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Absolute Superman (2024) (Single Issues)

Absolute Superman 12: Prima dell'attacco

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Brainiac non è riuscito a spezzare la sua mente ma, straniero in un mondo ostile, Kal-El di Krypton è più solo che mai. O almeno è quello che crede. Mentre l’esercito di Ra’s al Ghul si avvicina, il ragazzo venuto dal cielo sta per scoprire di avere dalla sua parte degli amici sinceri e, forse, anche una casa da difendere. La battaglia per il Kansas è cominciata

24 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 16, 2026

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About the author

Jason Aaron

2,394 books1,722 followers
Jason 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.

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5 stars
247 (48%)
4 stars
206 (40%)
3 stars
54 (10%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,229 followers
October 1, 2025
Great issue, lot of great Superman moments, and a ending that is building towards a big finale.
Profile Image for Machiavelli.
1,320 reviews38 followers
October 4, 2025
Just finished Absolute Superman #12 — still loving this run. The energy hasn’t dipped at all, and this issue does a great job ramping up the stakes. You can feel it setting the stage for a huge showdown next time.
Profile Image for AJ Easterday.
684 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2025
*4.5 stars

Wow, I just adore this version of Kal so much. I really like that Sol seems to be taking the place of the hologram of Jor-El that is usually in the Fortress of Solitude. I really like this comic's reinterpretation of the Fortress of Solitude as well. It's genius. Everything about this series is just so good!
Profile Image for Zoey.
628 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2025
“You’re family. You’re as much an El as I am. Sol-El, my big brother from Krypton. Thank you, brother. For everything.” - Kal-El to Sol-El

I guess I didn’t need to be so worried about what Brainiac did to Superman’s brain. As he always has in the span of Kal’s life in exile, Sol stepped in and saved him. Their bond made a heartwarming moment and a relieving interlude before everything comes apart in Smallville.
Profile Image for dusty.
78 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2025
This issue felt simple in the best way, quiet and heartfelt, and I really loved that about it. It offered a moment to breathe within the larger story while allowing more space to deepen the characters.

Kal’s relationship with Sol is especially unique and compelling. It’s not the kind of dynamic you might expect from something like Tony Stark and Jarvis. It feels genuine, with room for vulnerability and challenge on both sides. Kal referring to Sol as his Kryptonian brother was a particularly touching moment that added real emotional weight.

I also really enjoyed Lois and Jimmy meeting Lana Lang and getting a glimpse into how Smallville views Superman. The support shown by the diner and the civilians asking Superman to protect them from Lazarus felt hopeful and meaningful, and it did a great job of highlighting the trust and responsibility Kal carries.
Profile Image for Anna  Quilter.
1,985 reviews78 followers
October 21, 2025
THE BATTLE OF KANSAS - PART 1

"The Longer you stand in the sun , the more the shadows grow around you"

a confrontation is ready to build in Smallville as the locals voice their displeasure of Lazarus methods to Lois and Jimmy.

Not sure...I should be comparing this to the mainstream Superman...it stands on its own with solid stories and loving the established characters in new roles.
I hope in the future...there's more development around Kal-Els violent hatred towards Lazarus.
Profile Image for Mikey Baker.
1,393 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2026
This run absolutely needed this issue. A grounded issue where we can see smallville at its best, and characters like Lois Jimmy and Kal have some interesting moments. We finally get Sol-El explained he’s basically an ai living inside Kal’s suit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cybernex007.
3,253 reviews18 followers
October 2, 2025
This series once again found a way to fill bene with hole in some of the worst situations imaginable. Out of the fallout of last issue, as Greenland itself seemed to be imploding around Kal as he almost crossed the line by killing brainiac…Sol intervened, as it always does to save Kal. The first person to spot it seems to be Martha Kent from the memory care unit where she lives. She spotted the red storm blowing over her town and knew what it meant, her Angel has returned…unfortunately with her memory issues she immediately forgot what she was yelling about. But out in the prairie where the red storm touched down we find Jimmy and Lois, safe and sound. Sol picked them all up and took them to the place Sol knew Kal felt safe…Kansas. But it’s still not over, Kal is still worked up and needs help, which is Sol’s specialty…reminding Kal who he is and saving him.

