REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 15

Absolute Superman Issue 15 is published by DC Comics and written by Jason Aaron, with art and colors by Juan Ferreira and letters by Becca Carey.

Kal-El struggles to save everyone while trying to establish a new life among other humans.

As a new era dawns for Absolute Superman, there are many moments where this issue feels like a classic Superman story. Kal-El is based in Smallville, working on the farm, whilst routinely flying off to save people. Anyone, anywhere. The pacing of Absolute Superman Issue 15 is deliberately manic. Superman is trying to do everything, zooming around the world, battling natural disasters, and dealing with a crumbling world.

But there are also parts of Lazarus Corps’ legacy that are still being dismantled. They haven’t wholly disappeared, but are fractured. It’s these moments where the book gets a chance to breathe. But that’s only to comprehend what Ra’s Al Ghul and Brainiac did, and the damage they left behind. The world doesn’t feel as oppressive anymore. But the threats haven’t disappeared; they’ve just scattered. The ending slams to a halt, finally linking a hidden charger into one of the main series.

It’s odd to see this version of Superman start to integrate himself with his supporting cast and members of the public, but he couldn’t shy away anymore. He is living up to the name of Superman. He’s still very shy and a hermit, but he is making an effort. He would rather rush off into a disaster than make conversation, especially with some of the women in his life. Having Lois Lane become a journalist, and Lana Lang in Smallville, is what makes Absolute Superman Issue 15 feel recognizable and classic.

There’s even an Absolute version of a famous, inventive character, but the interaction is unexpected. It paints Superman as a menacing, dangerous figure, threatening violence, and really establishing dominance over those he considers threats or predators. It’s something you’d rarely see the regular Superman do.

This scary, horrifying image of Superman is such a surprise because he’s also comfortable trying to rehabilitate Ra’s al Ghul. It shows an incredibly diverse and fascinating character, one who is capable of extreme rage and calm. And we’re also seeing the start of a hero burning. Kal-El is doing so much, experiencing so much pain and heartache. And with a heart like his, it’s going to break him.

A new artist steps into the pages of Absolute Superman Issue 15, and instantly shines. There’s a stunning new Superman design that elevates his costume. It is a fusion of the classic concept with the wireless that is unique to this universe. The Superman logo on Kal-El’s chest has lines extending from it that form segments of his armor. He has a cape, but it’s made out of the red dust Sol left behind. He looks like Superman, not a frightened young man who happens to be incredibly strong. It also represents a public profile, loud and noticeable instead of clandestine. He looks happy and ascending.

That sentiment cannot be levelled at Ra’s Al Ghul, a man who once towered over the Kryptonian. He has lost access to the Lazarus Pit and is starting to age. Rapidly. Every time Ra’s appears, he looks older. His hair falls out, and his eyes look sunken. By the end, he seems close to a mummified corpse. It’s a curious, fascinating change of power.

The colors are stunning. It’s something that makes Juan Ferreira’s art stand out. The technique looks close to watercolor paints, and the vibrancy is extraordinary. The first shot of Superman taking flight, in that classic yellow, red, and blue, is breathtaking. There is much more red and gold with this version of Superman. His wrists often look like they hold an exploding sun within them.

And there’s the cape, the truly unique part of this hero. It has a very particular look in Absolute Superman Issue 15. The edges are frayed, like pastel marks. It shows how fluid the cape is. When Superman tries to stem the collapse of a dam, minuscule tendrils of red appear everywhere, trying to plug the holes and fill the cracks. It’s a staggering and effective artistic technique. The lettering processes a lot of dialogue in a way that is digestible, exciting, and easy to read.

Absolute Superman Issue 15 is a new dawn for the Kryptonian. There is a feeling of a fresh start, a freedom for the first time since Kal-El stepped foot on the planet. Building those foundations in Smallville creates a home, somewhere almost everyone knows. The new life isn’t perfect, however. That desire to save everyone is frantic and ravaging his brain and soul. And his villains have slinked away, planning something new. The Absolute Universe does not let its heroes soar for long.

Absolute Superman Issue 15 is available where comics are sold.