ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #8 (DC COMICS)

The Man of Tomorrow is a wanted man. Kal-El’s recent actions have gotten him on a few radars. None might be larger than the Lazarus Corp. The vicious organization brings their hunt to Smallville, Kansas. One thing is for certain: Krypton’s last son isn’t ready for what’s next.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #8 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey kicks off a brand new arc in the Absolute Universe.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the unfolding story.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #8 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

With the new playing field, Aaron has re-introduced a classic villain superbly. The twisted version of an near-immortal shines with delight. Readers watch as the brutal fight with some Omega Men takes a vicious turn. It is unforgiving with the punishments and actions taken. Each word re-enforces the dark mantra taken towards the world. Knowing the opposition to this, the dialogue is only more fitting.

Once Superman makes the scene, he is given a bittersweet entrance. The writing reflects the sad changes to his childhood core. It spirals into his confrontation with Lazarus’ Lois Lane and Omega Man Jimmy Olsen. The dialogue keeps everyone at a healthy distance. Readers see this become the perfect opening for action. Aaron keeps up a fast pace as the conflict takes hold. There are quite a few curves thrown in. The closing pages wrap up events with an organic finish. It leaves readers in a place of tense waiting to see where things go from here. No better place to finish for now, but not for long.

Sandoval returns to art after a short hiatus. The opening battle is savage in its’ portrayal. A two page splash captures the intensity of the Lazarus boss unleashed. It concludes with a shocking series of panels. Readers will come away from this knowing the danger lying in wait.

Kal-El’s return home is met with a somber reunion. Knowing how things are different with the Kents, the art drills that home. This leads into the “Superman Trinity” meeting. Readers will be amped as they see Kal, Lois and Jimmy fend off the Peacemakers. Captain Smith’s return is graced via half page image. The showdown with Supes lives up to billing. Sandoval & Arreola throw in a monster change via half page. The art never slows down as fighting rages on. This pushes towards the closing pages. Only at the final stop does events wind down. The last panel says it all with the character’s eyes. There is uncertainty on where things go next which is a huge win.

OVERALL GRADE: 9

Smallville becomes a warzone as Superman tries finding shelter from Lazarus’ raging storm. Aaron pens an action packed chapter with the writing. Sandoval returns to the art duties with magnificent images. The Man of Tomorrow continues to command the spotlight in an ever-imaginative new era.

Let me know your thoughts on the comments below about Absolute Superman #8. Thanks for reading!

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #7 (DC COMICS)

With a darker tone consuming it, the Absolute Universe strikes readers with new takes of classic characters. The symbol of Hope in the DCU is a wayward soul trying to find peace. Kal-El from Krypton has any curious parties interested in his secrets. None might be deadlier than an old enemy completely re-imagined.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #7 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey welcomes ABSOLUTE BRAINIAC to Kal-El’s world!

Let’s take a closer look at how this introduction fares.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #7 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Aaron ushers in a frightening terror onto the new landscape. The opening sequence wastes little time in showing a glimpse of the horror awaiting. Readers watch as the precision attack decimates the Omega Men’s surge. Once in full frame, Brainiac is easily different than his predecessor. The writing plays into the unhinged personality as the backstory begins.

It is a take that plays a game with the mental stability of the cold genius. Aaron gives a tragic spin while slow rolling the drama. Brainiac’s evolution is not without consequence. As truths surface, the damage done is immense. The fallout leaves the audience with a clear picture of madness. Aaron moves Brainiac’s awakening to a disturbing conclusion. Knowing what he’s done in little time, the overwhelming sense of danger grows. The issue ends on a solid point with a familiar destination locked in its sights. How Krypton’s last son handles this will be something to watch.

Di Giandomenico returns for art duties for this chapter. The initial attack by the Omega Men reflects a horror movie. There is no shying away from the brutality on display. Even where one soldier sees his own bones, the art holds nothing back. this leads into a full page image of Brainiac in his psychotic glory. The design is very unique in presentation. It teases a backstory that paints quite a picture.

The flashback portions show a young artificial life with optimism. Panels foreshadow how that hope dimmers with each page. Readers watch as the slow slip of reality takes shape. The art teams shows how weathered Brainiac has become before a truth sinks in. Once at this stage, events have left him with a new sense of beginning. A close-up of a smile speaks volumes. This leads into the final pages. After ascending his role, the issue brings the villain full circle. A full page panel shows the broken villain in his glory. The art ends with a solid closing panel. The close-up and chilling words send readers into an unknown future as a new evil has formed.

OVERALL GRADE: 9

The Absolute Universe welcomes a disturbed version of Brainiac into Superman’s world. Arron’s haunting story gives a shocking take on the emotionless villain. Di Giandomenico and the art team takes readers into the maddening visuals head-on. Forget any preconceived notions. This is a much more unstable threat than Superman has ever faced. Fans will want to be here for it!

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Absolute Superman #7. Thanks for reading!

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #6 (DC COMICS)

Home, Sweet Home. Krypton was destroyed. Its’ last known survivor crashed to Earth. Smallville, Kansas is where Kal-El landed. Unlike the stories of yesteryear, this isn’t the usual Superman origin. This is the Absolute Universe. Expect the unexpected.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #6 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey kicks off it’s brand new phase.

Let’s take a closer look at what unfolds now.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #6 by Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey (DC COMICS) Cover: Rafa Sandoval

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Aaron delves into another aspect of Superman’s past with this chapter. The path to earth is filled with grief and anguish. Kal-El’s trip exposes his insecurities with new challenges. Without Krypton and his parents, the boy must become a man. He lucks into a caring family in Kansas. Readers watch as the familiar narratives end there.

The Kent’s struggles against Lazarus reflect the Absolute vision. Their lives are pushed into uncomfortable territory. Readers see Martha Kent’s vision of Kal-El as a sign from Heaven. Hell soon follows him after. The conflict comes right to the front door of the Kent farm. Aaron twists in the painful moment by forcing the young Superman to make a choice. Its’ fallout can be felt in present time. The closing pages do much more than set-up. A huge reveal sends readers off until next issue with MUCH to speculate on.

Di Giandomenico steps in for art duties with this installment. The opening sequence hones in on Kal-El coming to terms on his future. There are a wide range of reactions commencing. It leaves some suspense as events shift to Earth. His future family hits the pages via a half panel. Their struggles come to the forefront. Jonathan Kent’s demeanor can’t be overlooked. He comes off as hopeless. It is in contrast to Martha’s optimism. This all gets pushed aside when Kal hits the scene.

With Arreola’s coloring, Superman’s crash into the farm explodes on the pages. This rolls into a strong two page splash. Readers can sense the overwhelming feeling that El feels seeing the Kansas skyline. Happiness is short lived as Lazarus comes knocking. The panels fill with a frantic rage as the Kents come under fire. Using three long panels, the art shows a bitter resolution to this area. It leads readers back into present time. Key points are hit but overshadowed by a shocking debut. A new player gets a full page image. The moment encompasses the growing danger of the Absolute landscape. Bank on fans having much t say on this book.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.4

“Where I lay my head is home” proves easier said than done for Kal-El. Aaron puts the Kent family through a firestorm of emotions via the writing. Di Giandomenico and Arreola transition the journey form space to Earth with strong art. Will Superman be ready for the newest threat in the Absolute Universe? Read and find out!

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Absolute Superman #6. Thanks for reading!