Jason Aaron is continuing to grow this universe now that we are in the sort of second act of the book. With Ra's Al Ghul's plot to turn Superman done, it is time to broaden the view to the world. In fact, the Ra's story is truly ended here with an exclamation point. The biggest hook for me here is the mystery of King Shazam. Last issue we saw he was a slave in ancient Egypt given power by Brainiacs with a Father Box. Why were Brainiacs on Earth then? With a Father Box no less? Now we see how Shazam's powers seem to mimic Superman's down to the crystal cape? How are those echoes possible? Didn't Lara create Sol with sun crystals? Alas, these are just mysteries to contemplate now.
Rafa Sandavol continues to shine on art. There are action panels where you don't truly see the blows, hidden in energy and swirling sands. But the character moments are well rendered. And his take on the Steel origin is brutal and gorgeous.
This book continues to intrigue as we peel back the layers. On to the book.
What do you think of this Absolute origin?
Last month we met Steel, a hammer wielding, armored vigilante wading into Lazarus Corp.
This issue opens with his origin. John Henry Irons created 'stunners', the helmets utilized by Peacemakers to 'pacify assailants'. But Lazarus Corp took his tech and didn't give him the millions they promised. Instead he is in a meat-processing plant, fixing the machines that kill the cows. And when the machines go down, he is brought in with a sledge hammer to do the killing personally.
This is a far cry from the arms-dealer turned construction worker turned hero of the main Steel. This is a jilted genius literally walking in blood. His motivation isn't to honor Superman ... yet. His motivation is to kill Ra's Al Ghul.
What do you think of this Absolute origin?
Steel planned to get into Lazarus and kill Ra's. He thought of all the ways that might play out.
He didn't plan on an ancient Egyptian super-powered being being raised.
I love that. The best laid plans often go awry.
King Shazam has a look very similar to Superman. His cape is made of black dust/sand. His gauntlets are yellow and glowing.
And his power is profound. When Superman tries to talk to Shazam, he gets punched. And finds himself 1100 miles away.
This is an equal.
Interesting page with Superman far away on the splash showing the speed and power but also not really showing much.
King Shazam is overwhelmed by the noise of the world. He wants answers about how long he has been asleep.
Of all people, it is Ra's who gives a measured response. Teth-Adam was bound 3000 years ago by people long dead. Ra's kept him buried. But Ra's has also learned that this world can be changed through hope. He tries to name it Superman but is interrupted.
And then he is killed by Shazam in a brutal way.
I don't know how I feel about how quickly Ra's has completely turned. But it is a testament to Superman. I also don't know how I feel about Ra's being killed so quickly. I think there was more story for him, more ways for him to be a counterpoint to the evil of the universe.
Superman returns and Aaron does a good job here to focus on the similarities.
Both satisfy the prophecy we heard last issue - 'eyes of fire, strength beyond imagining, walks among the clouds with the dust of his world on his back'. The powers, the dust cape. Why are they so similar? I want to know more about the beginnings.
While similar, Superman points out the differences. You can't kill in the modern world like Adam did back then. You can't force people to obey. And it isn't because of who Shazam is that Superman is thwarting him.
A brawl ensues and Steel decides he needs to step up.
He has to save Superman.
The blow sends all three across the globe.
Even over Gotham. Nice to see Sandoval's take on Absolute Batman.
And the 'reign' of the Supermen is actually a rain ... of their sand capes.
Interesting.
We end with all the supers facing off on some remote shore.
Capeless Superman. Capeless King Shazam. A battered and bruised Steel. And now Absolute Hawkman.
Not a bad cliffhanger.
Again, this is mostly a battle issue. The mysteries about King Shazam grabbed me. There are some small but solid moments with Talia and Lois. I am interested if this encounter will turn Steel, make him want to honor Superman like his main universe counterpart.
Overall grade: B
1 comment:
Of course this line would rais eup Black Adam and not Billy.
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