REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 9

Absolute Superman Issue 9 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola and letters by Becca Carey.

The Omega Men fight to save Superman’s life, using a box that seems to be alive. This issue takes place immediately after the last, instantly injecting pace and danger into Absolute Superman Issue 9. It’s a frantic opening that showcases Superman’s vulnerability before introducing another looming danger that will hang over the characters’ heads.

The box that’s brought in to save is an aid for Superman in saving his life, and is used as transportation afterward. But that box has a menace to it, a celestial horror and unpredictability. It’s got ramifications in other universes, so it’s only fair to assume that the same could happen here. Following this opening, the book continues to explore war and rebellion in various ways. 

Superman works an uneasy alliance with the Omega Men due to owing them a debt, whilst a captured Lois Lane comes face to face with Ra’s Al Ghul. The action and violence are always loud in Absolute Superman Issue 9, with explosions of frustration and fury that come from such fierce class divides and oppression.

The good guys are finally queuing together, but it’s an uneasy alliance built on a bare minimum amount of trust. Every time there is an operation, medical or mission, something or someone is left behind, which gives the villains a hold over the heroes. There’s always someone to rescue and vulnerability, even for a character who is invulnerable.

The hostility inside every character is what makes this series so hardcore. There is a heart within Absolute Superman Issue 9, but it’s hard to find through the pain, chaos and Kryptonite. The Omega Men are genuinely trying to save Superman’s life, showing compassion and desperation. During this, Kal-El shows his own determination and strength, able to resist the pain and practically perform an operation on himself. He shows an honour afterwards, feeling indebted to the Omega Men whilst trying to instill his no-killing mantra into such venomous and furious fighters.

Meanwhile, Lois encounters Ra’s. The conversation is terrifying but calm, with Lois trying to sound as brave as possible. She’s a soldier and a fighter. But Ra’s has an aura and holds all the cards. The conversation is chilling and forces Lois to make a choice. It’s fascinating that both Lois and Jimmy Olsen have been turned into soldiers because it reveals how hostile this world is that they can’t be journalists and photographers.

The anger inside the characters, especially the Omega Men, is palpable. There’s such an enormous hatred for Lazarus, the Peacemakers, and anyone they had helped oppress the people. And the longer Superman spends on this Earth, the more he changes. He even snaps against Sol, the consciousness that had been protecting and guiding him for so long.

The art is spectacular. The rough nature of Absolute Superman Issue 9 is superbly presented by Sandoval. The hard sci-fi and intensity of the situation are captured exceptionally. You see the incredible power that radiates from Kal-El. He exhibits similar abilities to the regular Superman, including super speed and strength, as well as those powers that make him unique.

That explosive energy turns Superman into a force of nature, submerging others around him as the solar flare ignites. The motion blurring as he starts to move, clearing out entire buildings of enemies in seconds, is a clear example of why the Omega Men wanted to save his life.

As a villain design, Ra’s Al Ghul is terrific. He is one of the few beings on Earth who physically resembles Superman. He’s enormous, like a bodybuilder. It gives him an incredibly imposing physicality. He takes up space, pressing people backwards and reducing the chances of escape. The design of the box is fascinating too. It has a Jack Kirby quality to it, with patterns and shapes that are so reflective of his New Gods series.

The colors are stunning once again. The world depicted is dark and gloomy, reflecting the characters’ mood and feelings. Yet there are many bright and intense lights generated mainly by energy weapons or artificial means. The orange glow that emanates from Superman when his powers are unleashed reveals the uncontrollable volatility and ferocity of his abilities. The box emits an alien, purple energy that is just as vibrant as Superman’s, matching his power. The letters are superb, with an effortless legibility.

Absolute Superman Issue 9 provides no time for healing or vulnerability. It’s one of the most hardcore series ever created, meaning that even the parts of Superman’s life that are usually safe are now hostile and forged in fire. The whole run is just brimming with anger and fury towards the elite and brutal capitalism. It terrifically shows the damage the system does and the societal oppression of the poor. And laced within that is a terrific superhero sci-fi story. The underdog may be the most physically powerful, but that doesn’t mean he holds all the power.

Absolute Superman Issue 9 is available where comics are sold.