Absolute Superman keeps moving from strength to strength. Issue seventeen shows why the Man of Steel is such an iconic character, with writer Jason Aaron focusing on what Clark means to people. His ability to inspire is second to none.
How does Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra depict Absolute Parasite?
Superman and Absolute Hawkman are in dire straits. Absolute Parasite is spreading across Metropolis like a virus, sucking up its citizens and absorbing their fear. Hawkman’s plan is to meet it with force, but Superman is reluctant. It isn’t until he runs into Lois Lane that he sees things a different way. Parasite feeds on fear. If Superman can provide comfort to its victims, then they should be free to go. Clark can go blow-for-blow with anybody, but this book shows violence isn’t always the answer.
This version of Parasite is horrifying. It’s no longer human, instead being an experiment created by the Lazarus Corporation. Artist/colorist Juan Ferreyra renders it as a Lovecraftian-style eldritch being, complete with revolting purple limbs and a gaping maw lined with jagged teeth. The way his tendrils trap Jimmy Olsen in a sickening panel on page two, entering through his eyes, ears, and mouth as dark red blood runs down the poor man’s face, is a scene straight out of a horror movie. Letterer Becca Carey gives the creature a sinister voice, using matching purple text and a dark black background to represent their speech bubbles.
What is Superman’s greatest strength? The Man of Steel Is a Beacon of Light
Seeing Superman assert he’s not for sale gave me goosebumps. It’s refreshing to see him stick to his ideals and rebuke Hawkman’s offer. Clark’s the superhero we need at this moment. He won’t allow himself to be corrupted and does the right thing simply because it’s right. In a reality where Red Son seems like the most realistic path for a superpowered alien to take, it’s encouraging to see Absolute Superman rise above temptation.
Hawkman has never been more fascinating than he is now. He’s not a bad guy, he’s just been beaten down by a system that rewards cruelty. This comes to life on a brilliant page thirteen, as Superman confronts him while they’re both being probed by Parasite. Ferreyra uses an outline of Hawkman’s helmet to contain the proceedings, with Parasite’s sinewy flesh acting as the panel borders. The villain’s outward calm is revealed to be a front, as his inner self is panicking about the state of the world and the wrongs he’s committed. It’s a refreshingly nuanced take on the B-lister.
Where does Absolute Superman go from here? Aaron Sets Up Clark’s Most Iconic Villain
Absolute Brainiac has found this universe’s Lex Luthor. He’s a simple farmer, far from his megalomaniac counterpart on Earth-0. This doesn’t work for Brainiac, who soon goes about breaking Luthor so that he uses his intelligence for evil purposes. The last image of their confrontation is haunting and promises that Luthor is about to have a much larger role in Superman’s life.
Verdict for Absolute Superman #17?
Absolute Superman explores why Superman is more than a superhero. He’s a symbol. Aaron shows that he’s a beacon of a better tomorrow, whether he’s inspiring the citizens of Metropolis or drawing a line with Hawkman. Ferreyra twists the book into pure horror with Parasite, before bringing it back into the light when Clark triumphs. Superman won’t be bought, and he’s making that loud and clear.
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‘Absolute Superman’ #17 | Superman Is Not for Sale
Absolute Superman explores why Superman is more than a superhero. He’s a symbol. Aaron shows that he’s a beacon of a better tomorrow, whether he’s inspiring the citizens of Metropolis or drawing a line with Hawkman. Ferreyra twists the book into the realm of horror with Parasite, before bringing it back into the light as Clark triumphs. Superman won’t be bought, and he’s making that loud and clear.
