REVIEW: Absolute Superman #6

Absolute Superman #6, “Last Dust of Krypton: Son of Smallville” epilogues the first arc of this amazing series by showcasing Kal-El’s arrival on Earth. It may be unlikely we’ll see a version of Clark Kent in this world but it’s good to know Jonathan and Martha still played a part in Superman’s journey.

The standard cover is by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola. A bit of mob mentality is on display as residents of Smallville brandish rifles at the unconscious being who fell from the sky. Although his short lived stay in Smallville is fairly bittersweet, this cover more closely reflects the overall global reception Kal-El has received since becoming Superman.

Derrick Chew’s variant has Superman resemble Jordan Kent from the ‘Superman & Lois’ TV show. Chew’s art is always a treat and this cover is no exception as there’s also a virgin variant version to keep an eye out for.

The variant by Puppeteer Lee is a great depiction of Superman dismantling a robotic threat. The plain white background makes the small details stand out more as well as convey a more somber tone, which suits this series well.

Rod Reis’s variant is a gorgeous painting of Superman flying through a moonlit sky. It really is a fantastic piece worthy of putting on display.

Carmine Di Giandomenico takes on the interior art along with Colorist Ulises Arreola this issue. There’s some really stunning pages in this book and the emotional weight of Kal’s journey is conveyed well. From the vastness of space to the solitude of Kansas farm land, each panel reinforces the feeling of isolation. Kal has lost everything and, other than surviving, has gained little in return. The art also does a great job of showing how kindness and benignancy are conveyed nonverbally as a language barrier initially exists between Kal and The Kents. The art of this series has been phenomenal and it’s good see there’s no indication of that changing.

Jason Aaron, lettered by Becca Carey, gets to the heart of Superman’s motivations on Earth in ‘Absolute Superman’ #6. Spending the entire journey from Krypton to Earth conscious and alone drives the notion of how rare and precious life truly is in the cosmos. Upon reaching Earth, Sol exhausts all its energy protecting Kal from burning up entering the atmosphere. This leaves him unable to verbally communicate while Earth’s yellow Sun starts affecting him. The only thing that brings him solice is he realizes he’s landed in an area much like where he grew up. His respite is short lived, however, as the Lazarus Corporation shows up to process Kal almost immediately after Sol comes back online, what happens after that fills the time gap between the two stories of this first arc. Absolute Superman’s origins may have been fully revealed but as the last page suggests, his fight with Lazarus has only just begun.

(9/10) The art and story direction is such a joy to read. I love not knowing what to expect from this series but it still feels like reading a Superman story.