Absolute Superman #6: Welcome to Smallville

We finally get the secret origin of Absolute Superman and how he came to Earth! Absolute Superman #6 continues the story of a variant Superman set in the Absolute Universe created by Darkseid. Written by Jason Aarons and art by Carmine Di Giandomenico, this issue focuses on Smallville and how the Kents were blessed with a fiery angel from the sky. Plus, who is the mastermind behind the Lazarus Corp, and what does he want with Kal-El. Learn how Absolute Superman came to Kansas and the reimagined dynamic between the Kents and the Man of Steel in this issue filled with heart, action, and beautiful narrative insight from Absolute Superman.

This is possibly the most relevant book coming out in our current political landscape. This series is the best thing from DC in a long time. 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 story 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. I have enjoyed the way that Aarons has reimagined Superman’s origins and this issue explores how he relates to the Kents. While Aarons keeps this new story close to the source material, Kal-El spends far less time with the Kents. He doesn’t even get the name Clark from them. Yet, we see how just having Kal in their lives for such a short period of time changed everything for the Kents. It’s a beautiful way of saying just meeting is enough to change someone’s life. It’s reflected in Kal-El too as he finds Kansas to be his home. It’s poetic actually, which falls in line with the poetic nature of Kal-El’s narration. I akin that to reflect the writer in Clark/ Kal and it fits the story so perfectly. If I had one complaint in this issue, it would be that the present storyline feels a little jumbled. We have spent so much time in the past that I forget what is happening in the current timeline. Otherwise, this series deserves all the flowers it gets.

This issue introduces a new artist to the series: Carmine Di Giandomenico. While Di Giandomenico’s art style is not my personal favorite, I think he still manages to make this book feel real. His art style is a little more cartoony compared to Rafa Sandoval’s, but it still looks good. I think this world needs a little more grit and hardness that Sandoval brings to these characters. Despite this, the Absolute world is incredible and this team is creating absolute works of art.