Absolute Superman #17 is written by Jason Aaron and published by DC Comics. Artwork and Colours by Juan Ferreyra. Main cover art (left) is by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola.
Absolute Superman #17 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
PARASITE INVADES METROPOLIS!
Superman must save Metropolis from being devoured by his most terrifying enemy yet, the all-consuming Parasite–while the happiest man in the Absolute Universe, a simple family man named Lex Luthor, receives a fateful visitor…
Review
The Absolute Universe has never shied away from the grotesque. Fortunately, Absolute Superman #17 is no exception! This issue presents a version of Parasite that is truly the stuff of nightmares. It challenges the heroes to stop the creature before everyone in Metropolis is eaten alive. But not everyone has the same idea about how to start the monster!
The Absolute version of Parasite is unlike anything we’ve seen before. It feels like a blend of Cronenberg-style body horror and Kaiju madness, with a seasoning of Stranger Things. Horror lovers will not be disappointed by this iteration, especially regarding how it affects Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.
The opening scene between Lois and Jimmy is a standout moment. Visually, Juan Ferreyra’s artwork is spectacularly morbid. As Jimmy Olsen is absorbed into Parasite, the creature pulls open his mouth and stretches his eyelids. It is pure nightmare fuel—exactly the kind of fear the beast needs to feed.
Missed Opportunities for Darkness?
This horrific situation puts Lois Lane in a tight spot. For a brief moment, she actually considers a mercy killing to save her friend from the pain. It was a bold, “hold your breath” moment, but I personally feel the narrative didn’t go far enough.
So far, the Absolute Universe has kept its main characters relatively safe. While I understand why Jason Aaron might not want to go that dark with Lois and Jimmy (or be allowed), the Absolute Universe is designed to rattle the status quo. In a story featuring a Lovecraftian monster, a permanent casualty would have been fascinating. It could have challenged Superman in entirely new ways.
Superman V Hawkman
At the center of this issue is the ideological clash between Superman and Hawkman. To say these two had a rocky meeting is an understatement. This version of Hawkman is a much darker, more amoral man than the Carter Hall we usually see.
This sets up a compelling tension. Specifically, Hawkman isn’t bothered by collateral damage or working with “bad guys.” His approach to Parasite is simple: kill it, no questions asked. He is willing to sacrifice everyone trapped inside the beast, stating:
”All we can do is put these poor bastards outta their misery.”
However, this won’t work for Superman. For him, casualties are not an option. This is another area where the issue could have pushed the boundaries further. Instead, the ultimate solution gave me flashbacks to the Smallville Season 10 finale. It was a quick “hope saves the day” fix. While it fits Superman’s character, the execution felt a little rushed and too convenient. This just so happened to be a problem I had with Absolute Wonder Woman #17.
Lex Luthor V Brainiac
Parasite is not the only monster in the issue. Near the end, we catch up with Brainiac and Lex Luthor. Wow!
The level Brainiac goes to get Lex on his side is jaw-dropping. If Parasite were a blob monster, Brainiac is Freddy Krueger! Lex Luthor was the happiest man on earth. His refusal to give up his content life and family triggers a scene that challenges the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones. It leaves us with a massive question: Will these actions push Absolute Lex into coldhearted, callous villainy, or can we expect a twist in this universe? Personally, I’m hoping for the latter.
Verdict
Absolute Superman #17 really soars when it pushes the boundaries of horror, though it ultimately plays it a bit safe, particularly with Parasite. The Absolute titles take risks and shouldn’t be afraid to take bigger risks. There were definitely missed opportunities here to rattle the status quo. Still, the ideological clash between Superman and Hawkman is gripping, and the mystery of what becomes of Lex Luthor will certainly keep me coming back for more!
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