REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 23

Absolute Superman Issue 23 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jason Aaron, art and colors by Juan Ferreyra, and letters by Becca Carey.

Superman hunts for the Toyman whilst wrestling with his own rage.

The theme of Absolute Superman Issue 23 is fury. This arc continues Superman’s hunt for Brainiac, who has now collected a selection of villains that Kal-El has previously tackled. This time, it is the Toyman‘s turn, who was previously threatened and dismantled by Superman. Now he’s back. This comic is very dark, something that  Superman discovers on his search. And it activates something within him that is terrifying. The pace is suddenly electrified, spanning the globe as Superman hunts down a sadistic man.

And that moral quandary that has spanned almost the entirety of superhero comics’ existence returns: killing. Jason Aaron explores this idea brilliantly, because it’s particularly about the deaths of humans who are monsters. Spanning from Kal-El’s upbringing to now, the conversations are profound, complicated, and considered, with no real right answer. The ending is surprising and cathartic within a comic that is bristling with so much anger.

Absolute Superman Issue 23 is fascinating in the fact that Superman is almost the sole character within it. It’s like a one-man play, with his narration serving as the primary voice. It’s intriguing how angry this version of Superman gets, and how terrifying he is when he displays it. He has been intense before, but this chapter sees him struggling to restrain himself. He’s delivering a lot of damage, displaying how powerful and unstoppable he is. And throughout the issue is the possibility that he might just kill the Toyman.

This incarnation of Superman is so emotive, and that is presented explosively. He is very impulsive, especially when enraged. The Toyman can’t hurt Superman, but in a way he is, because he’s slicing at his soul.

The art is phenomenal, with another example of Ferreyra really gelling with horrific moments. Absolute Superman Issue 23 doesn’t overly narrate what happens that sends Superman into his state of bloodlust. But the way Ferreyra delivers the moment is haunting. Through darkness, hands pressed against glass and ghostly faces, the reveal is harrowing. And from there, it’s just a display of destruction.

Superman lets his rage out on everything and anything related to the Toymaster. Vehicles, buildings, satellites and more become so fragile when they hold the answers Superman desires. And the Kryp face changes entirely. He stops being the sympathetic, youthful savior and becomes a terrifying block of pure power.

The colors are gorgeous. This style really generating a sense of speed and ferocity. Whenever Superman flies and moves, there is a red streak that follows him. Ferreyra’s painted style is perfect for this because the opacity of the red can vary. Sometimes it can look like airbrushed paint  it is a solid, straight red line. It makes Superman and his powers look bigger.

The flashback to when Kal-El is on Krypton has an almost completely different art style. It’s much brighter, there’s purple grass, and it truly looks like a different world that was a long time ago. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Absolute Superman Issue 23 perfectly represents the loss of control in an inhuman being. The pulsating rage beats off the page when Superman unleashes his fury, and it’s amazing to see him let loose. It’s an incredibly cathartic comic that is also frightening, because there’s a constant acceleration and escalation. Any breaker of limiter that was once in Kal-El’s head snaps off and he is barely holding back. It sets a blistering pace and the art is just sensational.

Absolute Superman Issue 23 is available where comics are sold.