REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 19

Absolute Superman Issue 19 is published by DC Comics and written by Jason Aaron, art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Becca Carey.

Superman faces the first person on the planet who’s just as powerful as him.

This issue has multiple stories converging into a single epicenter. Superman, Lois, and the Al Ghuls have been joined by both Steel and Teth-Adam, who goes by King Shazam in this universe. Each brings their own grievances into Absolute Superman Issue 19, and are willing to fight about it.

The opening of the issue is filled with tension as it tries to stop an enormously powerful grenade from going off. There’s a real transition of power in this issue, in all meanings of the word. Both those who have run the fabric and corporations that have held this world in their palm of their hands, and just a raw, physical power.

Because when Adam starts swinging, it gives Superman a genuine test, someone who can hurt him with his bare hands. The structure of the fight scene is exceptional, jumping back and forth without being annoying or distracting. It creates vulnerability and a sense of danger because, suddenly, Superman can’t keep them all safe.

There are so many angles and avenues that make the comic full and busy. But only within the present day, and also because there’s an in-depth history to this brand-new world, going back decades, centuries, and even millennia. There is a devastating, profound death in Absolute Superman Issue 19, which also signals a change in the storyline.

The new characters in this series come from very different worlds, but have similar experiences with the major inequalities of the Absolute Universe. Many of the heroes and villains in this series have been created due to the greed of those who run the world. They steal and enslave, hide and imprison, murder and bury, to keep their status at the top. Aaron infuses an intense rage towards these corporations, which bleeds through multiple times throughout the arcs.

Both John Henry Irons, the man who wears the Steel, and Teth-Adam remain faithful to their origins and personalities whilst evolving to fit the world. Irons is a genius whose intentions are stolen and who is forced to work in a traumatizing, brutal job. Teth-Adam was taken as a child and groomed into a ruler before his masters turned on him. Steel almost seems sidelined by the sheer power on display in front of him. He’s a man with a suit of armor and the hammer. But he actually comes into Absolute Superman Issue 19 as the narrator.

Teth-Adam is a furious man out of time, desperate to avenge the years of isolation and imprisonment. He’s not insane or overly evil, just confused. To him, Superman is a carbon copy, a recreation of him. Ra’s had a fascinating role in this issue because of how he’s changed.

Superman’s rehabilitation has transformed his speech, and he’s now peaceful and remorseful. He helps provide exposition, as he understands what was done to King Shazam. And to Steel, an insignificant, enigmatic figure, he is apologetic for something he doesn’t know he’s done, but has accepted his guilt anyway.

The art is majestic and explosive. Sandoval’s storytelling is incredible, revealing so much without needing dialogue. This universe’s Black Adam is very similar in silhouette and overall look to Superman, reminiscent of how the man first appeared. His cape has the same quality as Kal-El’s, swirling like sand and used as a solid object. It increases his size dramatically, whilst also turning him into a shadowy figure. The boy who was kidnapped last issue has become a bitter older gentleman.

When King Shazam and Superman clash, the power is immeasurable. Their capes make it look like they are fighting in the eye of a storm. They are punching as hard as they can, against bodies that can actually take it, whilst the world around them can’t. The destruction is brilliantly delivered as Superman, and King Shazam fully gets into it. Buildings around them become fragile, and the sense of speed is exhilarating.

In the midst of that is Steel, a man who had just made his own armor and weapons. He has a welder’s helmet, which fits his character. It highlights him as an inventor, whilst also giving its own horror vibe. His job is horribly gruesome and grizzly, an example of just how bloody this world is.

The colors bring a new signature set of shades. The red of Superman’s cape has become an iconic feature with the Absolute Universe, but now the black and yellow of Black Adam has also emerged. The gold beautifully stands out against the black, which spreads out with the same pastel effect as the red dust. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Absolute Superman Issue 19 continues to fill the universe with life. What really shines about this series is that it looks backward as well as forward. History is being crafted at the same time as the present, and that gives it a sense of fullness. There’s a foundation of order, built on pain, capitalism, and subjugation. But the victims of that are crawling through the cracks, ready to unleash their fury. Order has been replaced by anarchy and chaos, leading to glorious storytelling.

Absolute Superman Issue 19 is available where comics are sold.