Class War And Corruption: ‘Absolute Superman’ #3 Reviewed

They say science fiction often reflects the world’s worries on us, and Absolute Superman #3 is a great example of such a narrative. There is the veneer of sci-fi credibility, but underneath, writer Jason Aaron is working through some of the hot topics of contemporary society many of his readers, including this one, can relate to. An all-powerful dictatorial state, the wealth gap, and even censorship. These issues are all touched upon in this series, and all of which inform the man Kal-El is destined to become. The Superman we’ve seen working as a socialist saviour for the least powerful in society as Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval continue to remix and revitalise the mythos of Superman for a more contemporary readership.

Set entirely on Krypton — bar the last page — the issue continues to lay out Superman’s origins as a teenager having grown up with the love, guidance and influence of his biological parents. Kal-El is cast as an underachiever on Krypton; albeit one with the murmurings of an interest in investigative reporting and encouraged to continue doing so by his equally underachieving parents, who attribute this to his rebellious nature they are more than happy to promote. Of course, this is only underachievement by Krypton’s rigid Caste system standards, and as this issue unfurls, we learn why the House of El have been kept down and kept quiet. And while it’s not the most original inclusion in this otherwise enthralling new take on a golden oldie, it’s certainly impactful. This is Class War disguised as a superhero comic book. 

Fleshing out the world of Krypton and its inhabitants is artist Sandoval, who really is at the top of his game on this series, with a Krypton designed to be cohesive  and interconnecting. This is, after all, the process of defining Krypton in the Absolute Universe, and thereby one that must be thoroughly thought through. After all, long after this first storyline is completed, many more will eventually look to Krypton for inspiration in years to come. So, the creators must get it right. And Sandoval need not worry. His Krypton is vivid, detailed and lovingly crafted, with guidance from Aaron. Breathing more life into Krypton’s diverse geology and urban areas, like Kandor, is colourist Ulises Arreola, who’s colour art aides the solidification of a definitive Absolute Krypton to take root in our collective consciousness. No better is this exemplified than in Sandoval and Arreola’s depiction of the Redlands, a deep red, earthy sector of Krypton much frequented by the Els.

While Absolute Batman is the flagpole title and often gets all the attention, Absolute Superman continues to excel and continues to delight this humble reviewer. Yes, it does include narrative tropes that have been used countless times before, but included as part of a much bigger story, these clichés work in context. We root for Kal, and at this point we’re even rooting for his parents’ survival. But surely that would be one new addition too far. Or … maybe not, given what is hinted at on the last very revealing page. 

Absolute Superman #3 is out now from DC Comics.