REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 12

Absolute Superman Issue 12 is published by DC Comics and written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Becca Carey.

Superman relives his reintroduction to society as Lois and Jimmy head back to Smallville.

This issue has a quieter tone than almost any other book in the Absolute Universe, which is necessary considering the chaos of the previous chapters. Lois’ father was killed, and Superman was tortured by Brainiac, invading his mind. Absolute Superman Issue 12 allows the heroes to come to terms with what happened, while also filling in the gaps.

The story delves into the past as Kal-El attempts to reacclimate himself to humanity. It doesn’t go well, with an adjustment period as he learns to control his power and anger. The pacing is mellow, contemplative, and reflective. There are still many reminders that this world is unrelenting and hardcore. However, there is also a bright spot in this issue, one that makes the comic feel more like classic Superman. The ending leaves you feeling good, but something is coming that could tear it all apart.

Aaron beautifully explores the characters in Absolute Superman Issue 12. Superman spends a lot of time in isolation, accompanied only by Sol, his artificial intelligence. That explains everything about his personality. He’s skittish and awkward around humans because he spends a lot of time alone. He’s not cruel, often speaking very kindly to those around him, but he’s alien and vulnerable. Sol is his therapist, his parents, and his guardian. Their relationship is fascinating, culminating in a beautiful moment.

Elsewhere, Lois is going from being somewhat extreme to a fire much more capable of softness. She’s still a soldier and fierce. But she’s become more aware of Lazarus and its oppressive, committing practices. She’s also seen the depravity and delight in which Ra’s Al Ghul, his daughter, and Brainiac murder and toy with human bodies. But it’s the regular people she’s encountered. The workers and community members who are being trodden on. She has developed both empathy and guilt, especially when she encounters people who know her in this issue.

The villains have a limited presence in this issue, allowing the heroes to develop and become comfortable. Jimmy acts somewhat pathetic, especially compared to the severity of those around him. He can be annoying at times, but he adds some levity and humor to an incredibly dark comic. It’s needed to just lift the tone, even slightly.

Absolute Superman Issue 12 sees Rafa Sandoval returning to the book, and the tone once again alters. With Carmine Di Giandomenico on the comic, the violence is brutal, with a body horror element. Sandoval infuses more beauty into the chapter. This issue involves Superman, alone in huge landscapes. The natural world around him looks stunning and serene, with a palpable silence.

There are mountains and foliage, with little evidence of human interference. But in the middle of the panels is this furnace of fury, ready to explode at any moment. He’s often screaming in pent-up rage. He’s among the angriest of any Superman we’ve ever seen, and that is portrayed visually. It adds a tension even in the most placid of locations.

The colors are gorgeous, really overflowing Kal-El’s power into the world. The surroundings are a mixture of natural shades, greens, and browns. But in the centre is a beacon of red. With Sol’s red dust emanating from him, there’s a terrific red that extends from the Kryptonian.

With yellow and red coursing down his arms and blasting out of his eyes, he looks like an erupting volcano. So when he appears in a volcano at the start of the issue, he almost looks at home. The lettering is mostly easy to read, but the red box that Sol’s dialogue appears in can get drowned out in a panel filled with red.

Absolute Superman Issue 12 brings the series down from the boil, but only briefly. After so much bloodshed and violence, the issue takes stock of what has happened and allows the heroes to process. There is still volatility and ferocity within the book because Superman is like a tinderbox. But Aaron also takes time to find the heart within the hero again.

Absolute Superman Issue 12 is available where comics are sold.