Quick doesn't mean light or superficial. Writer Jason Aaron infuses the whole story with a comparison of Hawkman and Superman, their approach to 'heroics' and morality. Hawkman is an 'ends justify the means' guy. Superman is a much more inspirational figure, willing to sacrifice himself to save anyone else. Add in the Parasite, who seems more of a victim than a villain here, perhaps another way the Absolute Universe is a new angle and approach to characters. But the hero here is still Superman, who has matured in this book already, becoming the hero this world needs.
Juan Ferreyra again brings a sort of pastel panache to the proceedings. He brings the horror of the Parasite as well a Brainiac as well. This book has, at times, veered into body horror and we see that here. It is all gorgeously if not grotesquely rendered.
I wouldn't mind a few more of these mini-arcs to help increase the mythos of this Superman.
On to the book.
The Parasite is basically ingesting the citizens of Metropolis, engulfing and absorbing them into his mass. The people are alive but terrified, useful batteries for the alien.
Immediately, we see how these 'heroes' differ. Superman is looking to save everyone. He even wonders if the Parasite should be saved. Meanwhile, Hawkman isn't interested insaving the alien or the people. This is a threat that needs to be put down. Celebratory beers later.
Such a difference shows how the Absolute Earth is born from Darkseid energy.
It is finally named Parasite. And it sounds like Hawkman knows what this thing is.
Again, his first move is murder.
The Hawkman if Earth-0 is often portrayed as a brutal fighter, a 'tank'. But he isn't a killer.
We saw the Parasite released by a Peacemaker working for Talia last issue.
Here we see she planned it as a diversion so Superman wouldn't be watching the prison Ra's is in.
What I like here is that Ra's seems tired of his old life and initially wants to be left alone. Will Talia bring him back to his former evil prowess? Or has Superman and his visits and wisdom rubbed off.
Amid the screams, Superman hears Lois. They already have a bond!
His presence makes the Parasite regurgitate her. It turns out it lives on the adrenaline of the beings it has absorbed, adrenaline from fear.
Lois says that Superman's presence stopped her from being afraid. She knew he would save her. And that change made the Parasite release her. Interesting new take on the Parasite, living of absorbed humans like batteries. It is more like the Borg than a vampire.
But that panel of the absorbed Lois is chilling. We see several of the Parasite's victims up close in this book, always in this immersed terror. Great stuff by Ferreyra.
In what sound like it could be cheesy, Superman thinks he can provide that sort of courage and hope in all the Parasite's absorbed victims. And the best way to do it is to be absorbed himself and do it from the inside.
Love this scene as we see the thoughts the engulfed Hawkman has, terrified that all the people he killed will come and get him. It looks like a lot. In that alien mind, he is visited by Superman who is working his way to everyone to calm them.
I really love that the psychic version of Superman really looks like the kid he was on Krypton. That must be how he sees himself.
And like how Hawkman can't overcome the fear, instead trying to break Superman's courage. Great scene with a great page layout as we float through Hawkman's mind.
It works. The people of Metropolis become less fearful, leading Parasite to release them all. It shows what a symbol Superman has become on this world.
This was the best scene. Hawkman asks Superman how he did it. The answer is obvious, even if Superman looks a bit beaten ... 'I'm Superman'.
There is something so cool about this, as if finally this Kal recognizes what he means as Superman, that he IS Superman. We even see the people of the city cheering as he flies by.
Great moment.
And then we learn the Parasite was an alien Brainiac tortured in a lab. It clearly feels alone. Maybe his 'absorption' of people is to try and be less lonely.
And Superman has a Fortress?? Fascinating.
And Superman has a Fortress?? Fascinating.
There is no real friendly farewell here.
I think Hawkman wants to congratulate Superman for a job well done. But our hero has been inside Hawkman's head. He knows more about who Hawkman is. And he has a message.
This is more aggressive, more proactive than I have heard this Superman be. And angry red eyes!
This was only the first round.
That is a pretty cool ending. Honestly, this feels like a sort of revelatory party for Superman, realizing his place in the world, and announcing it.
But wait, more body horror.
Just as the Parasite has tortured people,Brainiac is torturing Lex. And he leaves Luthor behind surrounded by piles of his beloved family dead. If anything might nudge Lex to evil, it might be this!
Terrifying.
So very solid issue, contrasting Superman and Hawkman, taking down Parasite, and continuing to bolster the Superman legend on this world. Ferreyra's stuff is very good here.
All in all, this series has been fantastic and this 2 parter was fantastic!
Overall grade: B+
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