The spotlight grows hotter for Kal El. With both The Lazarus Corporation and Omega Men having interest in his services, Superman struggles for peace. Even a return trip to Smallville becomes a war zone. One person refuses to accept defeat. He is the head of Lazarus. His name is Ra’s Al Ghul.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Tom Napolitano puts the Man of Steel in the direct path of the Demon’s Head.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest chapter.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Tom Napolitano (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Aaron splits this issue into two varying places. The first focuses in on the past of Krypton. Jor-El’s struggle to survive reflects on his devotion to family. Watching the Magmoles attempt to stop his advances leads into a mimic of present day plans. This time, the focus is on another patriarch.
The writing shows the terrifying commitment to Al Ghul’s plans. He is not willing to compromise. This makes him an even more dangerous threat than before. Using a backdrop of “reuniting family” raised many questions. Aaron provides some while moving events along.
The pairing of Brainiac and Al Ghul provides a combustible dynamic. Readers watch as every line delivered could explode at any point. This breaks for Superman’s entrance into the fight. Readers watch his noble sense play into resolving issues. Kal-El’s teachings add strength to the Man of Tomorrow. They prove to be a hindrance when the final conflict arises. Readers watch as Aaron weaves in a major surprise to bring down Superman. It leaves with a chilling final page that can only lead to nothing good. Welcome to the Absolute Universe indeed.
Di Giandomenico and Arreola present the Kryptonian chaos with flare. Jor-El’s eyes tell the fear encompassing the panels. It carries a growing sense of doubt as they fight the creatures. A full page shot throws an exclamation point on the battle there. It also serves as a great segway point to transition back to Earth.
The banter with Al Ghul and Brainaic never stops feeling uneasy with the visuals. Both character expressions show how fast things can go sideways. Adding Peacemaker into the fold throws more gas on the fire. It ultimately burns out when Superman arrives. The near full page shot gives an iconic sense to his presence. The moment allows for a return flashback which conveys Superman’s grace. This moves events into a free-for-all with all parties clashing. The Omega Men vs. Lazarus Corp with Superman held back. Readers watch as a shocking move leads to an even greater reveal. The final page ushers in a new phase foe Kal-El, one he may not survive.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
Ra’s Al Ghul unveils his master plans as Superman must find a way to survive. Aaron pens a deeply woven tale of Family and focus. Di Giandomenico and the art team balance a frantic sequence of action while displaying the power of family. Major moves are happening here and shouldn’t be missed.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Superman #10 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!