Absolute Superman is quietly the most underrated book in DC’s Absolute universe, and issue fourteen proves why. It may not have the eye-popping moments of Absolute Batman or the bold character reinvention of Absolute Wonder Woman, but it more than makes up for it in heart. Writer Jason Aaron shows us that Superman is simply a good man trying to do his best. The world around him may be corrupt, but his soul never can be.
It kicks off with Ra’s Al Ghul pressing his advantage against Superman, battering the young man with a Kryptonite sword. He’s got our hero on the ropes, forcing Kal’s AI companion, Sol, to sacrifice itself in order to sever Braniac’s control over them. As the townspeople and Peacemakers look on, Kal fights back using the last of Sol’s Sunstone Crystals to craft a powerful weapon of his own. The resolution in the final few pages is sublime, giving us a fitting end to this arc.
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Aaron juggles multiple themes in this book, and each one resonates. Ra’s initially seems like an overwhelming foe with all his money and resources, but the power of the people breaks through. The residents of Smallville, and even the Peacemakers, rally around Superman, deserting Ra’s when Kal reveals his insidious nature.
There’s strength in unity, and even someone as powerful as Ra’s Al Ghul finds himself defeated when his allies turn on him. Aaron also explores the importance of found family. It’s heart-wrenching to find out Martha Kent’s fate but we still get a beautiful moment between her and Kal at the end. Though they were cruelly torn apart, the Kents never forgot their lost son, and her last message to him asserts that he does belong on Earth. It all leads to the final panel that will make your heart swell.
The special thing about Superman is that he dares to hope, regardless of which universe he’s in. He continues to see the best in people as the rest of the world breaks down around him. That outlook is contagious and drives home what makes his character great. He inspires you to be a better person and do what’s right. Superman even saves a Peacemaker from Ra’s and ultimately spares Al Ghul, taking the villain to stand trial instead of coldly executing him. It’s hard to be merciful; most people want their pound of flesh, but not Superman. He strives for justice no matter what.
Rafa Sandoval’s art nearly steals the show. Superman’s battle with Ra’s is savage, with Sandoval using dark lines to etch each slash of the Kryptonite sword into pained expressions on Superman’s face. Our hero’s blood runs freely and his slumping body language successfully conveys how vulnerable he is. Ra’s is menacing, his hulking form dominating each panel he’s in.
The way Sandoval portrays him, vastly eclipsing Superman in size and space, makes you feel like this is an enemy worthy of comics’ most powerful hero. His manipulation of depth on page fourteen reframes their confrontation as a David versus Goliath scenario, masterfully contrasting Kal’s relentless determination with Ra’s massive presence.
Colorist Ulises Arreola is an ideal partner for Sandoval’s art. He bathes the Kryptonite sword in an unearthly green glow, while Superman’s outfit bursts off the page with blinding reds and dark blues. The rusty oranges that dominate the battle gently transform into warm blue skies in the aftermath, visually representing the shift between conflict and calm. Becca Carey handles a dizzying amount of POVs with her characteristically strong letters. Whether it’s Sol’s alien red text boxes or Braniac’s sinister black speech bubbles, each character’s distinct voice shines through.
Overall, Absolute Superman #14 proves this series should be talked about as one of the Absolute line’s best as well as one of the premier comics on the shelf. We get an important glimpse into the nature of our hero as Superman remains good in a world that’s anything but. His bittersweet victory is a potent reminder that we should always strive to be better. Aaron’s made this book a must-read and an essential part of any pull list.
‘Absolute Superman’ #14 Review: The Man of Steel vs. The Demon’s Head
Absolute Superman #14 proves this series should be talked about as one of the Absolute line’s best as well as one of the premier comics on the shelf. We get an important glimpse into the nature of our hero as Superman remains good in a world that’s anything but.
