are the erasure of Superman’s Clark Kent identity and a dramatic reimagining of the El family and their role in Kryptonian society. This latest twist on Superman lore results in an epic twist on the iconic “Man of Steel” moniker, redefined by the phrase “The People of Steel.”
A brief history of Superman “The Man of Steel” Surname
Dashboard Action comics #6 (1938) Introducing Daily Star newspapers
Before exploring the shift in tradition surrounding the “Man of Steel” nickname, it’s important to understand its origins, as many fans will recognize the nickname as old as Superman himself, but may not remember his first appearance. The nickname first appeared in Action comics #6 (1938), which reads a headline from the Daily Star, “The Mysterious Man of Steel reappears.” However, it was not until Action comicss #13 (1939) that the nickname was used in the comic’s narration, officially cementing its place in Superman’s identity.
These two pivotal moments mark the birth of Superman’s most iconic moniker, one that would shape his character and legacy for over 84 years. THE “Man of Steel” pseudonym – a tribute to Doc Savage, the adventure hero who partially inspired Superman – was initially used to highlight his invulnerability and superhuman strength, characteristics that differentiated him from other superheroes. Over time, however, The nickname’s meaning expanded to symbolize not only physical power but also Superman’s unwavering determination and the strength of his moral integrity. This deeper connection solidified the “Man of Steel” as a defining symbol of Superman’s essence.
“We were the people of steel”: Superman’s Most Iconic Nickname Is Now Tied to His Blue-Collar Origins
2nd Cover Printing by Rafa Sandoval for Absolute Superman #1 (2024)
As previously mentioned, one of the major changes that Absolute Superman introduces to Superman lore is the reimagining of Jor-El and Lara-El’s roles in Kryptonian society. In the main Earth-Prime continuity, Kal-El’s parents were part of the prestigious Scientific Guild. However, IIn the Absolute Universe, his progressive political views led to his exclusion from the Science Guild and his placement in the Labor Guild.—the lowest ranking guild on Krypton. The Labor Guild was seen as the home of “poor and unskilled”, despite the fact that its members provide vital services essential to the functioning of Kryptonian society.
The immense skill and value of the workers is further emphasized by Lara and Jor-El, who were respectively a mechanic and an engineer, both of whom proudly wore the worker’s crest. As Superman’s internal narrative notes, workers were “those who paved the way with their own hands.” This framing emphasizes that, despite the perception of Kryptonian society, being a worker was noble and of great value. Kal-El reinforces this idea of pride in his working-class origins when he says: “We were the People of Steel.”
In the Absolute Universe, the legacy and meaning of “Man of Steel” takes on new depth, as the title is now directly linked to Kal-El’s blue-collar origins. This move adds a significant layer to his family’s legacy, transforming the nickname into a symbol not only of his invulnerability and moral strength, but of the people he represents. Thus, in this new context, the title emphasizes Kal-El’s connection to the working class, making it clear that Superman’s new identity is rooted in the strength and dignity of those who constitute the basis and backbone of any civilization.
Absolute Superman #1 Grounds Superman’s story in real-world issues
Panel by Kal-El Combatants for Peace in Absolute Superman #1 (2024)
The evolution of “Man of Steel” nickname for “People of Steel” solidifies this version of Superman as a champion of the working class. This is further emphasized in the narrative when Kal-El’s heroism focuses on helping Earth’s workers, specifically miners who are exploited by the Lazarus Corporation – a ruthless entity that preys on the world’s most vulnerable. While Superman may not have fully embraced the “People of Steel” identity on Krypton due to his young age at the time, on Earth he continues his parents’ legacy by defending those who work tirelessly to sustain society.
This narrative choice strengthens Superman’s character and increases his relevance to modern readers by addressing pressing real-world issues. such as worker exploitation and corporate greed. By connecting his most iconic moniker – The Man of Steel – to a struggle that resonates with many, this version of Superman takes on a deeper, more complex role. It transcends the traditional hero archetype, grounding him in a cause that feels personal and vital, making his journey even more engaging and relatable for fans.
Current Absolute Superman nicknames and aliases
Panel of Agent Lazarus Lois Lane apprehending Superman in Absolute Superman #1 (2024)
While the narrative introduces the group’s nickname “The People of Steel” implying that Superman is part of this collective, Kal-El has not yet been directly referred to as “Man of Steel.” So far, the only names used to refer to him are “Kal-El,” a sarcastic use of “Superman” of a villainized Lois Lane, and “The boy who spoke in whispers.” Therefore, although Aaron’s reference to “The People of Steel” suggests the eventual debut of “Man of Steel” nickname in the Absolute Universe, it is still unclear when or how Superman will fully claim this iconic title.
Absolute Superman #1 is now available from DC Comics!
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ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1 (2024) |
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