Absolute Superman #5: The Fate of Krypton

I stand by my statement that Absolute Superman is the best comic series published in recent years, and it came out at the perfect time. Absolute Superman #5 continues the story of a variant Superman set in the Absolute Universe created by Darkseid. Created by the all-star team of writer Jason Aaron, artist Rafa Sandavol, and colorist Ulises Arreola, this new take on the classic character is a visual and narrative feast, with themes that are relevant to our current political climate but remain true to the Man of Steel. This issue is all about the past as we follow Kal in the last minutes on Krypton. This issue is filled with action, heart, and a beautiful narrative insight from Absolute Superman.

I don’t think I can express how much I love this series and how much it means in this current political landscape. Excuse my language but holy shit this series is fantastic. It’s really difficult to take an iconic character like Superman and reinvent him in a way that feels fresh, but Jason Aaron manages to reimagine Superman in the modern era while still capturing the essence of his character. The themes that Aaron presents in this series are themes that stay true to the characters but really hit home in our modern-day political climate. This version of Superman, reflecting an immigrant and working-class store,y makes sense and aligns with the values at the core of Superman’s character. Superman also fighting an evil corporation that is exploiting its workers and feeding the rich just feels so timely. It’s a reminder that Superman is a hero for all generations. The hope that Superman inspires comes off the page and into our real lives. Superman is the hero we need today. This issue delves a little more into this new world, and Aaron’s world-building is unmatched. I think the climate change storyline for the fall of Krypton is so perfect, and the monologue from Superman about the greed of the Science League is perfect. I think the little changes to the classic Superman story make this new version so impactful. For example, Kal’s Sol suit is incredible and fits this new world so well. If I had one complaint about this series, it would be that it’s too short. With only two issues left, I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world and this version of Superman. This series deserves so many more issues so that the story and this world can be fully fleshed out.

The fall of Krypton in this issue is expanded upon by the incredible art by Rafa Sandoval and colors by Ulises Arreola. Sandoval’s detailed, expressive style brings the world of Absolute Superman to life with energy and dynamism. His characters are full of life, with expressive faces that convey emotion as much as his action-packed layouts convey intensity. I like how the design of Absolute Krypton stays true to the original while blending in a grittier nature-inspired image. The way Sandoval makes Superman’s laser vision look like lava and the sandstone cape make Superman feel dark and fit with the environmental undertones of the story. I’m excited for wider audiences to see Sandoval’s work in this series. Arreola adds to this gritty version of Superman with earth tones that match the vibe of the Absolute version of Krypton. This Absolute world is incredible, and this team is creating absolute works of art.