Superman’s New Secret Identity and Costume Are the Result of His Most Tragic Story Ever

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The Absolute Universe presents a much harsher and more cynical world than DC’s heroes typically face. It’s a reality where evil seems inherent, and the systems in place actively cause suffering to benefit those in power. The one major obstacle to these corrupt corporations has been the Absolute Man of Tomorrow. Superman has battled the Lazarus Corporation globally, bringing hope to others, but struggling with his own inner turmoil. Having lost his home planet Krypton, he feels disconnected from the heroic image people have of him, leaving him feeling lost and nameless.

Superman is getting a fresh new look! Starting with Absolute Superman #15, he’ll be sporting a much brighter costume and has even chosen a new name for himself on Earth. This identity feels especially meaningful because it comes after a deeply heartbreaking story. In Absolute Superman #14, Superman faced his greatest challenge yet, and despite immense loss and sadness, he rediscovered hope.

A Battle For Smallville and Superman’s Soul

The conflict started when Superman had a vision of his family on Krypton and realized Ra’s al Ghul had wounded him with a Kryptonite blade, and he was dying. Despite this, Superman managed to keep fighting while Ra’s mocked him, claiming the only way to save himself and Smallville was to give in to anger. Ra’s demanded Superman either join him as a son or kill him, proving Superman’s belief in humanity was naive. Meanwhile, Brainiac had taken control of Smallville’s protective system, Sol, turning it into a trap. To free the town, Sol ultimately sacrificed himself by deleting his own programming, which expelled Brainiac.

The people of Smallville were finally free and confronted the Peacemakers, a military group that intended to destroy the town and its people. However, the soldiers began to doubt their orders, realizing they hadn’t joined up to harm innocent farmers. They stood down as Superman engaged Ra’s al Ghul in a fierce battle, using his cape as a weapon. Throughout the fight, he received comforting words from his parents, reminding him his time wasn’t up. Superman defeated Ra’s, but instead of killing him, he transported him to Pakistan to face legal consequences for his actions. Having saved Smallville, Superman then assisted the town in its recovery.

I always felt like something was missing from his story, a real sense of belonging. He seemed so lost until he visited the Senior Living center, hoping to see Martha Kent, but it was heartbreaking to discover she’d passed away during the occupation. Apparently, she spent her last days being a beacon of hope for everyone, and she was actually knitting him something – a new costume! It was a much brighter blue, and she’d addressed it to ‘her angel,’ her son, Clark. Seeing that, finally understanding her faith in him… that’s when he truly accepted his identity and embraced the new costume, and honestly, it was incredibly moving. He just broke down crying, and it felt like everything clicked into place.

A Hero Finally Finds His Home

The story of Absolute Superman shows a darker side of the hero than ever before. He witnessed the destruction of his home world, caused by selfish and failing leaders, and then spent over a year lost in space. When he arrived on Earth, regaining his powers was incredibly painful, and he immediately became a target of the same corruption that had destroyed his family. For years, he struggled to protect humanity, but with each battle, he lost more faith. After enduring torture at the hands of Brainiac and the loss of his last remaining family, Superman felt he was only capable of destruction. Despite this, he persevered and continued to fight.

Looking at all the world’s problems, Superman realized that people themselves were a source of hope. He faced his own sadness and fear of loss, and fully embraced his life on Earth. He’s more than just an alien or a hero; he’s fundamentally human, and he’s finally allowing himself to feel hopeful. Though he lost his home planet, Superman has always fought tirelessly against evil. Now, as Clark Kent, he has the opportunity to truly live, demonstrating that hope comes from the love and connection we share with others. By accepting this, Superman’s suit became a beacon of that hope, and he’s ready to dedicate himself to protecting the world.

Absolute Superman #14 is on sale now!

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2025-12-25 20:42