Absolute Superman Wants to Save the World, but the World Won’t Let Him (Review)

by

In times when the world yearns for optimism and a glimmer of positivity, few sources are as potent as Superman, and this has fashioned an extraordinary bond between Superman and his adopted planet Earth within the primary universe. However, in DC’s Absolute Universe, a distinct narrative unfolds. This world is crying out for a Kal-El even more urgently, yet it simultaneously seeks to extinguish that beacon of hope, causing Kal to grapple with this challenging situation. It skillfully portrays a world desperate for a hero, brimming with potential salvation, but seemingly unable to overcome its own obstacles.

As a dedicated cinephile diving into the first act of Jason Aaron’s work, I found myself immersed in the formative years of Kal-El – from his time on Krypton to his childhood here on Earth. This journey has given fresh significance to those pivotal moments and the profound influence of his parents on the man and superhero we know today. With every turn, this world demands something of Kal, making it challenging to filter out the din, let alone discern who among them can be truly trusted.


As a film enthusiast immersed in the storyline, it’s evident that Kal’s personal struggles and shifting perspectives towards Earth serve as the heart of this narrative. Simultaneously, these conflicts significantly enrich the environment surrounding Kal. In this issue, Aaron skillfully unveils the secrets of the Omega Men, particularly focusing on Jimmy Olsen, yet also providing additional background information about Ra’s Al Ghul, Lazarus, Lois Lane, and notably, Sol and the Father Box.

The final part carries significant weight because it provides us with a clearer picture of Kal’s emotional state at the moment. Sol has been his confidant and ally since the incident with the Kents, but lately, he seems to be under immense pressure, causing even Sol’s typically cautious guidance to feel more like self-serving demands rather than genuine concern for Kal’s feelings. Despite some erosion of his ability to perceive good in others, Kal continues to stand firm and shield others from harm. This quality makes him all the more endearing.

Regarding Superman’s influence on those around him, the creative team of Rafa Sandoval, Fico Ossio, Ulises Arreola, and Becca Carey truly excel at amplifying his effect. Whether it’s the grueling act of pulling out a bullet or eliminating an entire Peacemaker base in a heartbeat, each move and choice carries tangible significance. The coloring and typography are extraordinary as well, with vibrant hues of purple, red, yellow, and blue immersing you in the action while the lettering seems to leap from the page, making the action feel lifelike. To be honest, the Father Box “Ping” is my personal favorite, but the intense “Booom” isn’t far behind.


The burden on Kal’s shoulders feels genuine and heavy, radiating from the pages. Amidst the grey, there’s a figure who yearns to assist others. This struggle, with no simple solutions, is captivating, and in this issue, we see how quickly hope can fade. At the heart of it all is a man who persists in not giving up, and let us hope that those who need him will eventually stop rejecting him. This conflict is one of the reasons Absolute Superman stands out among comics, and Absolute Superman #9 is no exception to this excellence.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Absolute Superman #9 is in comic stores now.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/absolute-supermans-jason-aaron-clears-up-all-in-confusion-teases-big-changes-for-the-iconic-character/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-09 18:11