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Absolute Superman (2024)
Absolute Superman (2024-) #14
It has all been leading to this. The final battle against Ra’s Al Ghul, for the fate of Smallville and the soul of Superman!
Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
14 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Jason Aaron
2,366 books1,685 followersJason Aaron grew up in a small town in Alabama. His cousin, Gustav Hasford, who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel The Short-Timers, on which the feature film Full Metal Jacket was based, was a large influence on Aaron. Aaron decided he wanted to write comics as a child, and though his father was skeptical when Aaron informed him of this aspiration, his mother took Aaron to drug stores, where he would purchase books from spinner racks, some of which he still owns today.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 31, 2025
This issue delivers exactly what I was hoping for as a payoff. The action is intense and brutal, but what really worked for me was the focus on Superman’s moral core under extreme pressure. He’s pushed physically and emotionally to the edge, and the choices he makes here are what elevate the story beyond just another big fight.
The art is a standout. Rafa Sandoval’s layouts and Ulises Arreola’s colors give the battle real weight and scale — kinetic, dramatic, and easy to follow even at its most chaotic. It all feels big without losing clarity or emotion.
There are familiar beats here, but they land. This feels like a true climax to the arc, balancing spectacle with character in a way that sticks. A strong, satisfying issue that reminds me why Superman works best when his strength and compassion are tested at the same time.
The art is a standout. Rafa Sandoval’s layouts and Ulises Arreola’s colors give the battle real weight and scale — kinetic, dramatic, and easy to follow even at its most chaotic. It all feels big without losing clarity or emotion.
There are familiar beats here, but they land. This feels like a true climax to the arc, balancing spectacle with character in a way that sticks. A strong, satisfying issue that reminds me why Superman works best when his strength and compassion are tested at the same time.
January 7, 2026
1/7/26
December 27, 2025
What a fight! What an ending page. That hit me hard. This was a fantastic conclusion to the arc. It was brutal but stayed true to Superman. Incredible art filled the pages and brought this issue to life even more. Can't wait for the next arc.
December 29, 2025
Oh my gosh. The opening of this issue was absolutely insane! Kal telling his mother and father, “I’m doing what all of Krypton did before me. I’m dying,” is such a badass way to set the tone for this massive showdown with Ra’s. I was locked in immediately.
Sol surviving Brainiac’s takeover and using what little of himself was left to shut down and save Kal’s friends, while still calling Kal his brother, was both powerful and heartbreaking. I seriously need Sol to come back!
Ra’s viewing Superman’s willingness to save everyone, even his enemies, as a weakness is such a classic villain mindset, but it hits even harder here. Seeing Ra’s sheer grit and obsession with order, especially after learning how brutally he treated his sons who never met his expectations, adds so much weight to this conflict.
Also, Superman wielding a sword forged from Sol and the dust of Krypton was unbelievably cool. The art in this issue is incredible, but it’s the ideas that really blew me away. They’re doing things here that I never would have expected, and it works so well.
Ra’s encouraging Superman to kill him after being defeated is such a quintessential Ra’s moment. It always lands with Batman, but seeing it play out with Superman and his moral compass felt especially powerful.
The ending, tying Kal even more deeply to Martha and Jonathan through what Martha created for him, was the perfect way to close out this issue and the arc. I love how Superman feels so alien in this story while still showing qualities that are deeply human. I genuinely cannot WAIT to see where this goes next!
Sol surviving Brainiac’s takeover and using what little of himself was left to shut down and save Kal’s friends, while still calling Kal his brother, was both powerful and heartbreaking. I seriously need Sol to come back!
Ra’s viewing Superman’s willingness to save everyone, even his enemies, as a weakness is such a classic villain mindset, but it hits even harder here. Seeing Ra’s sheer grit and obsession with order, especially after learning how brutally he treated his sons who never met his expectations, adds so much weight to this conflict.
Also, Superman wielding a sword forged from Sol and the dust of Krypton was unbelievably cool. The art in this issue is incredible, but it’s the ideas that really blew me away. They’re doing things here that I never would have expected, and it works so well.
Ra’s encouraging Superman to kill him after being defeated is such a quintessential Ra’s moment. It always lands with Batman, but seeing it play out with Superman and his moral compass felt especially powerful.
The ending, tying Kal even more deeply to Martha and Jonathan through what Martha created for him, was the perfect way to close out this issue and the arc. I love how Superman feels so alien in this story while still showing qualities that are deeply human. I genuinely cannot WAIT to see where this goes next!
December 24, 2025
I like the new mythos.
