REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 3

Absolute Superman Issue 3 is published by DC Comics, written by Jason Aaron, art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Becca Carey.

The truth about Krypton’s death is revealed in the El’s fight for survival.

Absolute Superman Issue 3 significantly differs from the first two chapters. The plot takes place exclusively on Krypton, revealing many readers’ questions about how the planet faced its last days. Inside, Absolute Superman Issue 3 is an in-depth and intelligent commentary on climate change. The planet’s death is slow but inevitable, but the societal failures surrounding it are fascinating. The government of Krypton is not just lying or instilling propaganda; it is hiding the facts.

There is a massive revelation that shatters the soul, practically damning the entire planet. Absolute Superman is also a comic about class differences, and Aaron has been writing about those elements superbly. It isn’t just that you have less money or that the state of your house is worse than that of the rich. However, the elites and upper classes have a better chance of survival than those in poverty, who can’t move away. Being poorer means it’s harder to stay alive.

An interesting alteration made to this universe’s Superman backstory is that he is much older on Krypton. This establishes a closer family dynamic and increases the pain of losing the planet. The closeness between Kal-El and his parents is beautiful. His upbringing wasn’t filled with riches, but it was happy, and his parents granted him freedom of thought and expression, which doesn’t exist elsewhere in Krypton.

Absolute Superman Issue 3 witnesses Kal starting to see the world as it is, with the fight that Jor and Lara have been keeping from him. An action scene features all four of the family, including Krypto. Even if it is early in his life, it is exciting and rewarding to see the family work and fight together instead of reminiscing or pondering what it would be like.

The art is gorgeous in Absolute Superman Issue 3. The stunning word of Krypton, with its farmland and crystalline structures, is explored for a long time in this issue. This is the first instance of seeing the degeneration of the planet. Although it’s one of the most iconic story events in history, having it detailed in such distressing and explicit detail makes the planet’s demise heartbreaking. The creatures, beautiful and fascinating, are suffering.

Devastation is everywhere, but those fears are hidden in the cities, and life is normal. In the battle, Sandoval shows the tech and materials that Superman has been unleashing on Earth, revealing their origins. The parents are made to look cool, too, stepping up in their roles as reluctant revolutionaries.

The colors are gorgeous. The planet’s fantastical, captivating color palette is stunning. But a sickly green is starting to leak in among the blue, red, and gold, which has deadly connotations in Superman comics. When Lara-El unleashes the sunstone, it is unveiled like a golden, explosive firestorm that fills the page with exhilarating ferocity. The lettering remains clear throughout the chaos in Absolute Superman Issue 3.

Absolute Superman Issue 3 is spectacularly thematic. This issue brings to fruition the most significant societal flaws Aaron has been writing about on both Krypton and Earth. The class divide, climate crisis, and corporate complicity are all present in this book, written with scathing hostility. Each line feels honest and poignant. Even though the disaster is happening on an alien planet, all three can be translated to Earth.

That is what makes Absolute Superman Issue 3 so investing in how close the core of it is to real life. The art and the writing still make the book an excellent sci-fi superhero comic with the hardcore action of the Absolute Universe.

Absolute Superman Issue 3 is available now wherever comics are sold.