With the Absolute Universe a smashing success and nearing its first year in operation, one can expect major clashes. Case in point, Absolute Superman #10, which sees Superman join the Omega Men and take the fight to Ras Al Ghul. This week’s issue fashions flashbacks and twists into a major turning point for the series.
Absolute Superman #10 opens inside Krypton years ago. Surrounded by red shards of crystals is Jor-El, who is attempting to save fellow Kryptonians, but soon learns that a once peaceful creature is attacking them full force. Something has affected the natural order. A somewhat long scene results in a resounding moment that leads to Kal-El learning something about being better. Casualties may help us rationalize doing the right thing, but is it, though?
The rest of the issue takes place outside a Lazarus Corps facility in Greenland. Fighter jets and missile turrets can’t seem to put a dent into a giant red cloud above them. Inside that cloud is Superman, who is depicted like a force of nature for much of this battle. Writer Jason Aaron makes it abundantly clear that humanity at large is outmatched when Superman is focused and battle-ready.
Amongst the chaos of battle, we get check-ins with Lois and Jimmy, as well as Brainiac and Ras Al Ghul. Aaron does a good job of establishing relationship dynamics as well as hinting at real motivations.
The suits remind of X-0 Manowar.
Credit: DC Comics
Once Superman is finally revealed, artist Carmine Di Giandomenico does an exceptional job of revealing Superman like some kind of dark angel. It’s hard to tell, on purpose, if he’s an angel of good or not. This helps put into question whether Superman may kill, which is largely what this issue is about. Thankfully, this is one of the more robust looks at Superman himself, as the series has largely kept his character growth and identity further away from supporting characters.
The art is mostly great, although there are a few panels that feel unfinished and lacking detail, especially for Di Giandomenico. It makes you wonder if he was rushed to get the pages finished.
Closing out the story, one can imagine Superman is going to have a very hard time next issue.
Absolute Superman #10 delivers a compelling, action-packed turning point in the series with sharp moral questions, dynamic visuals, and long-awaited introspection from the Man of Steel himself. Is Superman a savior or an executioner in this darker universe? Despite a few artistic missteps, it’s one of the most thematically resonant chapters yet.
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