Sorry Clark, But DC Comics Just Introduced a Cooler Absolute Superman

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I’m a big Superman fan, and I’m thrilled DC Comics has added another version of the character to their Absolute Universe. It feels like we just met this new Superman, but it’s already been a year and a half! In that time, he’s really come into his own as a hero, defeating villains like Ra’s al Ghul and saving Metropolis from the Parasite. As this universe expands, we’re learning more and more about its possibilities.

Superman isn’t the only hero around anymore, with characters like Batman and Wonder Woman stepping up to challenge the established order. Beyond these main heroes, the Absolute Universe is expanding with new faces. Zatanna is now working alongside Wonder Woman, and the Absolute Batman series is set to reveal a fresh version of Robin. Similarly, Absolute Superman will introduce a new take on a well-known character who once filled Clark Kent’s shoes – a hero fans are sure to enjoy.

DC Comics Just Debuted Absolute Steel (With His Coolest Weapon Yet)

In Absolute Superman #18, written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola, and Becca Carey, Clark reconnects with Jimmy, who fills him in on his new role at The Daily Planet. Meanwhile, Lois has skipped an interview to investigate Ra’s and Talia al Ghul. Following a lead from one of Lazarus’ Peacemakers, she finds them hiding in a derelict Lazarus building, where they’re preparing for Ra’s to use the last Lazarus Pit.

Surprisingly, Ra’s chooses to destroy the Lazarus Pit, explaining that Superman has inspired him to become a better person. Before Talia can convince him to use it again, Lois arrives, seeking revenge for her father’s death. Just as a fight seems inevitable, Superman intervenes, trying to stop the conflict. However, Talia anticipated his arrival and used the Father Box to weaken him. At the same time, Talia’s Peacemakers are ready to attack, but they’re suddenly confronted by a strange figure disguised as a welder, wielding a massive hammer.

The Peacemakers try to kill the welder, but his hammer, which is magnetic, deflects their bullets. He then turns the bullets back on them and defeats anyone still standing. Finding Ra’s al Ghul, Lois, and Superman, the welder declares it’s Ra’s last day and attacks him with the hammer. The resulting confusion allows Superman to strike the Father Box, knocking it further into Lazarus’ storage. This accidentally activates Black Adam, who was being held captive within the Lazarus Building.

Absolute Steel: Friend or Foe?

Every Superman fan likely enjoyed seeing a character resembling Steel appear. While not directly named, the hammer and references to the metal instantly made the connection clear. This version of Steel is impressively powerful and intelligent, having designed both Peacemaker’s armor and a remarkable hammer that can deflect bullets and even boomerang back to him. Though he appears briefly, his impact is significant and sure to leave fans wanting more.

The bigger question is whether Absolute Steel is an ally. He consistently arrives just when Superman needs help, though it seems his motivation isn’t protecting Clark, but rather getting revenge on Ra’s al Ghul. Based on what we know, Steel used to work for Lazarus and deeply resents al Ghul, likely because of the horrific acts committed while al Ghul wore the Peacemaker armor. It’s too soon to say if he’s a true hero, but if he’s anything like his original version, Steel will likely try to emulate Superman’s heroic actions.

In the Absolute Universe, heroes often clash, even with their allies. We’ve already seen Wonder Woman and Zatanna disagree, and the Robins are likely to challenge Batman soon. This world is unforgiving, and heroes can’t afford errors. However, if Steel is determined to use his abilities for good, a friendship with Superman seems inevitable. Based on his debut, Absolute Steel promises to be a powerful and valuable ally to the Man of Steel.

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2026-04-01 21:43