Absolute Superman: Everything We Know So Far

DC’s Absolute Universe is now in full swing. After kicking things off with the DC All In Special #1, it introduced readers to a bold new universe where Darkseid is at the center of it all. As first shown in Absolute Batman #1, we see a world where superheroes have drastically different origins, making them unlike anything we’ve seen before. Next week, we’ll see the beginning of Absolute Wonder Woman and how she is an all-new hero after growing up in Hell instead of Themyscira. But today, let’s look ahead to the upcoming Absolute Superman, set for release on November 6, and explore what we know about this highly anticipated addition to DC’s Absolute Universe.

Who is Absolute Superman?

Image: DC Comics

Created by Jason Aaron and Rafael Sandoval, Absolute Superman #1 will introduce us to an all-new Kal-El–one without family or the Fortress of Solitude. In an interview with Newsarama, Jason Aaron discussed his challenge of creating a Superman as if he were debuting within today’s climate. He talks about Superman’s roots as an immigrant on Earth, and how that means so much differently today than it did back when Superman was first created by Siegel and Shuster in 1938.

What we’ll see in Absolute Superman #1 is a Kal-El who actually grew up on Krypton before its untimely destruction. But as idyllic as that may sound, that means Superman does not grow up on the Kent farm in Kansas, drastically changing his perspective on Earth and humanity. As of right now, it has not yet been revealed what causes Krypton’s destruction, what Clark’s life was on his planet, or how he came to Earth in the first place. While details on Krypton’s fate and Kal-El’s journey to Earth remain under wraps, the series promises to unravel these mysteries gradually. Ultimately, this Superman is still the Last Son of Krypton, but his story bears a new, unique meaning.

A New Look for a Bold Future

Image: DC Comics

Much like Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman, the Clark of Absolute Superman is much younger than his main universe counterpart. That makes him a little bit rough around the edges, as he slowly comes to grips with his new life on Earth. But aside from his longer hair (getting some The Death of Superman vibes here), The Man of Steel is rocking some very interesting new threads in the Absolute Universe. Most noticeable is the predominantly dark blue suit and the lava-like glow on his boots and forearms. At first glance, you can already tell there’s a much different air about him that feels more threatening than heroic.

But the most interesting new change about this Superman is his cape. While it may look like his classic crimson cape, it bears a harrowing secret that adds new layers to the character. During San Diego Comic-Con, Jason Aaron talked about how the cape is made from the dust of Krypton. So now more than ever, Clark carries the memories and honor of his people on his shoulders. 

Who is the Villain in Absolute Superman?

Image: DC Comics

This is where things get quite interesting. Preview images show Superman clashing with an army of Peacemakers trying to take him down. In the Newsarama interview, Aaron also revealed that those Peacemakers are under the orders of Lazarus Corp. While Aaron confirmed that Lex Luthor does exist in the Absolute Universe, he says that people should expect him to also be very different from who we typically know him as. 

As we’ve seen from both Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman already, this new initiative’s driving force is to do something new from the ground up. From the characters to the designs and the storylines, everything is meant to feel fresh. The way how things are not as they “should be” creates a sense of wonder as we get to know these new characters. It feels like with each new comic, you never know who you’ll see and what they ultimately mean for the story of the Absolute Universe.