Absolute Superman #7: Absolute Brainiac

Absolute Brainiac has been revealed, and he is the cosmic horror villain we have all been waiting for! Absolute Superman #7 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 the origin of Absolute Brainiac, the mastermind behind the Lazarus Corp. We get a glimpse into his dark nature and power as he tortures the invading Omega rebels. Brainiac’s alien technology is the reason for the Lazarus Corp’s global success, but is his technology smart enough to learn the identity of the so-called “Superman”?  Find out in this horror-filled issue of Absolute Superman.

This series is coming out alongside Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’s Superman run and somehow manages to be even more amazing than that! Issue 7 has been reserved as the “villain issue in the Absolute universe, and this one does not disappoint. Jason Aaron’s re-imagining of Brainiac is something straight out of a horror movie, and it is fantastic! I think bringing in cosmic horror to a Superman story is really effective, considering Superman is an alien. While there was concern that Absolute Superman was going to be too emo/ edgy, I think having a horror edgy Brainiac is perfect and really stands out from other Superman stories. The brutality and motives behind this Brainiac work exceptionally well in this story, and Aaron’s world and character building are unmatched. I think the most interesting aspect is the juxtaposition between Brainiac and the Els. They are both aliens with a working-class background, but while the Els found pride in it, Brainiac found shame. It creates the subtle theme of hope helping us to become more than our current situation.  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. The more I think about this story, the more I fall in love with it. This series is the best thing coming out right now and is a must-read for all superhero fans.

Carmine Di Giandomenico continues as the artist for this issue and I am blown away by his designs. The dark, gritty atmosphere of Absolute Superman’s world is amplified in this issue. Aaron’s re-imagination of Brainiac is enhanced by Di Giandomenico’s character design, which is nothing short of terrifying. Brainiac has never looked so cool and menacing before. Colorist Ulises Arreola also deserves major props, as Brainiac’s whimsical purple and green color palette is still included but somehow made horrifying. The splash page reveal of Brainiac is something that will stay in my memories for a long time. The Absolute world is incredible, and this team is creating absolute works of art.