Ra’s Al Ghul has made his full presence known in Absolute Superman. That has led to Kal-El facing his toughest challenge yet as he has painfully realize how against him the world is. Even with some allies rising up it is going to be tough for Superman to overcome the power that Ra’s Al Ghul wields with his Lazarus Corp.
Before getting to this review, I will be changing our review format. Rather than straight forward review, the new format will break down the specific highlights and weakness, if any, of the comic book. This is the new review format that will be used. With that said let’s get into how Absolute Superman #10.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10 SOLICITATION
“Superman’s true enemy stands revealed. The notorious Ra’s al Ghul, lord of Lazarus Corp, murderer of millions, has plans for the Last Son of Krypton. Will Kal-El’s rage unleash the dark power of Superman: Son of the Demon?” – DC Comics
HIGHLIGHTS OF ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10
1) Jor-El Teaching Kal-El About Survivor Instincts
Jason Aaron and Carmine Di Giandomenico continue to integrate life on Krypton before its explosion compliment the present-day story. Seeing how Jor-El and his crew had to fight to just survive in order in the Redlands of Krypton shows how differently Kal-El grew up. While Kal-El had the positive influences of his parents it is tough for any child to be able to be ignorant of the environment of Krypton’s Redlands. We see from the first issue to this most recent flashback that Kal-El had to learn from a young age the value of life and survival.
2) Absolute Universe Challenges Superman’s Heroic Instincts
The lessons that Kal-El grew up learning from his parents continue to help shape who he is as Superman. But unlike his DC Universe counterpart, Absolute Superman is having his morals constantly challenged in dark ways. That is shown once again with his decision on how to decisively handle Peacemaker in their latest fight. While he had no problems taking out Peacemaker he will still not cross the line, even when the world seems to be giving him permission to do so. The choices Superman makes help to continue to help shape what’s made the Absolute Universe unique.
3) Ra’s Al Ghul Plans Emphasize Villains Rule The Absolute Universe
Through all the chaos that goes on in Absolute Superman #10 Ra’s Al Ghul proves that he has everything under control. We see this with the big reveal of Omega Prime being revealed to be none other than Talia Al Ghul. This revelation re-emphasizes how the villains really do rule the Absolute Universe. Everything has been built to give the villains the advantage with Talia “leading” the Omega Man as part of her father extending his control being a prime example. Now there are even greater questions around what exactly Superman and other heroes can do to overcome all the odds.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10
1) Lois Lane & Jimmy Olsen Lost In The Chaos
With all the development Superman, Ra’s Al Ghul, and Talia Al Ghul get it was very easy to forget about Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. The conflict they end up having in this issue just gets lost in all of the chaos going on around them. Afterall the time spent developing their characters in the Absolute Universe it does not seem to be paying off. Especially considering the choices made by other characters, Lois and Jimmy’s reactions should’ve felt more important. Instead, they are just lost as background characters at best in this issue.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Superman #10 delivers high drama as the story is all about the choices that must be made. These choices continue to challenge who Superman is trying to be and what he may have to become in the Absolute Universe. Superman being placed in this spot helps to further elevate Ra’s Al Ghul as the lead villain of this series. Where things go after the major reveal at the end of this issue will be very interesting.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
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