Absolute Superman #12 is an absolute banger. If you’re a Superman fan, or honestly, just a fan of well-made comics, you absolutely need to grab this issue. The creative team of Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval on art, and Ulisese Arreola on colors is firing on all cylinders, delivering a story that’s equal parts heartfelt and explosive.
The big hook for this issue is high-stakes drama: Ra’s al Ghul isn’t taking “no” for an answer, and he’s bringing the Lazarus Corp to Smallville to force Superman’s hand. If Kal doesn’t accept his place as the “Son of the Demon,” then everyone Superman holds dear (the people of Smallville) will face hell. The invasion of Kansas is officially on, and the final pages confirm that Ra’s and his army are headed straight for the heartland.
While the threat is external, this issue really shines by focusing on Kal’s internal life and his relationships. The comic opens with a quiet, slightly unsettling moment with Martha Kent in a senior living home. Is she excited for Kal’s return, or is she just not mentally there? We don’t know, but the moment sets the tone for a surprisingly somber issue.
Then we get a fantastic flashback to five years ago, where we see Kal and Sol (his suit) chatting inside a volcano. This scene is visually stunning; Sandoval’s art and Arreola’s colors make you feel the heat, with the orange glow of the lava bouncing off the page. But beyond the incredible visuals, the conversation is genuinely poignant. Kal, the most powerful being on the planet, still needs companionship. He may not need food, sleep, or shelter, but he can’t survive isolation, especially after the world has hurt him. It’s a touching, relatable moment that grounds the character. Even a god-like alien needs a friend. Also, a lava bath? That’s just a flex.
Later, the relationship between Kal and Sol really comes full circle. I love the idea of the suit being a companion, not just armor, but a friend, a brother, even going by the name “Sol-El.” Honestly, Sol really feels like the best cape/brother ever.
Speaking of Sol, if there’s one thing that steals the show visually, it’s the crimson red dust cape. Seriously, this thing has so much drip. Thanks to Sandoval and Arreola, the cape isn’t just a piece of clothing; it’s a versatile tool that engulfs pages with its vastness, even transforming into a personal red fortress of solitude. It just looks stellar and makes every panel it’s in pop. It’s easily one of the coolest additions to the Superman mythos in ages.
The issue is packed with other great moments that highlight Kal’s journey to be part of the world. In the Philippines, he tries to fit in, working in the sun, only for things to immediately go sideways when he accidentally injures a colleague. When the Peacemakers arrive and the situation escalates violently, you can really feel Kal’s anguish and frustration, thanks to Sandoval’s fantastic facial expressions. He’s shaken up, but for a moment, he thinks maybe his violent reaction was deserved. It’s a raw, humanizing moment.
Contrast that with a super sweet diner scene with Lois and Jimmy. You think you’re about to get an angry mob, but instead, they’re welcomed as heroes, and they get a complimentary, town-wide breakfast. Even better, the waitress is Lana Lang! It’s moments like these that remind you why Superman fights so hard for humanity.
Absolute Superman #12 is a home run. It delivers awesome action, a killer cliffhanger, and poignant character moments. If you’re a Superman fan, or even just a comic book reader who values great art and relatable emotion, grab this one!
‘Absolute Superman’ #12 Review: That Red Dust Cape
Absolute Superman #12 is a home run. It delivers awesome action, a killer cliffhanger, and poignant character moments. If you’re a Superman fan, or even just a comic book reader who values great art and relatable emotion, grab this one.
