There is no easy way out for Kal-El. The Last Son of Krypton has returned to Smallville. Following him has been two warring factions. Both have a vested interest in Superman. The Lazarus Corporation and Omega Men have brought their conflict to Kansas.
During their latest confrontation, Superman has been shot with Kryptonite bullets! The Omega Men pulled him away when they escaped but is it in time? Plus, what is the fate of Lazarus agent Lois Lane?
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #9 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Fico Ossio, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey looks to present some answers in its’ latest chapter.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s unfolding now.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #9 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Fico Ossio, Ulises Arreolaand Becca Carey (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Aaron starts moving pieces in place for a larger chess game to be played. Kal’s emergency surgery is high paced. It leads to a more chaotic mood as the Omega Men attempt a save. This leads to a dangerous yet clever gamble. Seeing how the classic various technology is used, innovative takes hit their marks. With every win, there is even heavier weight to be carried.
Lane’s story proves to have more behind its’ veil. The banter between her and Ra’s Al Ghul lefts a haunting impression. Ghul’s sheer determination provides a true test for Lane. Once the story takes a time jump, the relationship between Kal and the lead Omega has taken a unique twist. The writing displays the friction between ethics. Readers watch as Omega’s point is tragically driven home. The fallout springboards a test of conscience. It is short-lived as the close throws everything in flux. Aaron changes direction in the final page. An interrogation raises many questions as the story pauses, leaving readers wanting answers now. Trust me, this will be a tough wait till next chapter.
Art duties are divided up between Sandoval & Ossio for this go around. The former’s vision of emergency surgery is frantic. There is much pain and frustration displayed in these panels. It leads to a longshot surgical attempt via full page. Readers easily see the anguish across Kal’s face. The image provides an easy transition into a more tense meeting.
Ossio handles Lane and Ghul’s rendezvous. Both are strong willed in their face-off. The panels show no give between both parties. Only when one attempts to cross a line does someone blink. The art leaves nothing to chance as their talk ends with quite the statement. Post time jump, Sandoval presents an intense and heartbreaking mission. Even the talk between Kal and Olsen feels somber in delivery. Once the action kicks in, readers see the horrible side of Lazarus. A disturbing discovery of the mission is presented via full page. This guides the audience into another question of methods. All gives way to Ossio’s closing pages. It drives home how very different dynamics are in this new world. Readers will have been on quite the ride with this issue.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.1
Superman’s methods of conflict are deeply tested in this highly charged issue. Aaron’s writing poses many questions as Kal attempts to make his own calls. The art flourishes with the tense emotional pull at the Man of Steel. With a great cliffhanger, the Absolute Universe keeps readers on edge until its’ next return.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Absolute Superman #9. Thanks for reading!