Can you say No to a Demon? That is the tough question Kal-El from Krypton must answer. Ra’s Al Ghul wants the Man of Tomorrow as his heir. Knowing the limitless possibilities of Superman with his Lazarus Corp, Ghul won’t hear any objection to his demands. He’s also not above killing anyone in the way of getting what he wants.
Not even the people of Smallville are safe…
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #12 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey pits Krypton’s last son with a dangerous ultimatum.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what is happening now.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #12 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreolaand Becca Carey (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Aaron provides no sympathy for Superman and his allies in this story. The opening moments with Martha Kent spins a personal blow to hope. This only grows as Jimmy, Lois and Kal escape Ghul’s clutches. With personal losses still felt, the writing escapes to a hidden time. Watching Kal-El process what happened to the Kents hits nerves. Seeing the young boy reeling only makes the current conflict greater.
Readers walk back certain times in Kal-El’s life. The sense of wanting to belong takes hold. Sol’s dialogue keeps hitting points as emotions run high. A classic Superman element is introduced in an ingenious way. Aaron also spins a few more Smallville mythos into play with a diner scene. The impact is instant and mirrors what Superman does: inspires. This pushes towards a calm before the storm. Watching the 3 “heroes” try outrunning their troubles falls short. The final page will leave jaws dropped as the Demon refuses to take no for an answer. Brace for War.
Sandoval returns for art duties on this issue. Martha Kent’s joyous panels sent an eerie message of the doom coming. This gets moved aside for a strong two page splash of Superman and company. It provides a segway to start Kal’s flashbacks. There’s plenty of pet up frustration pour out of the young Kryptonian. Seeing how he starts understanding his powers becomes a major factor.
Readers watch as he vents his growing frustrations. It leads into a magnificent full page vision of classic Superman lore. The diner sequence is filled with hope as the dire situation starts to loom. Its’ aura carries into Kal-El’s thoughts. Returning back to Kansas hits differently. It leads to a reformed sense of purpose and connection. A full page vision cements that foundation. There is a small sense of this being “too good to be true.” This momentum moves into the closing act. Panels take a darker approach as the Demon starts his plans. The final page makes a bold statement as to the Hell coming. Whether Superman survives is another question.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
A symbol of hope looks to find some before a dark destiny arrives. Aaron constructs a deep look inside Krypton’s last son. Sandoval and Arreola unleash the emotional build with the art. After the last page, will the world of Superman ever be the same?
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Superman #12 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!