Suddenly Kal’s memories flash back to 5 years ago after the incident with the Kents and Lazarus, as he started to think it would be better if he spent his time away from humanity. He doesn’t need to eat, he barely sleeps, and doesn’t need a roof over his head, he will be fine anywhere other people aren’t, including the active volcano he is currently hanging out in. But Sol expresses that he will be hurting himself mentally if he spends his life in isolation, he was not made to live alone. Kal points out that he isn’t alone, he always has Sol whining in his ear, lol. But sol is an AI designed by Kal’s mother and is not a substitute for true companionship. Sol expresses that these feelings of anxiety and defiance are not uncommon for his age, yet he is unlike any child of this world and that is all the more reason to avoid becoming untethered to the native inhabitants. Sol can’t leave this planet with their interstellar capabilities exhausted, they can’t just hop to the moon and never look back, so for now it’s time to try and live here. Kal agrees, and first things first…he needs a bath. Who says a lava bath is no different. The memories then jump over to the Philippines where Kal worked in sugarcane fields under the Lazarus corporation. With his abilities and intellect he could easily earn a place in the highest levels of society, but that would mean joining the equivalence of the science league. His parents lived their whole lives with the symbol that still remains on his chest, and he will make sure it stays that way. “There’s only one place a son of the Redlands belongs. And that’s in the sun.” So that’s how Kal ended up working in the fields, but he was still unaware of his strength or how to work it with others to make sure they stay safe. A kind woman noticed him and how he worked to the. One without resting or even stopping for a drink. She noticed his soft voice and offered to cook for him, but as she reached out to shake his hand she suddenly fell to the ground in pain as his skin burned her with heat like the Sun itself! Kal didn’t mean to, he isn’t even realize. Suddenly a few peacemakers step out of the sugarcane to force them back to work, hitting the kind woman for falling to the ground. Kal-El attempted to stop the next punch, but accidentally ripped off the peacemaker’s arm in the process, not knowing his own strength. In that moment Sol acted quickly to get Kal out of there, taking him to the peaks of a tall mints in to cool off. Sol knows he didn’t mean to do that, and expresses that he must learn to be careful. But Kal questions that, the man he hurt…he will be fine, but maybe he should have died? This is a lesson that Kal seems to be forced to learn over and over again, and I can’t blame him for constantly coming towards this conclusion. The entire nature of the world is pushing for this, and in the modern day Ra’s is trying to push him past the point of questioning until it becomes nature. But there is Sol, to show him that he does not mean that, that the humans of this planet are not animals and if his parents were here they would express that he has no right to judge and execute peolle simply because he can. That’s when Kal really unleashes his power on that mountain, reminded of their death and that the thing talking to him isn’t even real. Sol confirms be is correct, but he was made to protect him and remind him who he is and he will continue to do that. As Kal calms down he realizes that he would like to be in private for a bit. This is no problem, Kal has experienced extraordinary circumstances and deserves his privacy. As it turns out, Sol can form into a small crystalline structure. Into Kal’s very own personal and portable fortress of solitude.

Just as Kal recovered in solitude on that mountain 5 years ago, he now recovers in one in Kansas in the present day. As he stands up Sol asks of he is well, and stricken with thoughts of brainiac Kal is still not. Suddenly we jump over to check on Jimmy and Lois. Seems they have walked out of the field they were dumped at and have made their way to a diner…except the don’t have any money and are trying to convince the hostess about the prospect of an exchange. Except the problem is the hostess recognizes them, the entire diner recognizes them. Small town ached all. But they aren’t mad, if they still thought Lois was with Lazarus or believed anything they said on the news a light Jimmy then they would be gone already. The hostess explains that there are people in this town that have spent their entire lives afraid. Afraid of Lazarus, or outsides, or even each other. Made to be by people who want to weaponized their fear. Some are even afraid of “him,” of what he can do, and where he came from, and what that means. But the rest of them…they know who “he” is because of what he has done. Jimmy and Lois walked into the right diner, they have an entire board full of newspaper clippings of mysterious circumstances where people were saved, but they know exactly who did it without asking for anything in return. They know Lois and Jimmy tried to help him when he needed it most…and they are now here to return the favor. The least they can do is cover their food. Lois goes to shake the hostesses hand, and that’s when we find out here name is Lana Lang. AWWWWW, hell yeah. Lana asks of they should be expecting trouble, Lois hopes not but tells her to be ready anyway.

