REVIEW: Absolute Superman #9

Absolute Superman #9, “Superman, Son Of The Demon Chapter 2 – The Omega Man’ continues this incredible take on the character. So far I have loved every single issue and this one is no exception, in fact, this one really puts things into their pace.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The main cover is by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola and perfectly sums up the contents of the issue, which for me is always a fun bonus! The detail is incredible as always with this pair and the Omega symbols really do radiate off the helmets.

Gerald Parel’s variant is stunning, we really see the heat radiating off of Superman here and the detail and pose is intense. There’s almost a cartoonistic anime feel to this and it really makes me want an Absolute Superman anime series!

The variant by Leirix is another excellent cover! It doesn’t quite capture the essence of the issue, but again no detail is spared and we really see almost a new version of the suit here, we’ve never seen it so detailed. One thing I do love about this cover is the cape texture, it’s perfectly handled.

Dustin Nguyen’s variant is my favourite of the bunch. It almost has a Jim Lee style to it which I adore and I really love the explosive red’s throughout really showing that sense of danger and rage that this Superman is going through. The hair texture is incredible and I love the way we see the light reflect off of Superman’s suit and eyes.

Absolute Superman #9 picks up right where we left off as Superman took quite a beating and now is receiving medical treatment with The Omega Men. Even in his current state it’s proving difficult for them to penetrate his skin and organs. In order to get through the ordeal he takes matters into his own hands, quite literally and Primus also lends a helping hand encouraging him to trust her and in this issue we get to see a lot more of who these Omega Men are and what they stand for. One thing I loved here was the internal narration that writer Jason Aaron provides, it really adds emotion and depth to these moments.

In this issue we start to see these worlds’ colliding with a swift mention to a villain who I’m sure will soon pop up in another Absolute title. Not only that but we also get to explore some of this Superman’s solar powers further and every time we see them displayed, I find myself in awe.

Whilst Superman goes toe to toe against his body healing, Ra’s al Ghul pays Lois a visit. I loved this moment because unlike most he meets, she wasn’t afraid, in fact she had predicted the entire ordeal and held her cool like the badass she is. But here we also get another revelation which is linked to the title of this and the previous issue and I’m excited to see how that all pans out.

As superman recovers he and the Omega Men head back to Lazarus Corp and here we see some great action as they team up. The moment where Superman reminds them of his values and whilst they are working together, they must play by his rules to get by. This is one of those fundamentals of Superman and I’m glad to see it established in this universe. Whilst it seems they have a plan, they also underestimate the Peacemakers as they take an emotional swipe at Superman by taking someone he cares about.

The artwork by Rafa Sandoval, Rico Ossio and Ulises Arreola is incredible! This team really nail it and the artwork between the two artists is seamless. The details, the emotion, everything is on perfect display and they really do bring this comic to life.

(9/10) Absolute Superman #9 continues to impress. This series has been stellar so far, there is not a single issue that I haven’t liked so far. This Superman story is exciting, new and really does keep us guessing, but it also has that sense of familiarity, which for me is the perfect balance.