REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue #1

Absolute Superman #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Becca Carey. This issue is part of the new Absolute Universe and DC’s All-In relaunch. In Krypton, a brutal class divide is just the start of the planet’s demise. And in Brazil, a stranger gets involved in an oppressive mining conflict.

One of history’s most famous origin stories is revamped in Absolute Superman #1. The key elements remain the same, most notably the inevitable death of Krypton. But some modern-day additions will always be timely. A dispute over labor and the mistreatment of workers can be seen in Krypton and Earth. There is a working-class, rebellious tone to the story, with anger from Aaron toward capitalism and exploitation.

There has been a brilliant transition from Krypton to Earth and from the past to the present. They bounce back and forth to show the similarities between the worlds. It also takes some time to get to the main character, with a pace dedicated to simultaneously building the world and the characters. Eventually, Superman appears, and there is a build-up to the display of his power. There is eventually an eruption of energy, matching the hardcore nature of the other Absolute books. The surprises come at the end of the issue, where other new characters are hinted at.

The iconic characters have also been shifted, with every figure altered slightly. Jor-El and Zara have transformed their status in Absolute Superman #1. Instead of being respected members of the Kryptonian Council, they are derided and ignored purely because of their class. The Science League and the Labor Guild divide the planet, with hatred and prejudice centered toward each other.

The dialogue and worldbuilding on the planet have the feel of a real dystopian story, with climate control, planetary destruction, and authoritarian governments playing a part in the early stages of the series. That is then translated into Earth, where mine workers are treated under the same conditions. It sets up not only an enemy for Superman to fight but also gives the readers someone to hate.

Superman, the title character of this new universe, is set aside from his counterpart on the prime Earth. Where the Clark Kent that we all know and love is optimistic, this latest version is angrier and darker. He is still a protector for those who need it, a key element of almost every version of Superman.

Superman is still clearly new to the superhero life, learning the extremities of his power. His abilities are different, too, with a much more devastating effect. He has a technological assistant who tries to temper his actions and his powers, and the voices create an exciting dynamic that classic Clark never had.

The art in Absolute Superman #1 is explosive and stunning. Sandoval presents the futuristic art style superbly. The characters look personable and realistic, with incredibly expressive faces. They live within stunning and severe landscapes, highlighting both a sense of spectacle and danger. Krypton has opposite ends of sci-fi, with rich alien cities and barren farmlands struggling to survive.

The Superman logo is given a new meaning: a figurehead for a movement instead of a planet. Superman has an excellent design and is young and scruffy. Interestingly, Absolute Superman #1 takes place in Brazil, separating the comic from being American-centric. The enemies are nefarious, with a uniform that is very recognizable from recent times. The action is chaotic and cataclysmic, unleashing Kryptonian power in a very different way. It’s much less controlled than any other Superman we’ve seen before.

The colors are gorgeous in Absolute Superman #1. The shadows can be thick and imposing, smothering the panel when necessary. But there are also many instances where the shades are beautifully vibrant. Certain rocks glow, and the energy created by powers is exhilarating and intoxicating. The font of the letters is easy to read on a standard white background, but the caption boxes, which are white text on a black background, are slightly harder to see.

Within Absolute Superman #1 is an intelligent story with interesting political conversations and world-building. Throughout the whole comic, workers and labor forces are downtrodden and mistreated all over the universe. This adds motivation and meaning to the new story, setting it apart from the main Superman comic.

Absolute Superman #1 is a hardcore rebirth. Aaron is a superb choice of writer for the new version of  Superman, as he brings the heavy metal action and storytelling that the Absolute Universe has contained so far. The fighting is brutal and explosive, and the characters are battle-hardened and intense.

Absolute Superman #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.