Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval drop us right into the middle of a war zone with Absolute Superman #13, and it is intense. The Battle of Kansas has officially begun, as the Lazarus Corp’s tanks roll into Smallville. Weakened and still reeling from the horrific ordeal he suffered at the hands of Brainiac and Ra’s al Ghul, Superman is fighting a desperate, last-stand battle for everything he holds dear.
The issue opens with an incredibly powerful statement: Kansas is under siege, but the people of Smallville are not going down without a fight. Aaron’s writing shines here, painting a vivid history of a town full of folks who are always ready to protect themselves. It feels incredibly lived-in, making you desperately want to see this community protected.
The whole setup gives off major ‘Red Dawn’ vibes, and I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what they were going for. It’s a declaration of war, but Superman, their ‘fallen star,’ and the people of Smallville are ready to answer with everything they have.
Speaking of fighting, Rafa Sandoval’s artwork is simply killer. I never get tired of seeing a superhero manhandle a tank. Still, Superman doing it is a special kind of spectacle, and Sandoval absolutely nails the raw, powerful weight of that feat. It looks fantastic. Colorist Ulises Arreola complements this perfectly, bathing the panels in glorious crimson red and orange, driving home the war-torn atmosphere.
Amidst the chaos, we catch up with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, who, with the help of Sol, are trying to broadcast the plight of Kansas to the world. Their classic comic dynamic comes across perfectly here; they feel like war correspondents fighting the informational battle.
The fact that a multi-trillion-dollar organization has declared war on a small town and the world seems to be looking the other way is a core mystery of this ‘Absolute Universe.’ Is it total government corruption? Likely. But as Lois’s powerful narration guides us through the chaos, she and Jimmy prove that not all people are corrupt.
Cut to their underground bunker (a tunnel built by Superman and Sol), and tensions are high. We meet the person who initially called Lazarus on the Kents when Superman first arrived, turning his arrival into a nightmare. Understandably, Superman is furious. But in a powerful moment of internal dialogue, he makes the choice to forgive. Aaron beautifully explores how doing the right thing doesn’t always feel great, even for Superman, but it’s the right thing to do anyway.
The push and pull between Lois and Kal is another fantastic element. Lois wants Kal to tell his story to the world, believing people would be amazed. Kal, however, fears only a planetary-level fear and heartache, given how miserable his time on Earth has been so far. It’s an interesting and relatable dynamic: wanting to believe humanity will meet him in the sun, but having every personal experience suggest otherwise.
Ultimately, Absolute Superman #13 is another stellar entry. Sandoval’s art is godly, grand, and hits all the right notes. Aaron delivers an emotionally resonant story of survival, forgiveness, and the struggle to do the right thing when everything hurts. The lettering by Becca Carey is excellent too, from Lois’s non-instructive narration to bombastic onomatopoeias, and a killer Brainiac intro.
If you love your Superman stories with high stakes, incredible action, and deep emotional complexity, pick up Absolute Superman #13.
‘Absolute Superman’ #13 Review: Superman vs. Lazarus Corp, Smallville Under Siege
Absolute Superman #13 is another stellar entry. Sandoval’s art is godly, grand, and hits all the right notes. Aaron delivers an emotionally resonant story of survival, forgiveness, and the struggle to do the right thing when everything hurts.
