Is DC's Absolute Universe Based on a Classic Superman Story?

As a lifelong DC fanatic who’s spent countless hours poring over comic books and their intricate continuities, I can’t help but notice the recurring theme of red and blue in the latest developments surrounding the Absolute DC Universe. It’s like a secret code that only the most dedicated fans can decipher.

Leading up to the recent DC All-In special, writers Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson hinted that the defining feature separating the Absolute DC Universe from the primary DC Universe is that Darkseid’s destiny influences the former, while Superman’s fate impacts the latter. This idea might seem straightforward, but when you consider that new versions of Superman (and Batman, Wonder Woman, etc.) emerged due to the creation of the Absolute universe, it certainly stirs curiosity about what specific powers Darkseid may have wielded.

As a devoted admirer, I ponder over this intriguing question that has sparked our curiosity – could the Multiverse be subtly hinting at a beloved Superman tale, one that has been revisited on multiple occasions? Consider the instant when the Multiverse seems to have emerged; there are two Earths intertwined, one shrouded in blue by its atmosphere, and the other bathed in red.

It’s quite plausible that this is just a coincidence. Many ’80s kids will recall the frequent association of blue as a “good” color and red as an “evil” color, evident in shows like Star Wars and G.I. Joe. The colors of their light sabers and laser blasts serve as examples. However, when it comes to the DC Universe, it’s hard not to notice the division of one world into two, with one being primarily blue and the other red. This is striking because we’ve seen similar splits occur previously.

“The Incredible Tale of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue” – This 1963 “Imaginary Story,” penned by Leo Dorfman and illustrated by Curt Swan, tells about the Man of Steel splitting into two parts to achieve more. However, problems ensue when these halves must reunite as one person once again. It was a brief, standalone story, but it left an amusing imprint in many minds during the Silver Age.

Some of those people were writers (and a colorist!) at DC in the 1990s.

1997 saw Superman, following the calamitous “Final Night” incident penned by Karl Kesel and Stuart Immonen in their run on The Adventures of Superman, temporarily losing his powers due to a prolonged absence of yellow sunlight. In an effort to regain his strength, he undertook various experiments that ultimately led to a transformation in both his body and power set. This change lasted approximately a year, during which his skin turned blue, necessitating the use of a “containment suit” to prevent his energy form from dispersing. His powers also transitioned to electricity-based abilities with comparable applications to his conventional powers. As the story unfolded, an attempt on his life resulted in the division of his “electric blue” form into two halves – one red and one blue, mirroring the Silver Age tale “Superman Red/Superman Blue” by Leo Dorfman and Curt Swan. Eventually, a conflict with colossal cosmic beings known as Millennium Giants led to his reunion.

In 2014, the new iteration of Superman, who was part of the New 52 series, experienced a sequence of events where he lost or significantly weakened his solar-powered abilities for most of that year. This was similar to what happened in the pre-Flashpoint era when Superman had his Red and Blue storyline. During this time, even the Fortress of Solitude, which usually recognizes Kryptonians, briefly failed to identify him as one and locked him out. In 2017, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the ’90s Superman Red/Superman Blue series, readers found that Mr. Mxyzptlk had somehow divided the New 52 Superman into two parts. After this discovery, they were able to reunite the split characters, resolving some continuity issues that emerged following the deaths of both the New 52 Superman and Lois.

As we approach another seven years since then, we find ourselves in a position where elements such as lightning, red, and blue – themes that were prevalent in the Superman Red/Superman Blue storylines of the ’90s and 2010s – are once again making an impact.

During the storyline of “Absolute Power”, Darkseid, without the superheroes knowing, begins to notice something amiss. This revelation triggers a quest for him that will lead him into confrontations with a newly established Justice League, headed by Superman and a more robust team. The clash between these two powerful entities will ultimately alter the DC universe’s cosmic structure. This is what Snyder hinted at when the “All-In” special was announced.

In this new universe within the DC multiverse, known as “the Absolute DC Universe,” Snyder described a perilous and untamed planet. This world is where some of the most renowned comic book creators, alongside emerging talents, are collaborating to launch an extensive narrative that will significantly impact DC Comics for years. The atmosphere here is grim, making the characters stronger, more inventive, and more radiant.

We’re not implying that this powerful, radiant character known as Absolute Superman is simply “Superman Red,” but if there’s any deeper significance to the red and blue symbolism beyond “good versus evil” or “Superman versus Darkseid,” it might not come as a shock if comic book enthusiasts like Snyder, Waid, and Williamson seize on this theory to offer their unique insights into the broader Superman narrative.

2024-10-08 23:09

Is DC’s Absolute Universe Based on a Classic Superman Story?

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