REVIEW: Absolute Superman #5
Absolute Superman #5, “The Last Dust of Krypton: Ad Astra Per Aspera” is the finale to the introduction of Absolute Superman. There’s a lot to unpack in the title alone as it’s the state motto of Kansas and translates to “Through hardships to the stars” which appropriately describes this Krypton’s destruction.
The standard cover is by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola. A very impressive image of how Krypton’s destruction is connected to the creation of Superman. You can really feel the weight of his loss and survivor’s guilt as his suit, Sol, absorbs the explosive energies around him.
Sean Gordon Murphy and Simon Gough’s variant could easily be considered an homage to Jerry Ordway’s cover of Adventures of Superman #427. A pure show of strength as Kal-El holds a tank aloft with only one arm. It also acts as a teaser scene as the cover plays out within the story.
The variant by Jae Lee and June Chung has Superman fighting robots. There’s a disquieting eeriness to the emotionless expression Kal has while effortlessly dismantling his adversary. A weariness that visibly weighs on the character that really distinguishes one of the big differences this Superman has with the classic version.
Darick Robertson and Diego Rodriguez compliment Murphy & Gough’s variant with Superman taking on some Peacemakers. Again this scene acts as a teaser as the conflict between Superman and Lazarus continues to boil.
Rafa Sandoval and Colorist Ulises Arreola pull hard on the heartstrings with this devastating issue. It’s no real surprise that Krypton was going to explode, as it nearly always does, but Sandoval and Arreola gives us a front row experience unlike we’ve ever had before. Their work is incredibly stunning and you can nearly hear every panel as Krypton faces its finality. They also do a great job of keeping the possibility of Kal not being the sole survivor while maintaining the high probability he is truly Krypton’s last son.
Jason Aaron, lettered by Becca Carey, cuts deep with this emotional and powerful chapter of Absolute Superman. The destruction of Krypton is too often treated as a side note in Superman’s origins as a way to explain his powers and uniqueness, but not in this story. The ugliness and bravery of a race of people desperately trying to survive their home’s destruction seems all too real. It’s no wonder why this Kal-El seems way more determined and globally active as he hangs on a promise to keep his next home from making the same mistakes.
Aaron has us experience these defining moments through Kal’s perspective and it’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Feeling what Kal-El goes through gives a deeper layer to his situation on Earth. He’s not just an immigrant, he’s also a refugee and living cautionary tale. However, Krypton’s only a portion of his past as Smallville still seems to have a part to play in the making of this Absolute Superman.
(10/10) Obviously this part of Superman’s story has been told countless times, but I can’t remember ever feeling the incredible weight and tragedy of it all like I did with Absolute Superman #5. I think this version really explains the fundamental differences of the character while still keeping to the core of Superman.
