A New Take On An Old Favourite But Not Much Else: ‘Absolute Superman’ #12 Review
by Olly MacNamee
Summary
Absolute Superman reminisces about his time on Earth so far, seemingly offering the creative team another chance to slow down the main story of the Man of Steel’s fight with Lazarus Corp with more procrastinating and unnecessary flashbacks.
Overall
7/10King Arthur had Merlin, and Luke Skywalker had Ben Kenobi. Absolute Superman? He has Sol as his salvation and mentor from Krypton, as we learn more about Kal-El’s bond with his rocketship, suit and companion and guide counsellor on Earth. The guiding voice in Kal’s development on his new home world and the focus of the majority of the issue, as we witness the early days of Kal’s time on Earth and many a conversation he has with Sol. But do we learn anything new this issue? Other than a nice next take on the Fortress of Solitude, most of what is revealed in this flashback issue isn’t anything new.
There is, as ever, lovely artwork from Rafa Sandoval, and it does more than enough to save an otherwise dull issue. And an issue that is oftentimes clichéd with plenty of saccharine sweetness added into the mix in. Such is the case in one particularly dopey scene involving Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and a redheaded Diner worker/business owner who you’ll recognise straight away. If writer Jason Aaron expected anyone to be surprised when she reveals her true name, he really is patronising his readership.
I still think having a supersuit that can literally save you from dying is a huge problem. Superman is strong enough as it is. He doesn’t need to have added protection that makes him more invulnerable than any version of Superman I’ve ever come across. Indeed, Superman’s comic book history has often seen him be depowered at times, enabling the mere mortal reader to still relate to this god amongst us. With Sol the Superset and no civilian identity (yet), I’m finding him harder and harder to root for. And this series more and more difficult to care about. 12 issues in, and still the central Lazarus Corp storyline dominates. Decompressed writing is one thing, but after 12 issues, I would have expected a good deal more world-building and character development. Maybe, just maybe, this is the end of the line for this reviewer and this particular series.
Absolute Superman #12 is out now from DC Comics
