REVIEW: Absolute Superman #11

‘Absolute Superman #11’, “Superman, Son of the Demon, Finale: Man of Steel, Mind of Ash”, is a powerful issue in the ongoing story of Kal-El in the Absolute Universe. Writer Jason Aaron and artist Carmine Di Gianomenico continue to show us what makes a Kal-El, who was never Clark Kent on Earth, a true Superman.

There have been many amazing Elseworlds stories that have introduced us to new takes on DC superheroes, especially Superman. But this ain’t no Elseworlds story. This is a universe that will eventually crossover with the regular DC Universe and I for one can’t wait to see this Superman team up with first, the other superheroes in his universe and then, hopefully, team up with the superheroes of the regular DC Universe.

Throughout this series, we have witnessed huge changes in Superman’s mythos. Not only was Kal-El born and raised, well into his teens, on the planet Krypton by his parents, in the lower ranks of Krypton’s class system, but he pretty much lived the childhood he would have spent with the Kents in the regular DC Universe. He has become a man with a moral code of no-killing and fighting for the less privileged.

The standard cover art, by Rafa Sandoval (regular series artist) & Ulises Arreola, delivers a nerve-shredding spectacle as Superman becomes the unwilling subject of Brainiac’s twisted science. The cover crackles with eerie green energy as Brainiac looms above, his grotesque exposed brain glowing like a weaponized engine. Superman lies restrained, the Sol suit flickering with corrupted light as if resisting the invasive assault —a fusion of horror and cosmic sci-fi that perfectly fits the Absolute Universe’s darker tone.

Jae Lee’s variant cover conjures a hauntingly elegant vision of Superman in the Sol suit, wreathed in the red sands of Krypton. Superman’s expression is weary, his eyes heavy with the burden of destiny, as a missile labeled “Death to Superman” explodes in the back of his neck. It’s Lee at his finest—moody, gothic, and filled with symbolic dread—reminding us that even in the Absolute Universe, Superman stands as the lone light against encroaching darkness.

Jeff Spokes’ card stock variant cover channels raw kinetic power as Superman pounds the ground, the Sol suit alive, glowing with energy. Superman’s determined profile grounds the chaos, reminding us this is still a man, even if his armor is alive, adapting, and weaponized. The Absolute Universe’s influence is clear in the tone—this isn’t bright and hopeful Superman; this is the warrior forged in shadow, wielding Krypton’s legacy as a living weapon. Spokes makes him look both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

These covers showcase the Absolute Universe’s central tension: Superman as savior, soldier, and survivor in a world tainted by Darkseid’s shadow. Sandoval & Arreola give us the horror of control, Jae Lee delivers symbolic inevitability, and Jeff Spokes unleashes the unstoppable fury of a man fused with living Kryptonian legacy.

Aaron has been doing a great job with jumping back and forward between Kal-El’s past on Krypton with his biological parents, and his brief time with the Kents. He does a great job showing that Kal-El was going to become Superman, no matter what forces try to alter or change his life and destiny. The hints at what could have been had this world not been tainted are evident and we see those traits and qualities showcased throughout this issue and throughout this series so far. I believe this is the first Superman comic book series that has not featured or showcased Superman’s greatest and most well-known villains Lex Luthor and to be honest, he’s not missed. The enemies and villains in this series are powerful, twisted and scary enough without Lex and it’s a welcomed change.

I get so caught up in the powerful story and art of this series that I didn’t notice that Sandoval and Di Gianomenico had switched book art duties, which is great because it isn’t a stark change that could throw you out of this interesting world. The artwork, along with the vibrant colors by Arreola make the action and panels pop and truly compliment the artwork. The Absolute Universe has been fascinating from the beginning, across the books, and Kal-El’s story is getting more dynamic from issue to issue.

I loved this issue and as I said before, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. It reminds me of the DCU Cinematic Universe, especially Man of Steel. This Kal-El may not know exactly who he is in this universe, but he knows who he wants to be. And that’s what makes him Superman. I’m rooting for him, because so far, he’s the Kal-El I know, and no matter what universe he’s in, he believes in helping others and saving lives. It’s how he was raised and what he believes.

(10/10) Brainiac is the most frightening thing in Absolute Superman #11 and this is something that terrifies every AI-sentient being, even if they won’t admit it. I can’t wait to see what damage it does and how it affects the characters and the story to come.