Absolute Superman has finally concluded its first story arc with Kal-El’s origin revealed. That origin has created a lot more questions as to exactly where this series will go next and the impact it will have for the Absolute Universe. Afterall there are implications about the fate of Krypton that can have ramifications depending on where Jason Aaron and company go. Based on the cover for Absolute Superman #7 it looks like we are going to get right into that with the Absolute Universe’s Brainiac getting there origin story revealed. Let’s find out how that goes.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Letterer: Becca Carey
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #7 SOLICITATION
“THE HORRORS OF ABSOLUTE BRAINIAC, REVEALED!
His stolen alien technology is at the heart of Lazarus Corp’s global success. But he operates out of a seedy lair, packed with bottled cities… cities he tortures relentlessly, just to hear the faint chorus of screams. Who is the mysterious Brainiac? And why is he so interested in the Last Son of Krypton?” – DC Comics
REVIEW
The approach that Absolute Superman #7 takes to tell the origin story of the Absolute Universe’s version of Brainiac was unexpected. What really stuck out is how fitting this new origin story is for what the Absolute Universe is. This is a take on the character that would only fit with what’s been and further emphasizes the uniqueness of the Absolute Universe.
Dedicating the entire issue of Absolute Superman #7 to Brainiac’s origin is a risk. Especially as we are coming off the first story arc where we were just introduced to the Absolute Universe’s version of many Superman cast members. The absence of Kal-El and the others introduced in the first arc is constantly present in this story.
Though to be honest that is the only negative that can be said about this issue. It is a credit to how well Jason Aaron and Carmine Di Giandomenico go about telling Brainiac’s origin that even the specter of the missing cast doesn’t hurt the story. The twist to the character is brings a lot of chills with a more horror villain take on the character.
While the visuals of Brainiac certainly stand out it is actually the lack of connection to Krypton that was so intriguing. Taking away any connection to Krypton made the focus on the Brainiac collective be an even bigger focus. It took away having to think of this Brainiac being who we know to be.
Instead, this angle allows the more horrifying way Brainiac 8,238,759 rebels against the Brainiac Collective directive. Brainiac 8,238,759 being a version that survived being eliminated along with others and slowly killing every Brainiac on his ship was twisted. The further up the ranks this Brainiac went the more twisted they became until they reached Level 100 Effector.
This approach to Brainiac’s origin made the horror villain design the character makes more sense. The robotic lower half and their brain added to how derange they are and could explain how when Ra’s Al Ghul found them it was easy to get this Brainiac to work for Lazarus Corp. It made it even more interesting that the rest of the Brainiac Collective does not know about this version of the character. The Brainiac Collective Council meeting sets up a possible bigger story down the road for when this version of the character is fully discovered by the others.
The obsession shown when not understanding who Superman is added some interesting layers to the Absolute Superman mythology. It is mentioned that Krypton was the only livable planet in its galaxy. Along with that we learn that maybe a reason for Krypton’s lack of space travel was so their society would go untouched by outside threats like the Brainiac Collective. If that is the case, it would add much more fire to how more Kryptonians other than Kal-El surviving and landing on other planets make Krypton’s explosion be a “opening Pandora’s Box” situation for the Absolute Universe.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Superman #7 gives us an origin story to Brainiac that is as fascinating as it is horrifying. This is by far the most terrifying version of Brainiac we’ve seen be presented. It’s yet another great example of how the Absolute Universe continues to deliver great twists on classic characters that feels new. This adds greater excitement to what could happen in the second story arc of this series.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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