Absolute Superman Just Proved Why He Is The World’s Greatest Hero

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In the Prime DC Universe, Superman stands as the most exceptional hero across all time periods. He serves as the blueprint for every superhero, both admired and judged by his peers. His unending optimism has a profound impact on everything, acting like a beacon of hope that guides various universes towards a brighter future. On the other hand, the Absolute Universe is a realm shrouded in despair, where hope must fight to exist at all. The storyline of “Absolute Superman” so far depicts Superman facing his most challenging trials yet, yearning to save a world that continually resists his efforts. He’s witnessed one world perish, and now his adopted home is urging him to transform into a villain, wreaking havoc like a malevolent deity. However, he’s not a god; he’s Superman, and he recently demonstrated why he remains the epitome of heroism by standing firm against such temptations.

Pushed to Every Edge

Born not on Earth but in the Red Lands of the planet Krypton, Absolute Kal-El was nurtured by humble farmers who, despite their potential for great scientific advancements, were ostracized by Krypton’s corrupt ruling Science Council due to their dissenting voices. This world was segregated into two classes: the wealthy and the impoverished, with the latter treated as inferior beings and marked by the S-crest as a symbol of their social standing. His parents learned that Krypton was on the brink of destruction and tried to alert the Science Council, only to find out that they had been aware for some time, choosing instead to hide the truth and prepare escape vessels while abandoning the masses. Kal revealed this deceit to his people, joining forces with his parents in an effort to construct ships to save as many lives as possible. Tragically, he was the sole survivor when Krypton met its devastating end.

For over a year and a half, he floated aimlessly through space, believing himself to be the universe’s sole conscious being. His arrival on Earth was fraught with pain as the sun’s energy seared him cruelly. It wasn’t until his recovery that he encountered the Kents, who made him feel at home for the first time since losing his family. However, Lazarus’s arrival compelled him to go into hiding. The subsequent six years were marked by encounters with the world’s poorest and most devastated regions. He championed the oppressed in every place he visited, but was met only with more horrors than he could have ever imagined. Tragically, the only forces seemingly combating these evils, the Omega Men, were themselves chaotic terrorists more intent on eliminating Lazarus’s minions than saving lives. Superman collaborated with them, but their animosity seeped into him, driving him to greater lengths, to tear the world apart. The climax came when Jimmy Olsen was abducted, and Superman led the rescue mission at the facility where he was held captive.

The Man of Steel or the Man of Tomorrow?

In every place he visited, people urged Superman to become cold-hearted and obliterate the corrupt elite from existence. However, he persisted in adhering to his moral compass, choosing preservation over destruction. Despite this, many told him that such actions were just the way of the world and couldn’t be changed. He was no longer just a small-town Kansas boy; he had to be an emotionless, steel-strong figure. Superman dismantled the Lazarus army, shattering their weapons into pieces, but refrained from taking any lives. It was then that the modified Peacekeeper, Christopher Smith, assaulted him. Previously, Smith had come close to killing Superman, but on this occasion, Superman was prepared and pummeled him severely, all while contemplating that nothing could deter Smith. Trained and broken into a lethal weapon, Smith was rewarded for his killings and penalized for feeling remorse.

In a desperate plea, Primus shouted for Superman to act swiftly, reminding him of a tale his father once shared. You see, Jor-El had braved the perilous depths of a caving-in mine to save some endangered souls, but upon reaching them, he found them being brutally attacked by normally harmless creatures. This was due to the violent earthquakes that were tearing their home planet apart. Despite his reluctance, Jor-El was forced to eliminate these animals for survival’s sake. This grim tale of Redlands Krypton, a place built on blood and learning when to be ruthless, was something Jor-El had passed down. Though Superman valued his father’s wisdom, he realized in this moment that Peacemaker Smith stood before him, and the truth was clear: even if it meant survival, this wasn’t the right path for him. He wasn’t like everyone else; he was the miner amidst the chaos, and he would never become a monster.

Despite all the turmoil and hostility, Superman remained steadfast, upholding his principles because they are right. Even when Ra’s al Ghul killed Smith, a man he despised deeply, Superman tried to intervene. It was later unveiled that Primus was actually Talia al Ghul, who had been deceiving him, intending to corrupt Superman for Darkseid’s cause. Superman could have easily succumbed to their temptations and become the villain people expected him to be. But he didn’t, and won’t. He continues to cling onto optimism amidst all this, making it one of the most heroic things about him. Superman embodies truth, justice, and a brighter future. He’s known as the Man of Tomorrow, persisting even in the face of overwhelming challenges. He exemplifies what a hero should be, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.

Absolute Superman #9 is on sale now!

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2025-08-09 22:17