REVIEW: Absolute Superman #14

Absolute Superman #14, “The Battle of Kansas, Finale: Son of Nowhere, Nothing and No One,” showcases the long-awaited fight between Superman and Ra’s al Ghul, and it didn’t disappoint. Writer Jason Aaron, artist Rafa Sandoval, and colorist Ulises Arreola continue to tell this Superman story set in a dark universe influenced by Darkseid’s essence. It’s hard to believe we are a little over a year into this series, and it still feels as fresh as when it was first released.

I’ve said it before in previous reviews of this incredible and powerful series that it might not be the traditional Superman origin story, but it works and pays off just as it is. Aside from the Daily Planet setting and the Clark Kent persona, the core of the Superman character is still very much present, and that makes this series just as genuine as the original. More on that soon, but let’s talk about this issue’s great comic book covers.

The standard cover by Sandoval and Arreola showcases exactly what readers expect to see inside: the ultimate showdown between Superman, minus Sol, and a Hulk-like Ra’s al Ghul wielding a large Kryptonite sword under a cloudy, sunless sky, with shattered Kansas earth beneath the combatants’ feet. Superman and Ra’s are poised to give their all in this battle—Superman fighting for truth, justice, Kansas, and the end of Ra’s reign, while Ra’s fights to break Superman and bend him to his will and way.

In Gerard Parel’s variant cover, Superman appears to be hovering over an erupting volcano as a dark ash cloud explodes from the crater and molten lava rains down upon him. This cover is symbolic of the life-or-death fight Superman faces in this issue. He knows that if he doesn’t survive and win the fight against Ra’s and his empire, Earth will suffer just as the people of Krypton once did. It’s all up to him.

Superman looks fierce and focused inside an all-consuming fire in the variant cover by Nikolas Draper-Ivey. It’s a fitting image, as Superman’s heat vision focuses from his left eye toward the center of the cover and threatens to blast out in a powerful beam. He’s prepared for battle and ready to sacrifice his life to save the day.

Taken together, these Absolute Superman #14 covers tell a complete visual story of a hero pushed to his absolute limits. Each artist captures a different facet of Superman’s final stand—his physical struggle against Ra’s al Ghul, the crushing weight of what’s at stake, and the unwavering resolve to sacrifice everything if that’s what it takes. Whether standing on shattered Kansas soil, facing a world on the brink, or burning with focused intensity, this is Superman at his most raw, determined, and heroic— a reminder that even without every advantage, he will always choose to stand, fight, and protect.

A lot has been at stake during this series so far, and the payoff of everything—meeting this universe’s Lois, Jimmy, the Kents, the Els, Earth, Krypton, the al Ghuls, and most importantly, Superman—delivers in every way possible. Aaron has woven together a tale of a new version of Superman that is compelling, powerful, and fresh, and based on the tear-jerker of an ending for this issue, along with future solicitations I’ve seen, Aaron will be giving readers many more tales of this Superman and his world—and I can’t wait.

As strong as Aaron’s words and story are, Sandoval and Arreola’s artwork and colors continue to bring everything to life, giving readers ringside seats to the final showdown between Superman and Ra’s. These are the best seats in the house, and every moment of the battle is beautifully illustrated and showcased. Sandoval and Arreola have done a superb job throughout this 14-issue story arc and will be missed when guest artist Juan Ferreyra (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) takes over art and color duties in upcoming issues. Sandoval and Arreola will continue to provide standard cover artwork and colors for issues #15 and #16.

(10/10) I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—this has been my favorite comic book series of the year. What a way to end this story arc and this year with a fantastic issue that brings everything we’ve learned about the Superman of this Absolute Universe together. The upbringing and spiritual visitations from Superman’s Kryptonian family to his brief but impactful time with the Kents struck the heartstrings throughout the series, and especially in the final pages of this issue.