The third Absolute series has arrived, and DC Comics held the best for last as Absolute Superman #1 reminds us why we fight.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Rafa Sandoval
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Letterer: Becca Cary
Editor: Chris Conroy
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: November 6, 2024

Previously in Absolute Superman: Without the fortress…without the family…without a home…what’s left is the Absolute Man of Steel!

SOMEONE UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT

At its core, Absolute Superman #1 smacks us over the head with messages that big corporations, classism, the enshittification of services, and suppression of truth are evil. I have a feeling there are going to be readers who are going to take offense to this – especially those who see themselves as members of the Science League or the League of Middle Management, who think Absolute Superman is too “woke” and is making them feel bad. To those readers, they might want to go back to the core of who Superman is and look at the early Superman stories where he took on slumlords, corrupt prison systems, class structure, and racism. Jason Aaron has crafted a story that pays homage to Superman’s legacy while crafting a universe corrupted by callousness, hatred, and greed – which seems to hit a bit too close to home these days.

Via the flashbacks of Krypton’s history, readers get a different take on the supposed utopia, its downfall, and how those same events are happening on Earth in the present day. We see people forced into virtual slavery working for the Science League/Lazarus Corp, even though the working conditions are hazardous to their health. We see Darkseid’s energy corrupt every corner of this issue as the message that “war is peace,” “hate is love,” and “those fighting for good are the enemy” is beat into the minds of society.

Reading this issue makes me mad, it makes me sick to my stomach, and after November 5th, feels like a mocking slap in the face – and I love it for that. Art is supposed to evoke emotions; it often is a reflection of the world around us, but even through the escapism of comics, lessons can be learned if readers want to pursue the commentary (intended or otherwise) at a deeper level. Will those who engage with Superman realize the error of their ways and rage against the machine? Darksied hates those who rise up against his will – and that gives me hope, as heroes rise regardless of their situation. Even when things seem dark, we do see kindness, we do see people welcoming strangers into their group, and we see those who begin to question if they are on the right side.

CAN THIS LEVEL OF ART CONTINUE?

I’m not familiar with Rafa Sandoval’s complete works, but what we get on the pages of Absolute Superman #1 is masterfully done. Krypton isn’t the Shining City on the Hill, instead evoking the burning pits of Apokolips. Character details are lovely to look at, and even generic Labor Guild characters are distinct from one another. I hope the quality can continue going forward, and we don’t have a delay in issue release due to the time it takes to illustrate each page.

BOTTOM LINE: DARK BUT FANTASTIC

I’m glad DC Comics released Absolute Superman last. There is something energetic in Absolute Batman that gets the head bopping. Absolute Wonder Woman gives us a moment to pause and reflect on a society that casts us aside. Absolute Superman gives us a story that tells us not to let the system beat us down and that as dark as things may seem, there is always a shining light somewhere. Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval understood the assignment given to them and crafted a tale that gets to the heart of what Superman represents. Absolute Superman #1 makes you want more.

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