Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #17
Although DC’s newest Superman may be younger and darker than the original Man of Steel, it’s just been confirmed that they both still share one key trait.
One of DC Comics’ biggest successes in recent years, the Absolute Universe is a darker reality that was created by Darkseid, one where its heroes are darker and operate far more on the fringes compared to the mainline DC Universe. Their status quos are massively different, and the same goes for their methods.
Despite all those exciting and fascinating changes, it’s nice to see that Absolute Superman still carries a core element of what makes The Man of Steel one of DC’s best heroes.
Even In The Absolute Universe, Superman Can Still Inspire And Give Hope
DC’s recent Absolute Superman #17 perfectly showcases exactly why Superman has remained one of DC’s greatest heroes for generations, even in the Absolute Universe.
Featuring an even more terrifying version of Parasite than in the main DC Universe, this iteration of the classic Superman version is shown attacking Metropolis while fully absorbing and connecting millions of people into a single nightmarish hivemind, increasingly expanding with its body made of all these victims.
(The monster was also secretly unleashed in the first place by the Lazarus Corporation to distract Superman so Talia al Ghul could save her imprisoned father)
After freeing Lois Lane from the rapidly growing monster, she confirms that Ka-El didn’t save her with his strength. It was by making her feel safe and unafraid, motivating Parasite to let her go. Armed with that new revelation, Superman tells Absolute Hawkman, the Lazarus Corporation’s lead superpowered enforcer, to give him a few minutes before trying to attack the creature.
Rather than resisting Parasite’s control when it grabs him, Absolute Superman willingly embraces the dark hivemind. As a result, it doesn’t take long before all of Parasite’s victims are released, thanks to Superman simultaneously reaching out to millions of citizens, encouraging them to not be afraid.
Keeping that in mind, it’s quite impressive to see Absolute Superman inspiring so many people all at once at the same time, becoming a major symbol of hope to the public for the very first time, just like the OG Man of Steel.
At The Same Time, Absolute Superman Can Be REALLY Scary
No matter how bleak or dark the reality might be like with the Absolute Universe, it’s pretty cool to see that Superman’s greatest strength is not about his physical power and more about his ability to inspire and instill hope in others.
That being said, this new Superman doesn’t shy away from showing a far scarier side to his power either. Case in point, the end of Absolute Superman #17 delivers a truly cold reminder of just how powerful (and intimidating) the Man of Steel can be when he wants to.
After dealing with Parasite, Superman reiterates a black-and-white message to his enemies, telling Hawkman to send his message/warning along to the Lazarus Corporation:
“You tell them I don’t sleep and nothing they have can hurt me. Tell them my senses stretch for miles, and I’m as strong as the sun. And you tell them I’m coming.”
Clearly, it’s a promise that Superman will demonstrate relentless force, warning his enemies that their time is running out and that he’s never going to bend the knee: “Superman’s not for sale…” It’s a pretty epic line in the sand being drawn, especially with new villains like Absolute Lex Luthor on the way.
That balance of hope mixed with a clear willingness to demonstrate his power when needed is what makes Absolute Superman such a compelling reinterpretation of the character, even as other aspects are altered. While the Absolute Universe may be darker on the whole, its Superman still represents the same foundational ideals he always has, regardless of the reality.
Absolute Superman #17 is on sale now from DC Comics.
- Created By
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Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
- First Appearance
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Action Comics
- Alias
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Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent
- Alliance
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Justice League, Superman Family
- Race
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Kryptonian
- Franchise
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D.C.
