Absolute Superman is primed for revelations in Absolute Superman #9, out this week. That’s thanks to Superman getting attacked with Kryptonite bullets and the Omega Men rushing him off to an undisclosed location. So far, we know the Peacemakers and Ra’s Al Ghul are up to no good, but what about this guerrilla group calling themselves the good guys?
Picking up where we left off, Superman is shot and bleeding out. It’s an intense opening scene, reminding us how difficult it would be to pull Kryptonite shrapnel out of Superman. Amongst the screaming and efforts of the Omega Men, writer Jason Aaron pulls us into Superman’s headspace as he thinks about how his home planet continues to try to kill him. It’s dark, and it suits the Absolute line of comics.
After some tricky choices, a rather scary scene between Ra’s Al Ghul and Lois Lane takes place. It’s terrifying for the reader, given our knowledge of the monster’s barbarism, but Lois isn’t afraid. Points to Lois here, as she demonstrates that she’s strong-willed and knowledgeable. A great scene for fans of hers that showcases her willingness to fight even the most physically powerful.
Once past the midpoint, the issue jumps around in time, first to a scene taking place weeks later, then back to the infiltration of a Lazarus Corp embassy. We’re getting to see Superman as a freedom fighter amongst an army of fighters. Superman has fought for those who can’t find themselves before, but now he’s organized. Through this fight, Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval reveal Superman’s values, like not killing. Per usual for this series, Sandoval makes Superman and his incredible stardust suit look very cool. He’s a blunt-force sort of fighter, but he also gets to do some quick work here.
Superman: ER. Coming to a TV near you!
Credit: DC Comics
Possibly the biggest takeaway from this issue is Jimmy Olsen, who gets the most character work of any character. In a quiet scene between Jimmy and Superman, we get to see what kind of man he is, and he’s as innocent and kind as you might expect. In such a dark world, that says something about him.
An ongoing gripe I’ve had with this series is how little we know about Superman now. We’ve seen him as a kid, but the man is still a blank slate. He even admits he doesn’t know himself, and while that suits a more teen-angsty angle, we’re nine issues in, and I’m not sure the main character is known beyond the basic tenets of Superman.
Absolute Superman #9 delivers gripping action and character-driven moments, especially for supporting players like Lois and Jimmy, while continuing to build a darker, more grounded mythos for the Man of Steel. Yet despite the emotional beats and high stakes, Superman himself remains oddly undefined. He’s more symbol than person. Still, the issue offers plenty of reasons to stay invested as the final act nears.
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