Absolute Superman #5 witnesses the peaceful El family’s existence shattered forever by a desperate, planet-wide struggle for survival. Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval craft a powerful story, weaving the devastation of Krypton into present-day chaos. Let’s dive in!
Six years ago, the destruction of Krypton ignited a firestorm of riots and despair. Amidst the chaos, the Els, facing imminent execution, make a daring escape. In doing so, they exposed the Science League’s secret escape routes, shocking and enraging the devastated populace. In the Redlands, a somber atmosphere prevailed as they mourned those left behind. Young Kal-El, amidst the grief, swears to forge a better future.
The narrative shifts to Earth, where Superman, consumed by rage following a mass murder, relentlessly pursues Peacemaker Christopher Smith. During his furious search, he uncovers the existence of the Absolute version of a classic Superman villain, offering up Smith as bait in a calculated move, demanding a confrontation with the Kryptonian.
Returning to Krypton, Lara meticulously loads the escape ship, which then bonds with the remaining survivors. Kal-El tries to comfort the others when a massive shard of kryptonite tears through the ship’s hull, scattering the last Kryptonians across space. Back on Earth, Superman abandons his vengeance against Christopher Smith, choosing a different path. He returns to the quiet fields of Smallville, burdened by his past yet resolved to forge a new future.
Credits: DC Comics
The destruction of Krypton is a well-worn tragedy, etched into the very mythology of Superman. Yet, Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval manage to infuse this familiar event with a raw, startling freshness. They’ve sculpted a narrative that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary, a modern Icarus story where hubris and devastating loss intertwine. This isn’t just another retelling; it’s a chilling reflection on our world, a stark reminder that annihilation can stem not from cosmic inevitability but from our profound failures. The story resonates deeply because Aaron taps into our present anxieties, exploring the consequences of our inability to unite and safeguard our shared home.
Visually, Rafa Sandoval’s portrayal of Krypton’s final moments is nothing short of a masterpiece of devastation. He doesn’t just illustrate the planet’s demise; he immerses you in the sheer, terrifying chaos. The panels crackle with frantic energy: citizens desperately fleeing, shockwaves tearing through the architecture, and the ground fracturing beneath their feet. You witness the brutal spectacle of colossal spaceships falling, crushing through panicked crowds, while the sky erupts in a symphony of fiery explosions. It’s a breathtaking and horrifying visual representation of a world unraveling.
Beyond the grand spectacle, Sandoval brings a visceral ferocity to Absolute Superman. His heat vision is no longer a simple laser; it’s a torrent of raw, unbridled energy, a searing wave that melts metal, obliterates armor, and sears flesh with palpable, red-hot intensity, and Sandoval renders it with unflinching detail, leaving a lasting, impactful impression
Credits: DC Comics
Colorist Ulises Arreola paints chaos with a palette of toxic neon greens, explosive reds, and stark oranges, weaving a visually arresting tapestry of destruction. The energy feels palpable, leaping from the artwork. Becca Carey’s lettering adds a powerful sonic dimension. The booming “THOOM” of tank cannons and the sweeping “FWOOOOOSH” of Superman’s cape immerse you in the base assault. Then, the final, splintered “KKRRAAKK” of Krypton’s destruction, a fractured scream, visually and aurally mirrors the planet’s tragic end.
Absolute Superman #5 delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant retelling of Krypton’s destruction, masterfully blending the familiar tragedy with modern anxieties and raw, visceral artwork. The issue juxtaposes this catastrophic past with Superman’s present rage and eventual return to hope, highlighting the enduring impact of loss and the choice to forge a better future.
‘Absolute Superman’ #5 Review: The Fury of Billions
Absolute Superman #5 delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant retelling of Krypton’s destruction, masterfully blending the familiar tragedy with modern anxieties and raw, visceral artwork. The issue juxtaposes this catastrophic past with Superman’s present rage and eventual return to hope, highlighting the enduring impact of loss and the choice to forge a better future.
