Warning: contains spoilers Absolute Superman #1!
As someone who has never been all that interested in the Kryptonian side of SupermanI’m already clamoring for more Lara-El and Jor-El exclusive to the Absolute Universe. I invested a lot in the new Casa de El, seeing as how Absolute Superman rewrites central aspects of the character’s lore, with his parents’ status being perhaps the biggest change, as they are revealed to be censored scientists with blue-collar sensibilities.
Absolute Superman #1 – written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval – presents an unrecognizable version of Kryptonian society, which has a caste system in which the Els are at the bottom. The issue also debuts one of my favorite new characters, Lara-El, a resourceful mechanic who fights against government oppression.
Furthermore, the edition reveals that Jor-El works in a dangerous mine giving Superman’s parents a true working-class status, along with a shared history of criticism of Kryptonian leadership that I find really compelling.
Superman’s alien heritage never really caught my attention, but the absolute reboot changes that entirely
Absolute Superman #1 – Written by Jason Aaron; Art by Rafa Sandoval; Color by Ulises Arreola; Becca Carey Lyrics
Since Absolute Superman Grounds Kal-El’s Kryptonian parents with a blue-collar spirit – reimagining them as a mechanic and a miner, who live in some kind of alien farmland – I found myself more connected to his new story than previous versions. While most other iterations I’ve encountered make the House of El high-ranking citizens of Krypton in some way, Lara-El and Jor-El from the Absolute Universe are somewhat dismissed in society as part of the working class. This new development is among many surprising changes to Superman lore and instantly makes me identify with his struggle.
There have been many iconic versions of Superman over the years, but I’ve always gravitated toward the Kents, Smallville, and his identity as Clark. However, the strong debut edition of Absolute Superman It immediately hooked me with its new take on the Els, especially Lara-El’s story. I’m possibly even more intrigued by Lara than I am by Superman, an aspiring astronaut banned from practicing science for criticizing the Kryptonian government. Since it’s also been revealed that the Els are raising school-aged Kal with Krypto in their timeline, I’ll be more devastated than ever when Krypton falls.
Els’ desperation to protect her children’s future on a dying planet makes them incredibly relatable heroes
Absolute Superman #1 – Available now from DC Comics
While the destruction of Krypton has been a mainstay in Superman stories, the origins of the planet’s fall can vary. For me as a reader, giving the Els a more relatable backstory makes the death of Superman’s home planet more effective, helping this variation on their origin really resonate with real-world issues. When Absolute Superman #1 comes to an end with Jor-El barely making it out of a mining disaster because of incompetent superiors and the dire state of Krypton, his fear for his family’s survival on a dying planet is both relevant and harrowing.
While these themes are part of Superman stories in general, I think the more grounded versions of Lara-El and Jor-El give this storyline a lot more emotional weight. Like a mother and father trying to warn the population of their planet about environmental disaster, disregarded by their working class status, The new El family are truly captivating and potentially inspiring figures in 2024. As the new Absolute Universe builds its powerful roster of heroes, Superman’s parents join the ranks as new versions of old characters given a new perspective and purpose in this reinvigorated DC tradition.
I hope DC doesn’t kill off the Els anytime soon in the absolute new version of Superman’s story
Krypton’s days may be numbered, but spare Jor and Lara
Rafa Sandoval’s beautiful cover for Absolute Superman #3 teases Lara-El, Jor-El, and Krypto during what appears to be Krypton’s death, as destruction happens around you, but I’m hopeful that DC doesn’t get rid of these versions of the characters. Although they may seem doomed by the narrative and destined to die, Absolute Batman has already established a Martha Wayne alive and well, which means the rules could be changed to keep them around. Even if they don’t make it out of Krypton alive, I’d also welcome a prequel just to see more of the Els from the Absolute Universe.
With their bold new origin and status, I’d love to see Superman’s parents develop into heroes as the Absolute Universe expands.
With only one edition released of the new Absolute SupermanIt might be a little early to start calling for full-fledged spin-offs, but I can’t help but want Lara-El and Jor-El to take a more prominent role in this new world. Although DC’s main continuity now has Lois Lane as Superwoman, Aaron and Sandoval’s version of Lara makes me really want to see Kal-El’s mother suiting up as her own version of the superhero. With your bold new origin and status, I’d love to see Supermanparents develop into heroes as the Absolute Universe expands.
Absolute Superman #1 is now available from DC Comics.