Absolute Superman #19 is written by Jason Aaron and published by DC Comics. Artwork by Rafa Sandoval, Colours by Ulises Arreola, and Letters by Becca Carey. Main cover art (left) is by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola.
Absolute Superman #19 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
KING SHAZAM IS HERE TO SHATTER THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE! King Shazam has risen with a power unlike anything Superman has faced before. What connection does he have to Brainiac and the mysterious Father Box? Plus, another classic character has made their Absolute debut, though it remains to be seen if they’re a friend or foe of the Man of Steel…
Review
Reign of the Superman Part Two delivers one heck of a wallop and shakes up the landscape of Superman’s corner of the Absolute Universe. Of course, I have no doubt King Shazam poses a great threat to the wider Absolute Universe.
King Shazam rises in fire and fury and finds a world far from the idyllic promised land he intends during his brief reign as Pharaoh three thousand years ago in Egypt. But who stops him and how remains a question for another day.
After Brainiac grants him power three thousand years ago, Shazam takes control of the world as Pharaoh and sets out to create one world under him—a utopia free of war and enslavement. Even so, a dictatorship is still a dictatorship, no matter how you dress it.
Despite Kal’s best efforts, dictators refuse reason. R’as al Ghoul learns that lesson the hard way.
Unlike the previous issue, this one gives Arron and the team a much stronger outing—one you come to expect from the Absolute titles. It doesn’t dillydally and gets straight to the point.
Let’s talk about the meat and potatoes of the story! This issue fully introduces STEEL into the Absolute Universe. And if you are wondering who the man behind the mask is, it is John Henry Irons.
Irons is the highlight of the issue. It’s where the real depth and character work lands. He works as a mechanic in a meat factory, making $7.25 an hour, and his life sits in the gutter. The issue reveals that he created the Peacemaker Helmet and, for a time, worked with Lazarus Corp until they dumped him. He calls himself the real “American Dream”—a line that lands perfectly.
I’m glad we get a chance not only to dive into Irons’ past but also to explore who he is now, given the hand he’s dealt. Irons goes after R’as’ blood, just as Lois Lane goes after Talia’s blood. I wish the previous issue had balanced this better. It would have made their revenge missions more shocking, especially since their actions ultimately led to the release of Shazam. Something I hope Superman addresses with Lois Lane later.
I understand why the previous issue teases King Shazam, but I can’t help thinking the previous issue served as a better place to explore Irons and his motive for going after R’as, rather than dropping him into Lois Lane’s standoff with R’as and Talia so suddenly.
Still, Arron takes his time and fleshes out Irons nicely. Something I am grateful for. I understand the appeal of teasing a new character, but perhaps not every introduction needs to be an end-of-book tease? Nevertheless, Irons is a great new addition, and I think readers are in for a treat.
While Irons’ motives are nicely laid out here, one drawback is that this nearly pushes Lois Lane completely out of the picture. The last issue focuses heavily on her beef with Talia, but this issue brushes that storyline under the rug. I assume to be explored another day.
Lately, I’ve said this in just about every review on Absolute Superman: It’s time for the characters to start making shocking choices. Two issues in a row, Lois Lane is ready to kill, but never crosses the line. This issue goes out of its way to keep her character intact while letting the undeniable villain do the slaughtering. I get it, but there’s only so much character preservation before it gets a little tired.
The art. Rafa Sandoval’s art and Ulises Arreola’s colour are phenomenal. They deliver truly dynamic panels and interesting point-of-view shots throughout the issue. The action hits with a visceral punch and comes to life on every page. I don’t think anyone walks away disappointed by the art—it’s a feast.
Verdict
Absolute Superman #19 cracks like lightning. King Shazam’s introduction is one that will thrill readers and, albeit momentarily, question whether Superman has met his match. However, the true heart of this issue is John Henry Irons, who is a very welcome addition to the universe. One thing is certain: Superman cannot stop King Shazam alone…
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