Jason Aaron and Carmine Di Giandomenico’s Absolute Superman #11 is a raw, brutal, and visually stunning tour de force that finally unleashes the long-simmering rage of the Man of Steel. For ten issues, we’ve watched Superman, hounded and reviled, treated as a criminal for the simple crime of being an alien. Now, pushed to his breaking point by the machinations of Ra’s al Ghul and the sadistic cruelty of Brainiac, Superman’s fury threatens to engulf the entire world. But this isn’t just a story about a hero’s fall; it’s a testament to his unwavering spirit, even in the face of absolute depravity.
The issue sets its tone from the very first page, starting with a cover by Rafa Sandoval that is nothing short of a horror masterpiece. Brainiac looms, a buzzsaw ready to cleave Superman’s head, rendered in a sickly, toxic lime green by colorist Ulises Arreola. It’s a gnarly, unsettling image that oozes mad scientist energy and perfectly prepares the reader for the torment within.
The story itself begins with a powerful and heart-wrenching flashback to Krypton. We see a young Kal-El being sentenced, but the truth is far more sinister. Brainiac has been torturing him with mental simulations, forcing him to witness himself killing his own people over 575 times, all in a bid to break his will. Jason Aaron masterfully conveys the agony of this scene, and Di Giandomenico’s art sells the horror, depicting Superman trapped on a Kryptonite-laced operating table, covered with a grotesque collection of wires and alien contraptions.
A major highlight of this issue is the dynamic between Ra’s al Ghul, Talia, and Brainiac. The animosity is palpable, and the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Di Giandomenico expertly portrays Brainiac’s simmering hatred, with a cold, calculating gaze that promises a long and brutal retribution once he finally frees himself. There’s a particularly gruesome moment where Brainiac nonchalantly instructs a clone to remove his own tongue for speaking out of turn. This casual evil, reminiscent of a very evil Rick Sanchez, establishes Brainiac as a uniquely terrifying and depraved foe, a mad scientist who finds joy in the most sadistic of experiments.
The narrative cuts between Superman’s torture and the plight of Lois and Jimmy at the hands of Talia. They discover that the “heroic” Omega Men and Lazarus Corps have always been nothing more than tools for Ra’s al Ghul to control the populace, with Superman being his ultimate prize.
The climax is a bombastic and wholly unexpected affair. General Lane, a character often at odds with Superman, arrives to save his family in a surprising and genuinely cool moment. Packing heat and triggering the alarm, he gives Lois the perfect opening to attack. The ensuing sequence is a chaotic, action-packed thrill ride, culminating in a shocking death, a new rivalry, and an explosive final page that will leave readers desperate for the next issue.
Absolute Superman #11 is a visual feast from start to finish. Carmine Di Giandomenico’s art is raw and visceral, capturing the fury and power of this new, more ferocious Superman. He excels in rendering the menacing presence of Brainiac, often shrouding his face in black ink to make him look truly sinister. Ulises Arreola’s colors are nothing short of breathtaking. The evil, toxic green of Brainiac permeates nearly every panel, punctuated by bursts of volcanic red as Superman’s powers are unleashed. A standout full-page spread shows a nightmare vision of Superman as a fiery archangel, with Sol as his wings, destroying the Earth with crimson wings and yellow lightning. It’s a mesmerizing piece of art that you’ll want to stop and stare at.
Letterer Becca Carey puts the final touch on this masterpiece with her work. Brainiac’s words, rendered in menacing black and purple, resemble “black speech” and sell his sinister nature. The effects for Superman going “nuclear” are absolutely fantastic, selling the raw intensity of his power.
Absolute Superman #11 is a testament to the entire creative team. Jason Aaron continues to redefine the Man of Steel for a new generation, creating an underdog you can’t help but root for. This raw, brutal, and emotionally resonant series is a complete reinvention, and Absolute Superman #11 is a high point in its gripping saga.
‘Absolute Superman’ #11 Review: A Relentless Look at a Hero’s Breaking Point
This raw, brutal, and emotionally resonant series is a complete reinvention, and Absolute Superman #11 is a high point in its gripping saga.
