Review: Absolute Superman #2

Absolute Superman #2 came out last week and was another interesting look into this new universe. This issue continues to give us a glimpse into this version of Superman and his surroundings. And so far, I am intrigued enough to want to read more.

When the Absolute Universe was announced including a Superman book, I was worried. This is a universe built on Darkseid energy, extreme and grittier. As a Superman fan, a firm believer that he has to be a symbol of good and hope, I worried that the very concept of him couldn't work in this place. Were we going to get Ultraman? Sentinel? Hyperion?

So far writer Jason Aaron has given me some hope. Yes, the world around Superman is grimier and morally darker. But his populist Superman seems to remain above it all. Throughout this issue, we see him doing everything he can to save people, to preserve life, and to rise above. We hear Lois Lane reporting about Superman and extolling his virtues. It seems like this Superman might be the one light in this place. We don't get Pa Kent wisdom but our glimpses of Jor-El and Lara make them decent substitutes. Add to that a great Lois, a clear daughter of Sam Lane who seems to be nudged to her truer form. All that is great.

It isn't perfect. Aaron's villain is 'evil corporation' and 'the military' without much background yet on who these people are. I suppose if you are writing a populist hero then 'big business' is an easy target. I don't know if the 'red sand cape and sunstone gauntlets' will get tired after a while but we'll see.

One thing that truly deserves praise is Rafa Sandoval's art. Sandoval has experience with the main Superman. But his stuff here surpasses even that loftiness. From great page layouts to big action, to panel constructions with close-ups and far shots to emotive faces, the book sings.

I don't know how long this whole thing can last. But two issues in, I am still engaged. And I wasn't expecting that.

On to specifics. 

We open with a flashback of a school age Kal being chastised for not using 'generative text' to write his paper on dangers of loggers in the glass forest. 

It is a set-up for a couple of things.

One, 'generative text' sounds like a shot at AI but we will soon see that Superman's outfit is AI so I don't think it is a blanket condemnation. But we will see this panel echoed a little later. So remember this.

Second, it shows how Kal's fight for the 'little guy' was present even as a kid, surely spurred on by his parents and their passions. 

Back in the present, Superman has been cuffed by Lois in some sort of super-strong, regenerating handcuffs. His strength isn't enough to break it so he needs 'SOL", his suit AI to use the sunstone gauntlets to try and saw through. (I suppose SOL is a fun name as the 'sun' gives Superman his powers.)

Lois being cuffed to him is a nice plot device because it means she is forced to see Kal up close and personal, learning about him from his words and deeds. I also like how she is on a mission and continually shoots him in the face with her stun gun for most of the issue. It makes her realization of who he is stand out more when you see where she is coming from ... 'shoot first'. 

But the 'Lazarus Corporation' is almost cartoonish in its wickedness. They run an unsafe blood diamond mine. They have an army of Peacemakers to punish the workers. And it looks like they have military backup to boot. They all seem itching to shoot him even if it kills Lois. One even lies saying he heard Kal threaten Lois as an excuse. I mean all they are missing are handlebar mustaches to twirl and a money safe to swim in.

Later in the fight, the Brainiac AI suggests using chemical weapons on Superman even though it clearly will kill Lois and others. Again, they are so over the top in their violent glee, it seems a little comical. Shells laden with gas with 'peace at all costs' on the shells? But perhaps this is Darkseid's universe.

Realizing Lois is at risk, Superman activates his 'red dust' cape to swaddle her as he flies off. I worry the cape and gauntlets are going to become an easy out for any problem. 

As I said, Lois and Superman are stuck with each other so we get a lot of conversation between them. This is a snippet. But you can see how they are different. 

I do like how he says he doesn't like seeing people treated like livestock. I love how he calls her arrogant.

Remember, his folks fought for miners and farmers. That is his background, seeing his family fight against corruption and class warfare. 

And then we get a bit of a glimpse into his powers.

Flight? Check.

Super-strength? When you can use cars as artillery that is a check. (Love these panels, letting the action tell the story. Love they are a little off-kilter adding some dynamism.)

Super-breath? Check. 

Heat vision? Check.

In the battle, Superman uses the red dust cape to scoop up a bunch of threatened civilians. He even uses the 'red dust' to heal a wound. He will risk his own life to help. 

All this time, Lois is watching. We see her report forming with her saying how Superman seems unassuming at times, commanding at other times. He is earnest. He is honest. He cares. 

Thank you Jason Aaron. You just put it out there that he is still Superman, even on this world. 

Yes, there is a touch of emo in this Kal. Like our main universe Kara, he grew up on Krypton. He must be grieving. He must have some survivor's guilt. He is processing. 

Here he says he can't believe how people on Earth take their lives for granted. His planet is gone.

Will he become a cursing, 'living a life in pain', utterly depressed character like Tom King turned Supergirl into? I doubt it. 

When the cuffs finally open, he flies off.

When Lois files her report verbally, the Brainiac 'AI' says Superman must be neutralized. We see this isn't an algorithm like Lois thinks. It is truly Brainiac. 

And like that Kal, Lois decides to write the report herself, AI be damned. So this report being shot down is a sort of echo of that opening scene.

It also shows us that the 'reporter' Lois, the seeker of truth Lois, is still in there somewhere.

We get another flashback where we see the creation of the dust/sunstone suit/spaceship/AI. 

Even as lowlies, Jor and Lara are trying to save everyone. This prototype has to be Kal's.

We end with seeing a Peacemaker with the last name Smith mow down some innocents who witnessed the Superman brawl.

Is it Christopher Smith, the actual Peacemaker? 

Anyways, this was a full meal of an issue giving us information, action, teases, and making me want more. As a Superman fan I am willing to see where this goes.

And the art ... wow!

Overall grade: A