Holy Krypton, this issue is a powerhouse! Absolute Superman #10 takes everything you thought you knew and cranks it up to 11. Jason Aaron, Di Giandomenico, and Arreola deliver a story that is not only a visual feast but also a gut-punch of emotional and physical conflict.
The story opens on Krypton in the past, with Jor-El trying to save people from a cave-in. What starts as a rescue mission quickly turns into a terrifying fight for survival against monstrous Magmoles. The art here is breathtaking. Di Giandomenico and colorist Arreola perfectly capture the otherworldly beauty of the Redlands, making the striking red crystals of the caves feel both gorgeous and dangerous. The Magmoles themselves are drawn as effectively terrifying creatures, with gigantic claws, appendages, and multiple deadly tongues that sell you on the danger of Krypton before it even blew up.
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Back in the present, Ra’s al Ghul and Brainiac are waiting for Superman at their Lazarus Corps Greenland base. The interaction between them is a highlight of the book. You can tell they’re not on the same page, and their eventual split is going to be messy and epic. But first, there’s a small matter of Superman showing up in a fiery descent from the sky, absolutely wrecking fighter jets.
Absolute Metallo (Chris Smith and former Peacemaker), who previously injured the Man of Steel, steps up to finish the job in this issue, but it doesn’t go as planned. Superman, fueled by righteous rage, takes him out in under four seconds flat! The visual of a battered, busted-up Metallo is incredible, but it’s nothing compared to the reveal of Superman soaring with his cape spread out like honest-to-god wings; a genuinely iconic, powerful, and badass moment that will make you want to stop and stare.
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This issue gives us a fantastic look into Superman’s head, as Kal-El narrates the entire story. We finally see the rage that’s been building up inside him, and it’s a scary but justified look at the power he could unleash. He stops short of killing Metallo, which is a powerful moment that leads to several huge twists: a Kryptonite bullet, a shocking betrayal by Primus of the Omega Men, and a surprising connection.
The only weak point of the issue might be the Omega Men. The reveal involving Primus feels like something you could see coming, but it doesn’t distract from what’s still a shocking and unexpected event.
Overall, Absolute Superman #10 is a masterclass in comic book storytelling. It’s a beautifully drawn, action-packed thrill ride with compelling character work and major plot reveals. This is the issue where everything finally comes to a head, and Superman is ready to face his true enemy, Ra’s al Ghul, no matter the cost.
‘Absolute Superman’ #10 Review: A God’s Wrath Unleashed
Absolute Superman #10 is a masterclass in comic book storytelling. It’s a beautifully drawn, action-packed thrill ride with compelling character work and major plot reveals. This is the issue where everything finally comes to a head, and Superman is ready to face his true enemy, Ra’s al Ghul, no matter the cost.
