It has been building for 13 issues, and it’s finally time for Superman to throw down with his new arch-nemesis, Ra’s Al Ghul, in Absolute Superman #14! The stage is set: Smallville. The stakes are high: Lois, Jimmy, and the Smallville residents. And the advantage is firmly in Al Ghul’s corner as he wields a kryptonite sword. It’s not looking good for Kal-El, gang.
When it comes to epic battles, Absolute Superman #14 has everything, from near-death fever dreams to brutal battle damage. The issue starts at one of Superman’s lowest, as he dreams of Krypto and his parents back on Krypton. He’s seemingly near death and about to meet with them again. Juxtaposed with the feverdream are captions that detail the utter horror and loss of blood taking place on Superman’s body. It’s not a pretty sight. We then smash cut to the Kryptonite sword driving through Superman’s body, and it seems all hope is lost.
If ever there was an example of Superman never giving in or bending the knee, this is it. Throw in the fact that Superman even defends Al Ghul’s cronies from their master at one point, and it’s clear this hero is pure good.
Writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval juggle various elements well here. That includes Brainiac and his control over Superman’s A.I. cape, to the townsfolk. The plotting and pace keep you interested and invested.
Ouch!
Credit: DC Comics
The issue also features some badass reveals, including a Superman sword you won’t see coming. How he controls it remains to be seen since it’s his locked-up A.I. friend that seemed to help with that stuff, but it’s cool looking nonetheless. Sandoval makes the reveal, with it swooshing towards a shocked Al Ghul, look quite cool. The texture in the cape reminds us it’s dust from Krypton, another awesome feature.
A couple of things hold this issue back that have been nagging me since Al Ghul really entered the story arc. First, Al Ghul’s plan to beat Superman into submission seems like a weird one, especially since he barely knows Superman. Not even is said or done to make you believe he has any chance of convincing Superman. Who would, especially after he already beat Brainiac at the submission approach a few issues ago? Another is Superman’s self-doubt and lack of identity. He’s primarily been distant with little character work, making his man-with-no-home angle feel undeveloped. Finally, the final few pages touch on Ma Kent, who was only present in one issue. Without much development of that character, Superman’s sorrow at the end is thin.
So where do we go from here? The direction is clearer, but Superman remains an enigma, an almost boring, but incredibly valiant personality. We’re also lacking a central villain, although we know Lex Luthor is around the corner after appearing in Absolute Evil.
Absolute Superman #14 delivers the kind of high-stakes, no-holds-barred showdown this series has been building toward, pairing raw physical punishment with moments that reaffirm Superman’s unwavering goodness. While the action and visuals soar, lingering issues with character development, especially around Ra’s al Ghul’s role and Superman’s internal struggles, keep the issue from fully transcending its spectacle. Still, with the path forward finally coming into focus and bigger threats looming, this is a bruising, memorable chapter that proves Absolute Superman knows how to stage a mythic clash—even if the emotional foundation still needs strengthening.
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