I like the new suit and the AI Sol.
But after 14 issues 1.2 years of him fighting Lazcorp in one form or fashion, I’m really ready to move on. It’s been like one of those dramas that go on for 46 episodes, eventually you don’t care how it ends anymore.
At least it now looks like he’ll finally become Superman fighting more than just one villain.
We see him with a new (classic) suit and embracing the Clark Kent name, but I really hope that they keep his suit and just have him move on to more Superman stories against different villains.
We’ll see next month.
I like the new suit and the AI Sol.
But after 14 issues 1.2 years of him fighting Lazcorp in one form or fashion, I’m really ready to move on. It’s been like one of those dramas that go on for 46 episodes, eventually you don’t care how it ends anymore.
At least it now looks like he’ll finally become Superman fighting more than just one villain.
We see him with a new (classic) suit and embracing the Clark Kent name, but I really hope that they keep his suit and just have him move on to more Superman stories against different villains.
We’ll see next month.
February 14, 2026
“Mother, father, I’m doing what all of Krypton did before me. I’m dying.” -Kal
“He is a volcano of a man, with a sword forged from my dead planet. I am a sun starved child with broken knuckles and bleeding eyes.” -Kal
This writer has to be blessed by some superior being. Every issue, they just slam us with these beautifully poetic monologues.
And of course, a somewhat satisfying resolution of Ra’s being brought to justice.
“He is a volcano of a man, with a sword forged from my dead planet. I am a sun starved child with broken knuckles and bleeding eyes.” -Kal
This writer has to be blessed by some superior being. Every issue, they just slam us with these beautifully poetic monologues.
And of course, a somewhat satisfying resolution of Ra’s being brought to justice.
January 29, 2026
perfect finale to the arc!
December 27, 2025
That's how you end a motherfuckin ARC. To our SON! Superman begins HERE.
December 25, 2025
I have to admit I am conflicted, there is a large part of me that just feels like this isn’t Superman. I think in large part it’s because humanity has such a connection and love for him that he is having a hard time reciprocating because he still has such a strong hold back to Krypton, very much a supergirl situation in that regard. And in a way it makes a lot of the resolution in this issue feel unearned, but oddly it also feels like a stepping stone to a true Superman…and after 14 issues that’s not a good thing. But at the exact same time, that ending legit made me cry. We jump into this issue directly from the last as the battle of Kansas has culminated into Sol being taken over by brainiac and Kal engaging Ra’s in a one on one fight for who controls his direction in life. But the issue starts with Kal’s life on Krypto and seeing his family glad before his eyes as Ra’s stabs him cleanly through with his extra large Kryptonite sword. Ra’s is brutal and his eyes may as well be popping out of his head with the stress he is putting on his body to engage Superman in this fight all so that he can reshape him into his own sun so that he may sweep the planet in Ra’s image. But what does Kal-El do when Gods try and grind him into the dirt…he spits in their face and stands right back up again. This issue is so odd for me because Kal-El has a lot of actions in this that feel like something Superman would do, all while expressing himself and closing himself off from the world with very non Superman ideas. But that is the big thing that this creative team has done to set this character on a different trajectory than the Superman we know. But that’s not to say he doesn’t care for humanity. As Kal continues to stand up to Ra’s, the next move to try and turn him over is to use Sol’s crystals, now in control of brainiac, to kill everyone he loves. But right before brainiac is about to do it, Sol whirs back to life. Brainiac took deep control of his systems, but that’s a two way street and he can see deep into brainiac’s mind as well and rather than be party to murder…Sol gathers all of its remaining strength to self destruct. Killing itself and Brainiac’s control over it in the process. Kal witnessed all of his and immediately took the anger from that loss and redirected it at Ra’s. Unfortunately this only falls into exactly what Ra’s wants, he wants Kal to unleash all of his anger into the world. Kal’s eyes erupt with the fury of the sun and he causes a giant explosion, additionally masking the way for everyone hiding underground to escape to the surface. The unfortunate thing…Ra’s can take the punch. Only thing he really lost from that huge explosion was his shirt. Kal is barely holding on, he can feel the parts of his body oozing as Ra’s throws him back with a heavy strike and one of the peacemaker soldiers in a giant titanfall unit picks Kal up. Kal can’t help but think of Sol, as they would know what to do. At this point all of the people left from Smallville and the peacemakers are standing at odds with each other. Rifles vs blasters. But Ra’s isn’t paying them any mind, right now he is more pissed at the peacemaker soldier who decided the could step in to “lay a hand” on his “son.” As Ra’s slashes down his own unit with the Kryptonite sword and goes to kill the operator…Kal gets the strength to jump in the way and deflect back the sword. It’s finally at this moment that Ra’s realizes that Kal may be no son of his with the weakness to protect a person trying