Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #1After its first issue alone, DC’s Absolute Superman has proven that it has much more to offer than simply being a “What if…?” history. Set in the alternate universe known as Earth-Alpha or “Elseworld”, the new DC Absolute Universe was created by Darkseid as a reality where heroes originated as underdogs, without many of their typical advantages seen in the primary DC Universe. To that end, Kal-El’s Superman certainly looks to be the most compelling underdog introduced yet, while also redefining what it means to be a true Man of Steel.
Coming from Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman #1 faces the great challenge of debuting an entirely new origin and continuity for this new version of Kal-El. Not only is his upbringing very different from what has come before in the main DC Universe, but Absolute Superman’s powers and motivations are also quite distinct. To do this, the first number of the Absolute Superman makes a strong case that this series will have much more to offer, rather than simply being just another cool What If…?/Elseworlds story.
Absolute Superman goes beyond a cool “What if…”
It’s a unique character study that rivals the original
In Absolute Superman #1, Kal-El serves as narrator and protagonist, beginning by offering a glimpse into what his home world, Krypton, was like before it was destroyed. This context is quite crucialseeing how this Krypton was very different, adhering to a strict caste system where Kal’s parents, although scientifically talented, were relegated to the lower working class rather than the high-level scientific guild due to their opposing and unorthodox views . However, workers like Superman’s parents were identified as such by the “El” sigil, although they also took pride in their status with the name “The People of Steel”.
In the same way, Absolute Superman #1 it also reveals that Kal himself had a childhood with his parents on Krypton before being sent away. This means he saw what Krypton was like and had a chance to live among its people before leaving for Earth after the end of his world. As such, the rest of the issue shows how this experience transformed this new Kal-El into a very different kind of Superman, the likes of which has never been seen before.
To that end, this first chapter alone lays an exciting foundation for what will likely be an ongoing character and origin study to rival Superman’s original story.. At the same time, it’s also subverting the original narrative in very exciting ways. While elements like the Els being working-class farmers/engineers who raise Kal instead of the Kents on Earth give the series the expected What If…?/Elseworlds style, it has already been demonstrated that the series intends to go much deeper into the As this process continues, the series continues.
Absolute Superman is a whole new way to be the Man of Steel
An escaped alien looking to avoid the mistakes of his own world
As seen on Earth, Absolute Superman #1 sees Kal-El as a long-time traveler who visits various sweatshops, mines, and more corrupt operations run by the massive Lazarus Corporation. Wearing a living armor known as Sol, which helps Kal regulate his powers like a living solar battery, Absolute Superman appears to be simultaneously more powerful, volatile, and vulnerable compared to the OG Man of Steel as he seeks to help and give aid to those he cares about. the company is overcharging and abusing. Kal also works to stop many of Lazarus’s business practices that threaten the world.
“In both powers and purpose, Absolute Superman is a whole new way to be the Man of Steel…”
After this first issue, Absolute Superman’s motives and methods seem much more personal and tragic, as this Kal-El is literally trying to prevent Earth from suffering the same fate that destroyed his own world, having fallen due to a similar greed for resources. . In both powers and purpose, Absolute Superman is a whole new way to be the Man of Steel. While it doesn’t inherently discount the motives and all the good the original Superman achieved in the main DC Universe, it has enough depth to be considered an equally compelling means of fighting for truth and justice.
After this first issue, I’m very excited for the ultimate Superman
A compelling redefinition of the world’s best-known superhero
It will be fascinating to delve deeper into the next editions of Absolute Superman. Previews and solicitations have suggested that the events that led to Krypton’s demise will continue to unfold, having already been confirmed to be the result of excessive resource mining and what appears to be the destruction of the entire planet due to an unstable core and deadly kryptonite eruptions. – infused magma. Likewise, Superman’s war with Lazarus has only just begun, not to mention that Lois Lane herself is one of his agents, as seen at the end of Absolute Superman #1. To that end, there’s a lot to be excited about with its dynamic redefinition of DC’s Superman.
Absolute Superman #1 It’s on sale now at DC Comics.