Review: Absolute Superman #13

Absolute Superman #13 came out last week, the penultimate chapter in this longform opening arc showing us the Absolute world that this Superman lives in. The Lazarus Corporation and the anti-fascist Omega Men revealed as organizations run by the Al Ghul family who are hellbent to turn Superman to their view. He hold out leading to war ... the Battle of Kansas.

I have been very impressed with Jason Aaron's pacing on this title, a slow burn of us seeing this world, learning about Superman and the supporting cast, and their goals. Even though we were barreling to the battle we see in this issue, Aaron pumped the brakes last month giving us an issue about Superman and Sol. 

But now we are back in it. Kansas is under assault.

Still Aaron gives us so much characterization amid to warfare. Superman still feels isolated, still feels 'other', still feels lost. It feels a little strong here after hearing how he defends the underrepresented, how he loved the Kents, how he is honoring his parents. But it again shows us we are in that Absolute world. If anyone isn't mired in the darkness it is Lois and Jimmy, both of whom look very much like their main Earth counterparts here, being journalists and getting the truth out there.

Rafa Sandoval continues to blow me away on art. This read like a war book, with tanks and planes, and bombs. But mixed in are these powerful character moments and Sandoval captures them too. I am so impressed with Sandoval on this book and glad we are getting him on this finale.

On to the book.

It is The Battle of Kansas. The citizens take up their own guns to fight off Lazarus. (Surprisingly, this could be a pro second amendment book.) The people refer to the history of Kansas, invoking an old latin phrase about the state, Ad Astra Per Aspera - 'To the Star through difficulty'. This is actually Kansas' motto. Fascinating turn given Superman coming from the stars. Nice touch.

Lazarus has quarantined Smallville, shutting it off from the rest of the world in all ways.  I really like Superman telling Sol to use it's crystal functions to protect the citizens and not himself anymore. This is him being a hero, helping others over himself.

While Superman has been the center of this book, it is Lois and Jimmy who have had the most character growth. From soldiers for Lazarus and the Omega Men, opposite sides of a battle to partners in fighting the power and helping Superman, they have matured.

From within the confines of Kansas, they have been finding ways to sneak out messages to the rest of the world. Here she is sending out news reports of what is happening ... that is until Lazarus discovers the transmission and they need to escape.

From soldiers to journalists, seekers and reporters of truth. In this Absolute universe, Lois and Jimmy are shining bright.

We are reminded just how powerful Superman has been an inspiration, from his presence to his powers to his deeds. 

When they saw him, they both knew they were on the wrong side. 

Maybe Superman is as bright as Lois and Jimmy.

This is war. Superman has carved out bunkers under the ground. Lazarus us blocking the sun. Everyone is exhausted. Even here, surrounded by the people he has saved, beneath the city where he was loved by the Kents, he still feels like an outsider. 

I suppose this is the hurdle this character needs to get over. When does he call Earth his home? When does he say he belongs here.

Here is the most interesting scene in the book.

In the bunker, a Smallville citizen comes up and confesses that he told Lazarus about Superman being with the Kents. He did it because he was afraid. But now he knows he was wrong. He apologizes.

Inside, Superman fumes. This made him feel even more 'other'; the Kents were attacked because people were afraid. His thoughts are of him wondering if he should lash out at this man. And yet, he doesn't. At least outwardly he forgives.

This contrast of thought and deed, of Superman being even more angry and isolated even though he changed this man's mind, is wonderfully rich characterization.

But things go wrong suddenly.

Brainiac hacked Sol's programming. The red crystals become purple. Braini-Sol attacks everyone, pinning down Superman and his friends. This plot twist came out of nowhere, as shocking to me as the characters. 

Throughout the book  we hear Lois say that Superman needs to reveal himself to the world, to inspire by being seen. She knows he has been hiding and that time must end. Aaron really does a good job showing how Superman is thinking the exact opposite. Who will win out? Will Lois convince him?

Will she have the chance.

Ra's is there ... wielding a green K broadsword.

Bring on the finale.

This has been a wonderful smolder of a title. If Absolute Batman is Quentin Tarantino, Absolute Superman is Stanley Kubrick. Will Superman accept his role, reveal himself, and be the hope this world needs? Will he survive? 

I am stunned how much I am liking this dark take on the Superman legend.

Overall grade: B+