The story of Superman is one of the most iconic in all of fiction: a lone survivor of a doomed planet, sent to Earth to become its greatest hero. But what if he arrived with less; less family, less support, and less of the life we’ve come to expect? DC’s “Absolute Universe” aims to answer that question. With Absolute Superman Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton, they deliver a refreshingly grounded, fiercely relevant take on the Man of Steel that is nothing short of spectacular. This isn’t a dark or edgy retelling; it’s a re-examination of the hero’s core values, making him feel both timeless and urgently modern.
Jason Aaron, a master of character-driven narratives, breathes new life into this reimagined Superman. While the broad strokes of his backstory remain familiar (an alien child sent from a dying world), the details on Earth are where the real innovation lies. This isn’t the Clark Kent we know from Metropolis. Instead, we meet a younger, more reserved Superman who is a protector of the oppressed. He’s a Robin Hood-type figure traveling the globe and dismantling the predatory mining operations of the corporate behemoth, Lazarus Corps. This focus on fighting against corporate exploitation and extreme capitalism is a powerful thematic thread woven throughout the series, connecting his fight on Earth to the class struggles that doomed his home planet.
Aaron reinvents classic characters to fit this new world. Lois Lane isn’t a journalist here; she’s a battle-hardened military operative hunting Superman. Yet, her analytical mind and a buried sense of justice still drive her. Her journey from chasing Superman to trying to help him reveals the profound flaws of the authoritarian systems she works for. Peacemaker is another perfect example, a character broken by the same oppressive system he serves.
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The most profound change, however, is to Superman himself. This Superman’s past isn’t just a memory; it’s a living part of his identity. His environmentalist values, for example, stem from his home planet being destroyed by climate destabilization. He is a refugee, a child of a working-class family, and a living embodiment of the global struggles we face today.
The creative team elevates this story to an art form. The artwork by Rafa Sandoval is nothing short of breathtaking. His jaw-dropping style, combined with the vibrant colors of Ulises Arreola and the crisp lettering of Becca Carey, makes every page a visual feast. Sandoval’s characters are expressive, and the settings are so detailed that they tell stories on their own. The action sequences are explosive and dynamic, drawing you into the chaos and making you forget the world around you.
Sandoval’s design choices are particularly effective. The art team reimagines Superman as a younger, slightly angrier individual whose suit feels more like armor. His laser vision is a torrent of raw, unbridled energy, and the red dust that emanates from him in battle is a powerful visual metaphor for his rage and the remnants of his lost world. This visceral, grounded style fits the narrative perfectly, creating a darker aesthetic that still manages to feel like a beacon of hope against injustice.
The art shines brightest in the series’ most pivotal moments. In issue #3, the team takes us back to Krypton’s final days, exploring the degeneration of the planet in harrowing, heartbreaking detail. The once-fantastical crystalline structures and farmlands are now sickly with a deadly green hue, a devastatingly clear reference to Superman’s classic weakness. The emotional weight of this issue is amplified by Sandoval’s art, which makes the planet’s demise feel personal and tragic.
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While the series touches on heavy topics like climate change and corporate greed, its true power lies in its heart. Absolute Superman isn’t just about a broken world; it’s about the people struggling to survive in it. Issue #6, featuring guest artist Carmine Di Giandomenico, offers a different take on the classic origin story: a teenage Kal-El crashing on the Kent farm. This provides a wonderfully heartwarming contrast to the grittier elements of the series. The Kents, in every universe, are fundamentally good people. Their relationship with a much older Kal-El feels incredibly real and provides him with the love and stability he desperately needs.
Despite some minor pacing issues and unanswered questions about Lazarus Corps’ motives, the series is an overwhelming success. Absolute Superman Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton is another standout of the “Absolute Universe” line and a genuine highlight in modern comics. It’s a story of a hero who, without a home, a family, or the traditional tools of his trade, finds his true purpose not by becoming a god among men but by fighting for those who have been forgotten. The series’s core message is that even in a world struggling against its own worst impulses, hope can still be found. It’s a story that feels honest, poignant, and genuinely important.
‘Absolute Superman’ Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton Review: A New Kind of Superman
Absolute Superman Vol. 1: Last Dust of Krypton is another standout of the “Absolute Universe” line and a genuine highlight in modern comics. It’s a story of a hero who, without a home, a family, or the traditional tools of his trade, finds his true purpose not by becoming a god among men but by fighting for those who have been forgotten.