Kal now finds himself at the ruined Kent farmhouse, and Sol apologies to him. Sol feels like it was never able to provide him with the proper community he needed, he failed in the purpose it was programmed for and failed to protect Kal. But Kal tells Sol it is wrong. He was never without protection, never without care and guidance, never lacking for community. He was never alone…thanks to Sol. Kal apologizes for the things he said before when he was angry, Sol is more than a rocket ship…it is family, as much as an El as Kal is. “Sol-El, my big brother from krypton.” It almost seems like Sol gets choked up for a moment, it’s so great to see that Sol is fully encapsulating and floating around Kal now like it has a new lease on life, but before it can thank Kal for the kind words…Jimmy and Lois interrupt with food, something Kal doesn’t even need, lol. Kal expresses to Lois that he is sorry for the loss of her father and that he wants those responsible to face Justice. Lois expresses that they all made their choices, even her dad, and she is just glad Superman is feeling better. But that’s when Kal reaches his hand out to introduce himself. Not Superman…Kal-El of krypton. It’s such a beautiful contrast seeing a young Kal in this issue burning a woman’s hand because he couldn’t control his powers, compared to now when he is shaking Lois’ hand and finally getting a proper introduction. Lois proposes that they keep moving, that Lazarus will search for them here and she asks Kal if he has a safe place. He does indeed, but it’s currently on his back. The thing is Ra’s won’t stop, which is why they can’t leave and instead need to face him here. The issue ends as Kal’s vision is shown to be true…Ra’s is already here and heading in with a helicopter unit into Smallville. His plan? Burn and pillage the entire place to drive Superman out with his alien fury so that Ra’s can be there once Superman is enraged to handle his baptism personally and redeem him into his control. But the thing is, he doesn’t just that’s a helicopter unit. That’s is the start, trailing behind him are hordes of tanks, helicopters, tank-helicopters, and giant mobile suits charging into Smallville. Very fitting that this arc is called the battle of Kansas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AviChaim Snyder.
605 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2026
I'm really glad to see Kal-El finally starting to gain confidence and embrace who he is meant to be, not just as Earth's protector but as the son of Jor-El and Lara. This issue is all about Kal-El coming to terms with both his identity and the trauma he endured at the hands of Brainiac and Ras Al Ghul. It is a quieter, more character-driven issue, and I thought it handled those themes very well.
The art is stellar as always, and even though this is not an action-packed issue, I had a great time reading it. More than anything, it truly felt like a Superman comic despite taking place in the Absolute Universe. That balance between honoring the core of the character while telling a fresh story is exactly what I was hoping for.
I definitely recommend this issue.
Grade: A
Profile Image for Logan.
298 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2026
Based on the cover, I was expecting a larger than life fight between Superman and Ra’s. Instead, this issue completely loses the climatic tension of the last two issues for Superman to run off to Smallville. Ugh they really screwed that up.

This issue was fine. Felt more like an interlude and a random story that could have been placed in earlier issues. Giving Sol much more life and meaning while giving random stories of Superman in his earlier days. The end of the issue reconnects back to the timeline with Lois and Jimmy coming to Smallville to find Superman with Ra’s large army a little behind their backs.

I don’t know…why did they screw this up?!?! A fine issue but cannot be redeemed due to killing the momentum of the last issue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jerry Aguirre.
252 reviews
October 10, 2025
We find out that Kal has no control of his powers. The more he’s in the sun the stronger he is. Hes OP. Sol helps dissipate all that power. We also see that Lois and Jimmy are now with Superman.

Superman’s Fortress of solitude in this world is different. It’s SOL creating a safe space for Superman to think. Very cool. Legit what the name is.

