New Artist, New Story, New Suit: ‘Absolute Superman’ #15 Review

With the 14-issue strong Ra’s Al Ghul’s Lazarus Corp saga finally put to rest (and not a moment too soon), Absolute Superman #15, while promising the start of an all-new storyline, is more of an issue that slows down the action with a more peaceful, slow-paced and reflective issue. A much-needed calmer issue after so much tension, drama and big action. Writer Jason Aaron’s Superman is not too far removed from the DC Universe’s very own Superman, albeit with less experience, but one who insists on seeing the best in everyone. Even Ra’s Al Ghul, who’s ageing daily in a Pakistani prison where he was dropped last issue, is cut off from the Lazarus Pits just as he is his company. 

This issue, then, is a breather, setting up the pieces of a new story only at the end of the issue. But that’s fine. A palette cleanser like this is always much needed, especially after such a huge storyline. It allows Aaron to develop Kal-El’s burgeoning relationship with not only Lois Lane but also Lana Lang. And, a new suit. And, thankfully, one that has seen the last of the AI, Sol. I was never a fan of a super suit that gave Superman even more powers, so this feels necessary. For years and years of reading Superman titles from across the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age and now, there’s one thing I know DC don’t like for too long. Superman cannot be too super. And rightly so. 

Onboard for this story arc is artist Juan Ferreyra, who delivers beautiful, painted art that shines off the page and allows for some sumptuously rendered pages that feel realistically textured as a result of this approach. A fine example of this is in the full-page splash of Superman flying up into the sky, with his stretching body defined in solid, bold black lines, while his cape is a blur of red against a sky of cotton candy clouds, devoid of the same solid outline of Superman himself. Lava-like cuffs alive with energy, and even the creases of his palms are all depicted in this style too, delivering a stunning page. And this issue is full of such artistic achievements. 

A new storyline was something I’ve been craving for some time, having felt the Lazarus Corp plot was far too laboured, far too long. But, finally, this series feels like it’s about to get up and running. It may not get the love that Absolute Batman or Absolute Wonder Woman achieves, but here’s hoping that now changes.

Absolute Superman #15 is out now from DC Comics.