to kill him. So it may be time to finally end this, and to start Ra’s orders his units to gun down all the people of Smallville. Kal stops them before they can, he will do whatever they say as long as they let the people go. Ra’s declares that what he wants is for Kal to cast aside his old life and embrace his new destiny. Kal tried to do this by rip pin away the shield that makes up his suit, the symbol of his people and one he wears with pride, but a people he can now accept he no longer has. Ra’s orders him to his knees, and Kal doesn’t care…he can grovel all he wants but Kal has a feeling Ra’s is going to kill all these people anyway. That is where Kal is wrong, as Ra’s plans to make Kal kill them all. And that is not something Kal can stand for. As he clenches his fist he takes the sands of krypton that make up the part of his suit that he just ripped off, and he reforms them into a giant sword! The two are locked into combat and the peacemakers ready themselves to fire on the people of Smallville. But then the mech suit peacemaker steps in and blocks them from firing. He calls out to them, this is not what they signed up for. I guess they are only chill when they kill people that don’t speak their same language, it’s finally gotten to a point that even their limited morals are caught up in a bind. But getting back to the main fight. It’s sword vs sword as Kal has to go after someone who has used a sword for centuries…but the one thing he has that Ra’s doesn’t…Ra’s doesn’t know how to fly. Hahahaha. I have to admit this fight is pretty epic, and as Kal’s memories flash before his eyes and he finally accepts that krypton is a distant memory and he is already home on Earth…he is finally able to shatter the Kryptonite blade and best Ra’s Al Ghul. But what now? He has Ra’s kneeling before him, and what Ra’s wants is for Kal to become the son of the demon and to strike him down and show everyone who he was always meant to be. To embrace the fear of the animals on this Earth and take them over! To finally give Ra’s what he deserves! So Kal does exactly that, and the next time we see them Ra’s is bound up and being delivered to the people of Orangi Town, Pakistan so he may face punishment for his crimes. As the issue comes to an end we jump a few weeks into the future. The word finally got out about what happened in Smallville and the people are starting to rebuild and people all over the world are learning what happened as Ra’s company is ruined. It doesn’t even matter that Talia slipped away during the battle.Kal gathered every spec of sunstone crystal, and the cape is still working but the machine inside of it is silent and lifeless…Sol is gone. Kal has spent this time healing but is now heading into town to the senior living facility to try and talk to Martha Kent…except he is too late as well. One of the nurses takes him back to her room where all of her stuff is packed up, she died peacefully in her sleep the night before…but she was so excited to know he was coming. This shocks Kal a bit, every time he came by she had no idea who he was. That is the cruel trouble with dementia, but she stayed busy and never stopped talking about her husband…and her son and what she worked on for weeks. As we look at the final page we see what she prepared for Kal, a blue partially finished suit with his crest to wear. “For our angel, our lost son, Clark Kent.” OMG, I am literally crying at this final page. It’s really the art that does it for me, it’s just so impactful and this just feels like a defining shift for this character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This was just wow... it's been a long time since an ending of comic book issue made automatically say holy peak. I thought this was a mid comic book before this last couple of issues but my god did it become so much better. the last page made me tear up a little without even realizing it, I can't wait to see how this superman develops after this. if you like comic books and superheroes I truly believe this has everything. the action, incredible art, good emotional well thought writing of the storyline and characters, and just enough high stakes to make your heart beat faster. this is a pure five star issue of a comic book by any standards. I'm really glad unlike marvel DC realizes the potential of completely new alternative universe like this and it's gonna keep going for years because if this quality is going to continue it's gonna be remembered in comic book history forever as a great run of alternative universe books.
February 9, 2026
The end of an arc, but Ra’s will be back and Brainiac is still about.
I’m glad Sol isn’t gone but instead his sentience is gone. Kal lost his new brother Sol and also Martha. The omega men who he’s been fighting alongside turns out to be covert operations by Lazarus.
Superman is being pushed to his limits, testing his morality. Seeing Sol used as a sword was wicked. We can definitely see the maturity of Kal increase across this arc, specially at the end, without the help of Sol, stayed true to himself, discovering what justice is to him. Kal is also becoming more strategic in his fighting. I will say I didn’t expect Ra’s to be submissive right after his sword broke, I can only assume had superman killed him, he’d be able to revive himself later in the Lazarus pit. Overall I did enjoy the issue, I was hoping to see a greater display of Ra’s power. I feel as thought Ra’s held back, possibly because he will return in later issues. Sad Superman all alone, where will he go from here?
