In an exclusive interview with AIPT Comics, acclaimed writer Jason Aaron offered an in-depth look at his latest project, Absolute Superman. Known for his dynamic storytelling across the comics landscape, Aaron brings a fresh and daring interpretation to the beloved character of Superman. Reflecting on this new journey, he shared insights into the themes, character dynamics, and challenges of creating a Superman who resonates with today’s audience while honoring the legacy of his creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
Courtesy of DC Comics.
Aaron, who had previously written a handful of Action Comics issues featuring a darker take on Superman, described the experience of tackling a fully dedicated series as both exhilarating and daunting.
“Even though I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years now, in terms of writing comics, there are still moments that make the kid inside you feel very, very excited and fortunate,” he said.
His approach to Absolute Superman is as much about capturing Superman’s essence as it is about reimagining him for the modern era.
“To me, it’s about creating a Superman who speaks to 2024, looking through that lens and asking, ‘What would we change or do differently if we were creating this character today,” said Aaron.
One of the unique aspects of Aaron’s take on Superman is the disconnected, uncertain nature of this character in the Absolute Universe. Unlike the standard DC continuity, this Superman exists without the traditional supporting characters—no Robin, Nightwing, or Supergirl to lean on. Even familiar settings, like Metropolis or the Daily Planet, are notably absent.
Instead, Aaron’s Superman is “very much alone and isolated,” allowing readers to experience a darker, edgier world where superheroes don’t have the comfort of family or community. Aaron sees this as a way to “shake up the balance of power and the landscape of this Earth.”
One of the most striking elements of Absolute Superman is Aaron’s emphasis on Krypton and its influence on Superman’s identity. In this series, Krypton is more than a distant memory or symbol of loss; it plays an active role in shaping who this Superman is and the choices he makes on Earth.
As Aaron explained, “I love the idea of giving him more of an immigrant identity instead of Krypton being just a thing he knows of from ghostly images.” This approach makes the character’s Kryptonian heritage palpable, offering readers an intimate glimpse into Superman’s struggle between two worlds.
Aaron also spoke about the challenge of pacing Superman’s origin story in a way that feels both deliberate and fresh. Unlike Brian Michael Bendis slow-burn approach with Ultimate Spider-Man, Aaron’s Superman dons his iconic costume in issue #1 but remains “not fully formed.” His powers, mission, and understanding of Earth evolve over time, reflecting a Superman who is still figuring out his place in a complex world.
Courtesy of DC Comics.
Working within the Absolute Universe has allowed Aaron unprecedented creative freedom. Teaming up with fellow writers Scott Snyder, Kelly Thompson, and others, Aaron finds joy in collaborative world-building. He noted that in contrast to Marvel’s more structured approach with the past Ultimate universe, Absolute Superman “allows us to pick and choose from the DC continuity,” enabling him to craft a unique universe without the weight of decades of backstory.
This freedom has led to refreshing new takes on iconic characters, including Wonder Woman and Batman, each reimagined with distinctive traits — a younger, more powerful Batman, and a Wonder Woman not born on paradise — and, in Superman’s case, a gritty new suit.
Illustrated by Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman promises a visual feast that aligns with Aaron’s vision of a grittier, more complex Superman.
“The very first thing Rafa turned in…was Superman standing in a field, with this dusty, sunstone-textured cape,” said Aaron. “It was an image we’ve seen many times, but it had a darkness and a grit that summed up so much about who he is.” This Superman isn’t the chest-out, all-American hero. He’s a figure grappling with shadows, both within himself and around him.
With Absolute Superman, Jason Aaron delivers a Man of Steel who is unmistakably familiar yet strikingly new. It’s a story that doesn’t merely update the hero for a modern audience but redefines what Superman could mean today, for fans old and new alike.
As Aaron put it, “”People seem to want fresh takes on characters they know — stories that still feel different, new, and relevant.”
Absolute Superman is poised to be just that, a thrilling reintroduction to the Man of Steel, and more so, another testament to Aaron’s enduring talent for reinvention.
Absolute Superman #1 debuts November 6 via DC Comics.
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