REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue #2

Absolute Superman #2 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jason Aaron, art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola and letters by Becca Carey. This issue is part of the Absolute Universe. Superman tries to escape from an army of soldiers, all while handcuffed to Lois Lane.

This issue launches into another energetic chapter. The world is expanded upon through action, with brief flashbacks woven within. Absolute Superman #2 has a concept that forcibly fuses the two main characters together. The stakes and pacing instantly rise with Superman handcuffed to Lois Lane. Lois is an agent of the nefarious Lazarus Corps, adding pressure that erupts into a chase scene. Instead of just fighting against the soldiers, Superman must also keep Lois alive.

Every new aspect introduced to this world by Aaron has a spin, changing up an origin story that has been famous for decades. The pace is infectious as Superman launches himself from one location to another. Yet, within the story, there is still a thick political commentary on corporations and a lack of concern for human life. The plot embroils itself with anger and disdain towards these planet-suffocating forces. Through the explosivity of the comic, the writing reveals a heart, too. These moments where the book softens are necessary as they make the hardcore features more extreme.

The dialogue is sensational in Absolute Superman #2. The connection between Superman and Lois is beginning to form, forced out of enforced closeness. On the main Earth, Lois is known for being tough, but this version of her has an absolute heart of iron. However, that iron melts as she witnesses Superman up close. The caption comes in the form of an after-action report, and that and the spoken dialogue take a journey from fear into fascination and awe.

The conversation flows beautifully as the duo bounce off each other in a high-stakes scenario. Lois and Superman are from very different worlds and do not understand the other’s point of view. Superman has an AI called Sol that guides and aids him in his adventures. Due to this, there’s a constant rapport, which ramps up the pace even further.

The art is frantic and ferocious. The additions to Superman’s powers in this Absolute Universe lead to more explosive action. He uses this red dust, which forms into writhing and malleable tendrils that can move around him in multiple ways. He can attempt to break free of handcuffs. Hold people and objects using more than just his hands, and many other functions. It looks like a flowing cape that can dissolve and form itself.

The panels are left looking busier and filled out, superbly capturing Superman and Lois’ closeness. Sandoval displays the awkwardness and intensity of the problem before it descends into flat-out madness. The sense of movement is phenomenal, with Superman bursting through the air with bullets and explosions flying.

The colors magnify the pressure, spreading out the red dust that can look all-encompassing and enveloping. The vast amount of red occasionally contrasts with blue, lowering the temperature when Superman uses his freeze breath or takes off. The other use of blue is in Lois’ eyes, which seem to shine and stand out whenever possible. The lettering can be somewhat overwhelming, with many different types of caption and dialogue boxes.

Absolute Superman #2 unleashes more than just chaos. It is a frenetic comic, delivering Aaron’s hardcore vision with unbelievable energy. Yet we also learned more about the world and the characters without slowing down or slashing the momentum. The pace and the visuals make the book breathtaking, with time to rebuild an iconic love story.

Absolute Superman #2 is available where comics are sold.