I’m glad Sol isn’t gone but instead his sentience is gone. Kal lost his new brother Sol and also Martha. The omega men who he’s been fighting alongside turns out to be covert operations by Lazarus.
Superman is being pushed to his limits, testing his morality. Seeing Sol used as a sword was wicked. We can definitely see the maturity of Kal increase across this arc, specially at the end, without the help of Sol, stayed true to himself, discovering what justice is to him. Kal is also becoming more strategic in his fighting. I will say I didn’t expect Ra’s to be submissive right after his sword broke, I can only assume had superman killed him, he’d be able to revive himself later in the Lazarus pit. Overall I did enjoy the issue, I was hoping to see a greater display of Ra’s power. I feel as thought Ra’s held back, possibly because he will return in later issues. Sad Superman all alone, where will he go from here?
January 15, 2026
While I wished there was more combat between Ras and Superman, or Prime and Lois, the story was beautiful. Ras sword gets broken, and his one last try to get Superman to turn angry/evil was to make Superman kill him. But Superman was better, and took him to prison. And now, that empire has been destroyed, prime is in the wind, and Kansas is rebuilding.
Just a beautiful well told story, and a tear jerker at the end. Superman now sees himself no longer belonging to Krypton. He says Kal El is dead. The question is, who is he now. How does he identify? The other 2 of the trinity have an identity. Now it’s time for Superman. Great story. And such a cute Martha moment at the end.
Just a beautiful well told story, and a tear jerker at the end. Superman now sees himself no longer belonging to Krypton. He says Kal El is dead. The question is, who is he now. How does he identify? The other 2 of the trinity have an identity. Now it’s time for Superman. Great story. And such a cute Martha moment at the end.
January 16, 2026
this was really fucking earned. the anguish and pain finally become form and stood. then the grief and sorrows of what was and what could when came, fully came. this was a fantastic issue, i absolutely loved it. the suffering and pain meant something so real, and it wasn’t just cause. it was for hope, and the pain of carrying it.
January 1, 2026
Absolute Superman is just as earnest as the mainline Big Blue, but his trauma is much more visceral and right on the surface. Aaron can be guilty of overwriting but I think he’s just really leaning into that earnestness of the character - anything less wouldn’t feel right.
January 4, 2026
I binged through this so quickly. This last arc was so good, I really love the story that this Superman takes. That last page had me in fucking shambles, mans just needs a hug and a warm cooked meal for cryin' out loud. Bro has been through way too much ( ɵ̥̥‸ɵ̥̥)
January 14, 2026
Absolute Superman
As a fan that has been reading Superman since the 1960's, I have to say that this was a very good reboot, or reimagination of the Superman origination story.
Thank you to the author
As a fan that has been reading Superman since the 1960's, I have to say that this was a very good reboot, or reimagination of the Superman origination story.
Thank you to the author
December 24, 2025
The story is over and Ra’s lost. Not only that, he wasn’t killed. He failed in every way, but Kal lost his best friend. Great endings lead to great beginnings.
December 24, 2025
What a beautiful yet tearful way to introduce this phase of his Superman journey and the transition of so many characters to the traditional roles in the DC universe
Great read
Great read
December 24, 2025
this was beautiful. i can't believe i cried
December 24, 2025
Where do we go from here? Great ending.
December 25, 2025
Oh, what a beautiful ending.
December 27, 2025
Perfect
Idk how to explain it. Pure peak.
Idk how to explain it. Pure peak.
December 29, 2025
I'm sad now.
December 29, 2025
i wont even lie……that last panel brought tears to my eyes
December 29, 2025
Heartbreaking last panel. This Kal has had it the worst out of any of the absolute characters and he is still Superman.
January 14, 2026
What is happening?? 😭😭😭 Two in a row that have brought me to tears. Brutal and touching. This is the epitome of the art form that is telling a story with words and pictures.
January 15, 2026
ras al ghul vs Superman.
January 15, 2026
Gran final para una gran historia, con una emotiva viñeta final.
January 15, 2026
"Para nosso anjo, nosso filho perdido, Clark Kent"
🔥🔥🔥
🔥🔥🔥
January 15, 2026
Beautiful ending! Peacefully all peaces are connected and Kal-El becomes Superman in a poetic final page!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews