REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 6

Absolute Superman Issue 6 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jason Aaron, art by Carmine Di Giandomenico, colors by Ulises Arreola and letters by Becca Carey.

This issue is part of the Absolute Universe. Superman falls to Earth, finding himself on a familiar farm with a familiar family.

Absolute Superman Issue 6 feels fresh, starting a new arc and exploring a new part of this Superman’s secret origin. It heads home to one of the most iconic upbringings in fiction. It’s the first appearance of Jonathan and Martha Kent. We get first glimpses of corn fields and Kansas, tractors, and everything that could be found in the story of the other Superman. There is a traumatic upbringing stemming from the isolation that Kal-El found himself in before the ship crash-landed.

It’s troublesome, but hope starts to blossom, and it’s the first sign of love and care within a world that is so hardcore. But then the nefarious aspects of this world kick in and threaten to destroy that love. The sadistic capitalism that drains the life out of workers like a vampire is another sign of the anger within this series, erupting into violence and pain.

Aaron highlights how different attitudes are even with such an age-old story. A stranger from another land being taken in by a kind couple was once seen as a selfless, wholesome thing to do that represented good in the world. However, the authoritarian state that has impacted the comic so far approaches the act with much more cynicism and hatred. And sadly, that reflects the modern world far too succinctly.

Absolute Superman Issue 6 threatens to find a heart. In a world so cruel, spiteful, and controlling, there is purity to the Kents. Even though they are struggling under the weight of capitalism, they still take in the broken, terrified young Kal-El. The adaptation of the origin introduces new factors, such as the language barrier. When Kal first lands, he’s unable to speak their language, causing more issues for him when settling in. There is also the addition of Sol, an artificial intelligence that protects Kal. Its cold, robotic tone is clear in such noise and chaos.

The kindness of the Kents is uplifting, but the mood gradually descends and darkens, providing answers for why Superman is so skittish and untrustworthy. The reveal behind the man who runs the corporation is an enormous surprise. It aligns Superman with a villain that isn’t usually connected to him, making it incredibly unpredictable and fascinating for future matchups.

Absolute Superman Issue 6 sees the artist change with a seamless transition. The difference between Rafa Sandoval and Di Giandomenico is not drastic at all. Di Giandomenico brilliantly showcases the torment of the young Kryptonian in his journey through space. The kid looks haunted, trapped in endless solitude. Smallville is idyllic, quiet, and gorgeous, but that doesn’t make it easy for Kal in the beginning. The wooden farmhouse looks so fragile around him, savagely breaking multiple times. But there is a transformation as he grows to get comfortable and adapt to his new home.

Di Giandomenico also captures the ferocity and the scruffiness of the world. The explosion of power and energy that crackles out of this Superman sets him apart from other versions of himself. The sudden eruption of chaos is captivating as Kal fights back for the first time, learning his new powers that make him a god among men. And again, it makes the whole world look fragile around him.

The colors are incredible, aiding the switch in artists. Early in the issue, Kansas looks freeing and relaxing. The blue skies and natural colors are refreshing after so much oppression and unrelenting madness. But by the end of the book, the severe, fiery blend of orange, yellow, and red emanates from Kal, and the cold, oppressive metal of the military returns, looping back to what will become the start of Absolute Superman Issue 1. The lettering is always coherent and easy to follow, essential in a comic that sometimes moves at such a vicious pace.

Absolute Superman Issue 6 heads home. The Kent farm is a place of comfort, not just for the Superman character, but for the readers. It was a house where Kal could hang out, grow, and take stock of his life, free of burdens and danger. It’s serenity personified. But the vicious, capitalist corporation that is excessively destroying Superman’s world is even invading that space. It obliterates the hope and quiet, trying to remove any semblance of safety. Aaron explains so much of the backstory and personality of the protagonist in this issue whilst also delivering a powerful reveal that will completely change the future.

Absolute Superman Issue 6 is available where comics are sold.