Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #1Absolute Superman has arrived, and I'm sure this new Man of Steel just stole a great Batman villain as his own. Debuting as a lone wanderer defending the oppressed, the Superman of the Absolute Universe has come face to face with a very large and very corrupt corporation. While some familiar faces have already appeared, I have strong suspicions about who might be running the entire operation.
In Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, it is revealed that this new Kal-El had a childhood on Krypton before it was destroyed, meaning he was apparently never raised by the Kents on Earth. Growing up with no one but his living armor known as the Sun, Kal-El has made it his mission to protect those in need, especially those who work for the Lazarus Corporation.. To that end, this first issue shows Superman going head-to-head with several Lazarus agents and his "Peacemakers" after he interfered in their diamond mining operations in Brazil:
In the issue, Superman protects the lives of countless workers whose lives were intentionally put in danger by Lazarus for greater profit. To that end, I think I know who's in charge of the entire corporation, with Absolute Superman likely facing a foe that's typically one of the classic Batman villains from the primary DC Universe.
The Lazarus Corporation is corrupting the entire world
Absolute Superman targets its operations
According to Absolute Superman, the Lazarus Corporation has mining operations and holdings all over the world, polluting the planet and endlessly overworking its employees. Possessing its own private army with several armed security forces and several Peacekeepers wielding highly advanced weaponry, Lazarus is clearly a large organization with vast levels of influence. To that end, it makes sense that this darker version of Superman would have an ax to grind with Lazarus.as this first issue also confirms that his parents on Krypton were part of the lowest worker caste, who argued against the high-ranking Scientific Guild, warning against the planet's aggressive mining practices that were putting the planet in danger.
As a result, it's no wonder that Absolute Superman is fighting to prevent the same thing that doomed his world from happening to Earth. Likewise, whoever is in charge of the Lazarus Corporation must be extremely powerful, with abundant resources and connections. While some may be led to think of Lex Luthor, I think a turnaround is coming Absolute Superman and that the man at the top has been in power for some time (perhaps for centuries in this darker DC Universe).
Absolute Superman Theory: Ra's Al Ghul is behind the Lazarus Corporation
Using Your Immortality and Influence in Whole New Ways
“Lazarus” seems like a big hint that Ra's al Ghul could very well be the villain behind the eponymous corporation. After all, Ra's al Ghul used the rare Lazarus Pits in the main DC Universe to achieve immortality and lead the League of Assassins for centuries. While al Ghul is typically one of Batman's most dangerous villains, anything is possible in this new Absolute Universe. Perhaps Ra's al Ghul chose to be more corporate in this universe, using his power at the expense of the world rather than trying to save it as he does in the main continuity.
It would also not be a stretch to imagine that Lazarus Corporation's tireless mining operations are not limited to the recovery of precious metals and jewelry. Maybe Ra's is looking for the Lazarus Pits himself. Either way, it would certainly be an exciting twist with such a major villain behind one of the largest and most corrupt corporations in the world, potentially becoming big enough to completely overshadow other companies like LuthorCorp in the Absolute Universe.
There are still many Lazarus mysteries to explore in Absolute Superman
Like Brainiac and the Kent Farm
There are also many other mysteries created by Absolute Superman #1 regardless of whether Ra's al Ghul is the man responsible in the Absolute Universe. For example, a version of Brainiac appears to be in charge of the Lazarus R&D department, surrounding my miniaturized victims begging for death. Additionally, the remains of the Kent Farm belong to Lazarus for some reason, suggesting that there may be a connection between Absolute Superman and the Kents after all.
"Ra's al Ghul potentially being the head of Lazarus is just the tip of the iceberg in regards to everything that could be discovered about this great company..."
It's also worth noting that Lois Lane herself is surprisingly shown to be Lazarus' agent at the end of the issue. As such, Ra's al Ghul potentially being the head of Lazarus is just the tip of the iceberg in regards to everything that could be discovered about this massive company. this became an important rival to Superman in this new universe. It will be fascinating to learn more as the new DC series continues with Aaron and Sandoval.
Absolute Superman #1 is now on sale at DC Comics.