Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Absolute Superman #3!
DC's Absolute Universe Continues Iconic Rewrites Superman tradition in his new iteration of the character, giving him a childhood on his home planet, entirely redefining Kal-El's status among his fellow Kryptonians in his early years. Raised on Krypton in this rebooted timeline, the super-powered hero is not only growing up without his fantastic abilities, but is actually revealed to be physically weaker than the rest of his people.
Absolute Superman #3 – written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval – offers more information about Kal-El's new origin, as he was raised by his biological parents on Krypton. Along with the Els' lower-class status this version of Kal is slower than other Kryptonians his age,”very challenged by coordination”, and fights at school.
Although his school problems are mainly due to the planet's government's censorship of original thought, which Lara and Jor-El encourage him to counteract, Kal clearly doesn't fit in on Krypton. Called “runt” By a colleague, the new Superman truly understands weakness in a way that most other versions don't.
DC's Absolute Universe officially makes Krypton Superman's biggest underdog, totally altering his usual status quo
Absolute Superman #3– Written by Jason Aaron; Art by Rafa Sandoval; Color by Ulises Arreola; Available January 1, 2025 from DC Comics
In a significant and perhaps somewhat shocking change to DC's familiar lore, Superman is revealed to be quite powerless on his home planet. His only friends are his parents, Lara and Jor-El, reimagined as blue-collar workers in this universe, and he already lives up to his rebellious nature with his behavior at school. Kal defies overcoming Kryptonian tradition by actually writing his work rather than using the Science League's generative text system, and although he is content with life alongside his family and Krypto in the Redlands, he is definitely an underdog. on Krypton.
Absolute Superman only hinted at the existence of the Kents and their farm in this universe, but Kal-El's subdued behavior and physical ineptitude make this version of the character more in line with his identity as Clark Kent as he grows up. His penchant for writing stories in class also hints at the classic character's career as a reporter. While different versions of Superman's origin have seen the hero use his powers since childhood, Aaron and Sandoval's series boldly establishes a Kal-El who spent many formative years as a physical underdog before arriving on Earth.
Absolute Superman stays true to the heart of the iconic character despite some major plot twists
Kal's new origin continues to be a highlight
The new Absolute Universe sees big changes made to Krypton, the House of El, and Superman's origin in general, but these twists on Superman lore are exciting changes that offer a new perspective on the iconic character. Absolute Superman totally changes Kal-El's youth, making him physically weak, rather than having to learn to control his alien strength on Earthbut this tweak to his origin also makes his meek, nerdy Clark Kent persona in other continuities seem more natural. The series' reinvention of the hero's story highlights what makes Superman great, while also keeping things interesting and fresh.
As the Absolute Universe's version of Kal-El makes him the so-called runt of the litter on Krypton, the journey that leads him to officially becoming Superman will be even more powerful.
While this universe's Kal-El may be less of a physical threat during his childhood, he maintains his status as one of DC's strongest characters when he finally finds himself on Earth. Absolute SupermanThe new origin gives the hero an innovative contrast between his youth and his adulthood as a superhero, creating an interesting new take on the iconic character that still remains true to his most important qualities. As the Absolute Universe's version of Kal-El makes him the so-called runt of the litter on Krypton, the journey that leads him to officially become Superman will be even more powerful.
Absolute Superman #3 will be available January 1, 2025 from DC Comics.