REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 14

Absolute Superman Issue 14 is published by DC Comics, written by Jason Aaron, art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Becca Carey.

The Battle of Smallville reaches its conclusion as Ra’s Al Ghul tries to turn Superman into his heir.

This chapter feels like the end of a lot. Not just this arc, but the fifteen issues of Absolute Superman so far. It has been an epic storyline, culminating with one final battle between Superman and Ra’s Al Ghul. And all the cards are stacked in Ra’s’ favour. He has a Kryptonite sword. Brainiac has corrupted Sol. All of his allies are trapped. Everything he had ever chatted about comes to this: facing insurmountable odds.

The pace and intensity Aaron infuses Absolute Superman Issue 14 with are incredible. It’s like a pummeling beatdown, with Superman trying to push back. And there are the other parts of each army that are pressing in: Talia Al Ghul and the Peacemakers, with tanks and mechs. There’s also the townspeople of Smallville, armed with small rifles.

It’s the ultimate battle against oppression, a brutal regime that has never cared for the ones fuelling it. The ending of Absolute Superman Issue 14 is an emotional tidal wave. It carries so much loss and emptiness, with a devastating sacrifice that rips the soul out of the comic. There’s a hollow ache in the final pages.

The dialogue is phenomenal, showing two very different sides of the spectrum that Aaron excels at. He is known for being a hardcore, harsh writer, evident throughout the entirety of Absolute Superman Issue 14. The villains are fantastic and truly maniacal. There is no mercy in any of them, just trying to assert control and maintain power. Superman describes the pain he’s in and what the blade is doing to him in excruciating detail.

Aaron can also be a wonderfully emotive writer. His farewells are haunting and loving, even from beings that can’t express love. The dialogue often has a direct quality, stabbing at the heart with severity. And it is the individuals, those on both sides, that change the tide in this war.

Sandoval’s art is gorgeous in Absolute Superman Issue 14. Ra’s Al Ghul is at the peak of his powers and looks extraordinary. It takes a huge person to make Superman look small. Ra’s towers over him, bigger in height and musculature. And he’s carrying a giant anime-style Kryptonite sword. He absolutely obliterates Superman, and each blow looks painful. Superman is increasingly covered in blood, but still gets up and keeps fighting. Sandoval managed to create a David-and-Goliath story with the most powerful person on the planet.

There is a tremendous contrast between the extreme sci-fi and trying to tie Absolute Superman Issue 14 to regular people. There are Peacemaker costumes, alien crystals, and gigantic mechs, and then frightened but brave farmers willing to die to defend their patch.

The colors are stunning. The green of the Kryptonite sword is overpowering, weakening Superman and strengthening Ra’s. The green glows on his skin and his suit, making him look impervious to the Kryptonian’s defenses. Red is another major color, vying for dominance with green. The lettering is spectacular, easy to read, whilst also bold and loud.

Absolute Superman Issue 14 is an epic ending to so much. By the time you stop reading, you’re left exhausted, from the emotions and rapid intensity of the action. The finale is like walking around in the aftermath of a storm, with a strange silence. So much of what had been integral parts of Absolute Superman Issue 14 come to an end, from partnerships to villains. It’ll change every part of the comic going forward. But the most significant evolution is that Kal-El is finally living up to the name “Superman.”

Absolute Superman Issue 14 is available now wherever comics are sold.