A Brutal Battle Of The Body And The Soul Between Metallo And Superman: ‘Absolute Superman’ #22 Reviewed

Absolute Superman #22 throws the reader into an action-packed opening from the get-go go, with Absolute Superman travelling to Argentina on a fact-finding mission to find Absolute Brainiac, only to be confronted by Absolute Metallo. Who, like many of the Absolute versions of DC Universe heroes and villains, is a more twisted, exaggerated version of the original. A robotic form with Doc Ock-style extensions and a heart of pure kryptonite. Metallo on steroids, in other words. And more than a match for Kal-El, causing him physical bodily harm because of said kryptonite fuelling him and his anger. Every punch feeling like “kryptonite bullets.”

But unlike the regular Metallo, this version’s identity should be familiar to readers of this series. Although, the story of Metallo has often been framed as a tragic one, and this Metallo’s origins are likewise rather tragic. Another pawn in Brainiac’s maniacal game. And so, we get a villain we are encouraged to empathise with through a flashback montage that illustrates this person’s painful journey and exploitation at the hands of others before finally being Frankensteined into this robotic killing machine. And with Metallo unmasked, Superman tries to reason with his original self in the hope of saving him. 

Writer Jason Aaron, having built up a great cast of supporting characters and a truly monstrous Brainiac, now allows these seeds to flourish and bloom. And while I have been something of a cynic in the past, I’m glad I’ve stuck with this series, as much for the writing as the art, with the return of artist Juan Ferreya, who seems to be developing his art style with each new story arc he is involved with. Seemingly being the artist favoured to take on the workload when Rafa Sandoval is unavailable. It would seem that each artist commits to one story arc each, helping continuity and a smoother reading experience, should you be reading this in a collected trade. His depiction of Brainiac in particular is suitably sinister. I’d love to see what he could do on a pure horror title. Maybe even Swamp Thing? Furthermore, colouring his own artwork also helps sell the creepiness of Brainiac, particularly in the close-ups with purple veins and tendons stretching ghoulishly from cheek to jaw. 

Another great example of Ferreya’s growing ability as a great artist and choreographer is a double-page spread nearer the end of the issue that depicts the brutal beatdown through the silhouetted figures of the two combatants. Indeed, the issue is filled with many great moments like these. And while Absolute Batman seems to get all of the attention, this title is quickly becoming one of the best of the Absolute line. One of my favourite issues of the series yet.  

This is a series that realises Superman’s greatest power – especially in such a darker universe as this one – is his heart; his humanity and his hope. And here it’s on full display and a big driving force in what makes this issue special.

Absolute Superman #22 is out now from DC Comics