Absolute Superman #1 came out swinging with a bold new take and a fascinating backstory involving Krypton. It also ended with a cliffhanger involving Lois Lane as a kind of soldier and Superman very much in the crosshairs of a Peacemaker-inspired enemy. It’s a title that immediately captures your interest in more than one way, continuing with issue #2 this week.
Absolute Superman #2 opens six years before Superman is handcuffed by Lois Lane. Back on Krypton, we get a little more detail about Kal-El, a teen getting feedback from his school. The caste system is alive and well, we see, and it’s also fun to pick up small details like the fact that he has a dog. The very idea of Kal-El being old enough to remember Krypton is exciting as it helps form this version of Superman in new ways.
From there, we cut back to where we left off, where Superman is cuffed to Lois with some fancy handcuffs he can’t simply break. She’s dead serious and wants him to stand down while he calmly attempts to escape the cuffs. This leads to Lois shooting Superman in the face, and the two basically super-jumping away from Lazarus Corporation goons.
This sequence shows off a few things, the first of which is Superman’s suit. The abilities it has and the fact that it can speak to Superman, but no one else can hear it, are super exciting. It adds a sci-fi element to Superman that’s quite enticing. Another element is Superman’s heroics, as he saves everyone and proves to Lois he’s not an enemy of humanity.
The super suit is rad.
Credit: DC Comics
Another element that’s intriguing is Lois Lane’s writing. She’s an agent in the field, but writer Jason Aaron naturally weaves her writing through a report. In this universe, she’s not a journalist, but by the end of the issue, it’s clear her report about Superman has inspired something inside her.
Something that’s becoming obvious after reading this issue is the slow-burn plotting, which will make this an ideal trade paperback read. There’s enough here to enjoy, but the tease of the villain Lois reports to isn’t developed enough, forcing you to wait for a future issue. While the writing is economical and has interesting details learned, be it Kal-El’s past on Krypton to the suit, the immediate threat and main villain of this story arc remains in the shadows for another day.
Art by Rafa Sandoval with colors by Ulises Arreola amp up the Superman suit from the cape to the gauntlets. Flame effects look great, and the blue electric weaponry of the weaponry used really pops off the page. Kal-El’s attitude springs off the page, capturing his kindness and calmness as needed. He’s under threat, but Sandoval helps convey he’s not too worried about simple field agents.
Absolute Superman #2 deepens the lore and intrigue with its unique take on Superman’s Kryptonian past and its inventive approach to Lois Lane, blending action-packed sequences with slow-burn plotting. While the villain remains shrouded in mystery, the issue sets the stage for a compelling arc with vivid visuals and a fresh spin on the iconic character.
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