And Ra’s and his daughter referred to the people as “creatures.” Does this mean THEY aren’t human? If keeping in line with the Absolute world, they must not be, or they must be altered. They are about to destroy small vile to Superman can lose control and they can manipulate him. LETS GO
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
220 reviews
October 6, 2025
This was probably my favorite issue so far. I really like human centric the story is. The themes of loss, belonging, and sacrifice for the sake of these things was really well done and i appreciate the time and effort it takes to make the story impactful especially when theirs limited action. I love reading stories about superman being not weak but focusing on his physical strength but strength of character. I hope we get more stories with this style in different contexts.
Profile Image for Alex O'Connor.
Author 4 books8 followers
August 3, 2026
At first, I thought that Ra’s Al Ghul being a Superman villain was going to be cool. Now I feel like the whole Ra’s thinking he’s God thing is a bit played out. I am glad to see that Kal has cleared his head and now knows the person that he wants to be. Who he truly is. Although I’ve seen this revelation in a previous issue only for Kal to still question it, so perhaps that will be another recurring theme…also a bit played out.
Profile Image for Rhett Marak.
33 reviews
February 9, 2026
Superman recollects his past and regains focus of who he is at the help of Sol, Sol El. Now Kal, Sol, Lane and Olsen will be standing off against a Lazarus army at the control of Ra’s and Talia. Also Superman bathes in lava? Nice touch. This issue didn’t hit that well with me, the dinner scene felt like unnecessary filler.
2,118 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2025
I was lost for a moment thinking I’d missed the previous issue, but as the story unfolded it became clearer. I enjoyed the slower pace of this one and liked learning about Kal’s wider world. He has a good friend in Sol.
Profile Image for Craig Schorling.
3,631 reviews19 followers
October 2, 2025
The battle of Kansas starts off slow and personal. Kal and Sol have some great back and forth and the final page had me super pumped for the action to come. This series has been brutal and nailing the action and I anticipate this will be no exception.
Profile Image for Jadyn❀.
721 reviews
October 31, 2025
*4.5* A great issue that establishes Kal’s connection to Smallville a little more. One complaint, though. Don’t bother trying to make Talia and Ra’s sound like it’s from another time if all you’re going to do is throw a “thou” and a “thy” here and there.
Profile Image for Madison.
447 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2025
Oh this one was good. There wasn’t action which was nice after so much in the past issue. I loved Lana’s introduction and Smallville rallying around Jimmy and Lois. I loved how Kal took his time to reflect and Sol guided him. So good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pedro Espada.
715 reviews9 followers
March 24, 2026
La calma antes de la tormenta. Una grapa muy introspectiva, con la presentación de un nuevo personaje esencial en la vida de Kal, al menos el "clásico", y muchas sorpresas más, deseando que empiece la batalla!
Profile Image for Marcus.
568 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2026
Kal’s been through so much in this universe, I think we’re finally seeing him take the first step toward becoming more grounded here. I really liked that the focus was on his relationship with Sol here, a wholesome episode before the battle to come.
Profile Image for pavi.
119 reviews
June 14, 2026
3 stars ⭐️
a really nice "filler" for the next part of this arc! lois and jimmy are getting along, we finally meet lana, and the people of smallville aren't so scary after all! i only hope that everyone can come together to stop ra's
Profile Image for Chris Loan.
338 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2026
Such a beautiful issue! I really think Absolute Superman may have some of the best art in the Absolute line. That first shot of the fortress was beautiful! I loved the backstory and lore we got of Kal and Sol first on earth
1 review
October 1, 2025
Absolutely wonderful

Another great issue of Absolute Superman. Just like Absolute Batman and every other Absolute Universe title. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for zachariah.
136 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2025
Love everything about this Superman. I especially enjoy the relation between him and Sol. Absolute cinema once again 🙌🏽🙌🏽
524 reviews
October 5, 2025
This series gets better and better. I want it last 100 issues, please!
Profile Image for Colin Post.
1,379 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2025
I love that we get some adolescent Kal backstory and hope more is peppered in through this arc - which looks to be a big one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews