REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 20

Absolute Superman Issue 20 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jason Aaron, art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Ulises Arreola, and letters by Becca Carey.

Black Adam is the most powerful being the world has ever seen, and even the combined might of Superman, Hawkman, and Steel may not be enough to stop him.

This issue, like the arc in general, has a real anime feel and influence. Absolute Superman Issue 20 is the continuation of a lengthy story, a battle that has taken place across multiple chapters and the whole planet. It’s extremely intense, and each chapter brings something new. Before, it was just Superman battling Teth Adam. Then Steel and Superman.

Now, Hawkman joins the action. It’s a three-man team-up, and that may still not be enough. The battle is exhilarating from start to finish, with all three of the men throwing everything they have at something close to a god.

The exposition continues to grow, both in the present day and in the stories thousands of years ago. The Brainiacs have been manipulating this Earth for much longer than expected, combining science and magic to turn a little boy into an awesomely powerful being. And there’s a Justice League, but an unexpected one. It’s a big surprise, opening more lore within this huge universe.

The battle paces itself well, building momentum, and then finishing before the end of the issue to elevate the comic further. There’s more destruction to come, and it requires more combinations to overcome this enormous threat.

The characters within Absolute Superman Issue 20 are tremendous and hardcore. One of the major figures of oppression is beginning to show signs of change. For over 80 years, Hawkman has been murdering dissidents and any other form of resistance that Lazarus faces. He’s a hitman, with killing as his only way of solving situations. But he’s also a great leader and strategist.

His time with Superman and how the Kryptonian operates is beginning to cause a shift in how he thinks. The kid is impressing him by showing him other ways to save lives instead of ending them. But that hardcore edge still hasn’t dissipated entirely.

Steel remains slightly sidelined, but that is largely because of the sheer power and immense personality of the beings around him. He is just an ordinary guy, one with a hammer and helmet, and that’s it. Hawkman narrates Absolute Superman Issue 20, and the captions are sensational.

Aaron describes the battle and the power on display. He describes the weather going haywire worldwide and the injuries he and the others are sustaining while fighting Black Adam. It’s stark and vicious. But there are glimmers of hope and admiration, which is alarming considering how black Hawkman’s soul is.

The art is a glorious depiction of carnage and might. Every single character design in this issue is just epic, fueled by iron and muscle. Black Adam radiates power unlike any other figure in the Absolute Universe so far, apart from Superman. And even then, Teth Adam may have the Kryptonian beat. Tornadoes swirl around him, and lightning crackles even when he isn’t even in the panel. There is a ferocity that instantly generates fear.

What’s interesting about the three characters that have gathered to face him is that Superman is the only one with visible facial expressions. Hawkman wears his helmet, with wrapping covering the rest of his face. It means the only emotive feature is the beady hawk eyes on his helmet, making him even more intimidating. With the mace and his wings, Hawkman creates a sense of size and awe.

Steel is sleeker, but again, all his features are hidden behind a welding helmet. This helmet is a fantastic choice by Sandoval, as it harks back to Irons’ history as an inventor. The battle has multiple phases within Absolute Superman Issue 20, often occurring in the sky. The intensity is amazing.

The three “heroes’ fight well alongside each other, moving in formation and surrounding Black Adam. There is a fury to each blow and a terrific feeling of velocity and impact. And yet, during the whole onslaught, it doesn’t even seem like Black Adam is slowing down.

The colors are phenomenal too. Teth Adam’s black-and-yellow color scheme is iconic for the character’s presentation across any universe. It crackles across the sky. It’s fascinating that Hawkman is coated in brown and bronze for almost the majority of his design. That represents the lack of vibrancy and heroism within this comic, instead favoring functionality. Superman represents hope and a brighter future. The lettering is very clear and easy to read, which is crucial in a comic where narration is so important.

Superman Issue 20 changes mentalities without diminishing mettle. There is no challenging the hardcore elements of any of the characters involved, or the intensity of the battle within. However, it’s interesting that one of the most stalwart defenders of the world order is being transformed by Superman. Hawkman is the ultimate upholder of Lazarus’ control and restricting the emergence of other metahumans.

But Superman is highlighting how to do things differently, showing that killing and devastation don’t have to be the only solutions. The comic is still heavy metal, and always will be, but Superman unleashes it differently. And those old ways may take even more time to shake off.

Superman Issue 20 is available where comics are sold.