Absolute Superman #2 is written by Jason Aaron and published by DC. Artwork is by Rafa Sandoval, colours by Ulises Arreola and letters by Becca Carey. Main cover art (left) is by Sandoval and Arreola.
Absolute Superman #2 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
The Lazarus Corporation sent their most battle-hardened crew of Peacemakers to locate the mysterious fugitive interfering with their mining operations—but they weren’t expecting one motor-mouthed, iron-willed woman to be the one to finally get the cuffs onto him!
Review
After a dynamic first issue which set out to redefine the Superman mythos, Absolute Superman is back in comic book stores today with its second issue. Writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval are looking to continue to reinvent the Man of Steel by presenting classic elements of his story through a uniquely high concept story that continues to intrigue whilst standing out as the Absolute Universe’s most genre-heavy series.
The second issue continues to flip flop between time periods, presenting Superman’s emergence on Earth against the backdrop of a story told back on Krypton in his younger years. Issue #2 continues to define the El Family as outsiders in the Kryptonian hierarchy. Last issue Aaron went to great length to show how Jor-El and Lara were ousted by the planets scientific minds. Now we’re seeing a little of how that fighting spirit pushes Kal to be his own man. Through this Aaron is also able to continue to world build around the Kryptonian society, doubling down on their oppressive and rigid structure. The idea of that Krypton may not have been the shining utopia we all know from classic versions of Superman’s origin continues to captive throughout this issue.
In the present day we’re back in Brazil as Superman stares down the barrel of a Lazarus Corp gun. Of course it just so happens that the gun being pointed in his direction is being held by none other than Lois Lane. Aaron uses the bulk of Absolute Superman #2 to introduce us to the Absolute version of Lois, setting up an interesting and far more confrontational dynamic between the two star-crossed lovers. It’s clear Aaron doesn’t want to completely step away from their destiny. A spark is absolutely ignited amongst all the chaos of this issue and it can be felt even by the most casual of readers whilst flipping through this issue. Aaron’s Lois is instantly recognisable. Despite the military fatigues and cropped hair the core of the classic Lois remains intact.
The back and forth between Lois and Kal is dynamite to read. Again Aaron is able to tap in to a moment which feels like classic Lois and Clark but present it in the centre of a storm of circumstance which is unique to the Absolute brand. As the situation around them escalates it equally seems to melt away and Aaron hones in on the two characters, now bound by the Kryptonian tech in his suit.
All the elements of issue #2 pull together to push Absolute Superman towards an even bigger story. Aaron neatly weaves elements of Superman’s suit tech back to the story of his parents on Krypton. That in turn takes a step closer to seeing the ultimate fate of the planet and its people which still feels like a huge presence in the background. Meanwhile Lois also seems to take a step, or is at least given a nod, towards her journalist roots.
Aaron once again sets up Sandoval and colourist Ulises Arreola for some beautiful imagery in this issue. The parallels between Krypton on Earth feel even more distinct this issue. Using the Kryptonian tech as connective tissue between the two locations also subtly does a wonderful job to building the sense of tension as we await the fates of Krytpon, Jor-El and Lara. Across issue #2 there’s a tendency to lean in to mid-close up panels, only pulling back when the script really calls for scope. It makes Absolute Superman #2 feel more intimate which in itself is unique for a Superman book and leans in to Sandoval’s incredibly detailed character work.
Verdict
Absolute Superman #2 continues to carve a path in DC’s Absolute Universe as its most unique reimagining. Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval are proving to be a dynamite creative pairing revelling in the creative freedom of this new storytelling initiative.
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