Absolute Superman #18 – Jason Aaron, Writer; Rafa Sandoval, Artist; Ulises Arreola, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: In the aftermath of the war for Smallville, Superman’s world is getting bigger – and he’s about to face the first villain in this world who might eclipse him in power, the mysterious King Shazam. Our story this issue begins back in Ancient Egypt, as a young slave named Teth-Adam battles for something resembling a life worth living. He lost his entire family to the brutality of the empire, something described in horrific detail, but refused to back down – taking horrible beatings from the slave overseers. In desperation, he wandered into the desert after hearing a prophecy from a mysterious stranger that a hero would rise. But he didn’t find salvation – instead, he found Brainiacs, exploring this world and seeking test subjects. And in him, they found one who gave them more than they bargained for – someone who could endure the torments they created and wait thousands of years for his vengeance.
In the present day, Superman is trying to piece together a new life in the aftermath of the war, and he’s even adopted a baby Parasite in what’s sure to be a fan-favorite development. But things aren’t going as smoothly for his allies. Jimmy Olsen has taken a new job at the Daily Planet, but the state of journalism in this world might be even worse than ours. Lois, meanwhile, isn’t ready to settle down with a new job and is hot on the trail of Talia Al Ghul to get justice for her father. Talia, meanwhile, is trying to heal her father after breaking him out of prison, but is increasingly frustrated by Ra’s new look on life – which might be a very short one if he doesn’t embrace his old ways again. This tense showdown is interrupted by the arrival of a new masked figure, a much darker take on an iconic Metropolis hero who seems to have an axe to grind – or maybe, a hammer. And that’s before the massive reveal at the end that introduces us to the biggest threat the Absolute Universe has faced so far, in an issue that doesn’t slow down to let us breathe even once.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
