Absolute Superman #21 – Jason Aaron, Writer; Rafa Sandoval, Artist; UIises Arreola, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: This book is probably the most action-packed of the Absolute line, but that doesn’t mean Aaron doesn’t find time for the quieter moments that make this line so good. When we last left off, Superman had flown King Shazam to the moon for a final showdown that could literally shatter worlds. But this issue reveals that he left something behind before he went – a list of names, of people he helps during his day to day life. He’s asked Lois and Jimmy to take care of them if he doesn’t come back – so the answer to what Superman would do if he knew he was going to die is apparently to try to help people from beyond the grave. I’ve seen some people claim that this is a less moral, more ruthless Superman, and this is a perfect example of why I don’t really buy that at all. He’s hardened by a traumatic childhood, but the core is exactly the same as it always was.
While Lois and Jimmy try to survive Talia Al Ghul’s attack on Earth (and we get some good news about a beloved supporting cast member, who makes an unexpected cameo), Superman does his best to try to get through to Teth-Adam, but thousands of years trapped in the sarcophagus have removed any last semblance of the innocent slave boy who wished for a chance to make a difference, replacing it with a mad warrior who has nothing left but rage. As the moon shatters around them, Superman pulls off a risky gambit that neutralizes the villain in a way much more reminiscent of another powerful Superman foe who can be undone by a word – and then Hawkman shows up and makes a risky decision that sets up a potential new plot. Superman’s status at the end of this issue is fairly ambiguous – which means next month’s Brainiac arc likely has some pain in store for everyone.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
