REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 5

Absolute Superman Issue 5 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jason Aaron, art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola and letters by Becca Carey.

This is part of the Absolute Universe. The destruction of Krypton is finally revealed as Superman tries to track down the man responsible for a massacre.

The death of Superman’s planet has been a slow decline, accentuating the tragedy. In Absolute Superman Issue 5, the world falls apart. It is slow but inevitable, like a disaster movie where you already know the ending. Aaron writes the end of the world terrifically, hammering home the pain until the last moments. The anti-capitalist themes within the issue that killed the planet in the first place remain true even as it falls apart around them. It is within the fabric of society to continue to oppress the poor and stamp on people even as the world dies.

As the evacuation begins, it looks like there are more Kryptonians that could escape the fracturing planet. But we quickly learn that it is only a pathway to more devastation and horror. Most of the issues occur in the past, but the occasional scenes in the present are all about retaliation. The anger is intense, and the violence is fuelled by what we are learning about Krypton, which explains why Superman acts with such ferocity. He’s hunting down one of the Peacemakers, who massacred civilians in the previous issue, attacking those who may have the answers. The intensity in both time zones makes each page vibrate with energy.

In the last chapter, Lois Lane tries to track down Superman. However, Absolute Superman Issue 5 solely follows the Man of Steel and his family, allowing the reader to spend time with him and understand his thoughts. This comes from the narration, which is more dominant in the issue than dialogue. Aaron’s captions are gorgeous and haunting. They tear apart Krypton’s society just as the planet is being torn apart. It’s bleak, detailing the world’s end with a calm rage.

The love that the El’s have for their son and their world is evident. So much time has been spent with them that seeing them go hurts. The desperation to try and save just a few more people makes the story even more harrowing. The sense of community is high, whilst the corporations and the ruling classes have left the poorer population to die. Never seeing those in charge only makes the hatred for them grow fiercer.

Kal, being older in this universe, makes the pain more visceral and heartbreaking for him. He sees everything firsthand and is old enough to understand how and why. This makes him so dedicated to protecting those on Earth because the same actions are happening. His anger is out of frustration. That fury only briefly appears, but it is terrifying to see. He’s less measured and restrained than the regular Kal-El, making him unpredictable. But he also has Sol by his side, an artificial intelligence that guides and aids him.

The art is dazzling and startling. The destruction of Krypton doesn’t happen quickly. It’s slow and enormous as it depicts it falling apart. The great cities and landscapes that Sandoval has created are now disappearing. There is a quiet moment of realization, but that can’t be held for long before the Kryptonians are forced to act. Then, it becomes pure chaos. The ships are trying to leave the atmosphere, torn apart by asteroids and rocks as the planet breaks. And in the cities, people are trying to run. But where can they run to? The detail is harrowing and exhilarating.

Superman’s fight in the present day is magnificent, too. He looks powerful, invincible, and godlike. He can obliterate tanks and weaponry like it’s nothing, smothering people in the red dust that billows from him like a sandstorm. And while he looks strong, the humans suddenly look vulnerable and breakable.

The colors are compelling within Absolute Superman Issue 5. The utilization of the red dust that Sol controls is the most visually spectacular part of the whole comic. It’s like heat vision but with a broader range, moving over the page like a thick fog. Every time it is used, it heightens the intensity of the book. The colors also excel during the death of Krypton. As the core of the planet bursts, underneath the crust is a familiar green glow. With that iconic shade, it represents toxicity and certain death. The lettering is clear and easy to read.

It is devastating to see the death of everything Superman holds dear, traumatic and terrifying. Krypton’s obliteration hurts even more because love and community were created first. The fury is justified, and the readers are filled with it, too, towards the real world where something similar is unfolding before our eyes.

Absolute Superman Issue 5 ends a stunning first arc. The first five issues of the series have been nothing short of breathtaking. The anti-fascist and anti-capitalist statements have been loud, angry, and cathartic. They are noisy comics with terrific meaning in every word. This chapter is no exception. Ending with the death of Krypton is a definitive sign of why the rage within Superman burns so bright.

Absolute Superman Issue 5 is available where comics are sold.