The Absolute Universe Perfectly Settles Superman’s Greatest Power

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DC Comics’ Absolute Universe has proven incredibly popular, offering fresh and imaginative takes on classic heroes. Set in a world dominated by the villain Darkseid, this universe is filled with darkness, but heroes are starting to rise. The Absolute Superman series, in particular, has become a hit by presenting a different version of the iconic hero. This Superman wasn’t raised by the Kents and is less powerful than the one most fans know, currently battling the formidable Ra’s al Ghul and his Lazarus Corp. What makes the series truly captivating is its focus on Superman’s greatest strength: not his super speed or strength, but his ability to give people hope.

This version of Superman isn’t the famous hero everyone knows. Instead of soaring around Metropolis, he’s a hidden wanderer, traveling the world and quietly helping those in need. He consistently intervenes against the sinister Lazarus Corporation. Eventually, Ra’s al Ghul, Brainiac, and Lazarus Corp discover him and try to capture and control him. In Absolute Superman #13, Superman teams up with the people of Smallville for a final, desperate battle against Ra’s and his army. The story highlights how Superman’s courage and strength of character empower others to fight for a brighter future, even in a world under Darkseid’s control.

Absolute Superman Inspires People to be Better

Lazarus Corp, led by its never-aging CEO Ra’s al Ghul and aided by the genius Brainiac, has grown into a massive, powerful company that keeps people down to stay in control. They use a private army called Peacemakers to exploit, control, and even kill those living in poverty worldwide. In Smallville, Lazarus took over every business and immediately attacked Superman when he arrived. Their control is so complete that most people just try to survive. But as Superman starts helping others and challenging Lazarus, ordinary citizens are beginning to find the courage to fight back and become heroes themselves.

A great example of Superman’s inspiring effect is seen in Lois Lane from the Absolute Universe. In this version, Lois isn’t a reporter – she’s a soldier working for the villain Lazarus, and her job is to capture Superman. Their conflict begins after Superman helps struggling miners by safely digging up diamonds for them. At first, Lois is Superman’s enemy, but she starts to see his true heroism when he defends innocent people from the Peacemakers, all without killing anyone. Witnessing his strength and compassion changes her, and she ultimately joins forces with Superman to reveal Lazarus’s wrongdoing to the world.

Superman’s presence consistently encourages hope and resistance in others. People see him as a true hero and a symbol of salvation. In interviews, witnesses repeatedly shared how being near Superman inspired them, and many expressed a desire for him to free them from oppression. Remarkably, even when Brainiac tried to control Superman and turn him into a weapon, Superman’s strong will and dedication to justice caused Brainiac’s own creations to rebel and help him escape. Ultimately, Superman unintentionally fosters a spirit of defiance wherever he goes.

The latest issue of Absolute Superman shows the town of Smallville uniting and rebelling against the tyrannical control of Lazarus, all thanks to the inspiration of Superman. Before Superman arrived, Lazarus had created a climate of fear and division. However, Superman’s heroic actions inspired the people of Smallville to come together and resist. When Lazarus sends his entire army to capture Superman and crush the rebellion, the townspeople stand with him to defend their home. Even Jed Cochran, who previously betrayed Superman to Lazarus, now fights alongside his neighbors to right his past wrongs. Led by Superman, Smallville is now a united front, determined to protect their town and bring Lazarus to justice.

Absolute Superman’s Ability to Inspire Hope Makes Him Darkseid’s Biggest Threat

Darkseid represents pure evil and constantly strives for complete control over the universe, with Superman as his greatest enemy. Superman, as a beacon of hope, exists within a DC Universe fundamentally built on the ideals of hope and justice. Desperate to finally succeed, Darkseid created a separate universe – the Absolute Universe – founded on despair and domination. He envisioned this new reality as his ultimate triumph, giving him unlimited power and a superhuman army to conquer everything. But even in a world specifically designed to destroy hope, Superman and the ideals he represents continue to survive.

Even though Lazarus tried to keep Superman hidden and under control, the fight in Smallville and Lois Lane’s efforts to reach the outside world mean it won’t be long before the world knows about him. Wonder Woman and Batman have already broadcast hopeful messages of defiance on television, and Superman would complete this powerful trio. As many, including Lois and the people of Smallville, have demonstrated, Superman has a natural ability to inspire others to strive for a better future. Once Superman becomes a public hero, Darkseid’s bleak vision for the world—and the source of his power—will be threatened, as people will begin to fight back against his rule.

As a lifelong movie fan, one thing that always resonates with me is the idea that even when things seem utterly hopeless, a spark of optimism can endure. Superman, for me, perfectly embodies that hope. He demonstrates how a single act of kindness and sacrifice can inspire real bravery in others, and give them the strength to fight back. Honestly, in a world that often feels consumed by negativity and selfishness, Superman’s message feels more important than ever. And, as we’ve seen in the Absolute Superman storyline, he’s already ignited that fire within so many people – it’s incredibly powerful.

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2025-11-09 18:16