A demon has captured Krypton’s last son. Ra’s Al Ghul’s Lazarus Corporation made a dangerous move. With BRAINIAC pulling the strings, Superman was lured into a trap. The goal is something very sinister. The Demon’s Head wants an heir. Who better than the Man Of Tomorrow?
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #11 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey attempts the impossible! Can Superman be broken?
Let’s take a closer look to see how this plays out!
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #11 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Give credit where it’s due. Aaron isn’t afraid to take the Superman mythos into dark avenues. This is primarily shown with Brainaic. Turning him into a more unhinged monster proves for quite the entertaining read. His dialogue with the stoic Al Ghul clashes just enough to tease their plans. Knowing what they have with Superman, it leaves no question of Al Ghul’s interest in him as an heir.
This leads into some disturbing mental torturing. Readers watch as each attempt to corrupt Kal-El intensifies. It also brings into play his allies in the fight against Lazarus. Aaron gives just enough page time to the Lois/Talia face-off to impact events. In the end, one plot takes center stage. The writing taps into an inner strength to become the deciding factor. It mirrors much of what fans love of Superman. The result is an explosive series of events. One of which becomes a tragic causality of Al Ghul’s schemes. This builds towards a very fast-paced finish. It leaves readers with a sense of anxious doubt going forward& wanting more.
Di Giandomenico and Arreola know how to tap into the insanity of this Brainiac. Having Kal-El “relive” a last moment of Krypton delivers on a combustible scenario. Once the smoke clears, the tension never leaves. Readers watch as the face-off between Brainaic and Al Ghul is direct and unapologetic. It conveys how prized their prisoner is. Failure is clearly not an option. This is shown on Brainaic’s face from here until the end of chapter.
The art delivers on a few fantastic “nightmare” images. A full page of Superman flying is excellent (even with the damage around). This takes a side step to build up the Talia/Lois confrontation. Both wear their rage on their sleeves. The art locks in on the anger during these panels. Only Brainaic’s crazed looks provide a detour from the drama. All events move towards a superb turning point. Readers see Superman reach deep to find hope. It is a moment much needed at this stage of Kal’s story. The fallout becomes very chaotic. It concludes with a final page and many questions. Another fun visual ride to be had.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
Can Brainaic break a steel heart? That is the question posed in this chapter. Aaron’s writing never lets up on the pressure of events. Di Giandomenico and Arreola unlock the insanity of Brainiac into full view. The result is an issue you don’t want to miss at the shops.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Superman #11 in the comments below. Thanks for reading.