REVIEW: Absolute Superman #15

Absolute Superman #15, “The Never-Ending Begins, Part One: Blue,” begins a new amazing Superman story arc, and it was everything I hoped for. Writer Jason Aaron, guest artist and colorist Juan Ferreyra (of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), along with letterer Becca Carey continue to the intriguing tale of Kal-El/Clark Kent/ Superman set in a dark universe shaped by Darkseid’s essence.

The creative team continues to do a great job and even with Darkseid’s influence in this Absolute Universe, the hearts of who Superman and his supporting cast remain nearly intact. Evil might have influenced and shaped this universe, but the good of the classic Superman characters continues to shine through and gives the readers new, fresh takes on characters who are over 80 years old.

The main cover by series regulars artist Rafa Sandoval and colorist Ulises Arreola give us a somewhat classic Superman cover, with the Man of Steel flying high over what appears to be Metropolis as noticeable landmarks like The Daily Planet in the background. It’s Superman in a bright color, hopeful blue supersuit inspired by the late Martha Kent for her adopted son Clark Kent.

In Ferreyra’s variant cover, Superman is giving off guardian angel and the Dark Knight vibes as his red eyes glow in the darkness and he stands defiant. He’s not playing games and he’s not giving bad guys a pass. He looks determined to stand up for truth and justice and he’s ready to do whatever it takes.

Carmine Di Giandomenico’s variant cover gives us a powerful and action-packed recap of the previous 14 issues that helped shape the Superman of the Absolute Universe. Images of Lois Lane, the Kents, Brainiac, Ra’s al Ghul and Talia surround the superhero as he embraces his calling to be a protector of Earth.

These variant covers all embody and reveal a Superman who is trying to learn how to be super and a man and how to truly embrace his new home and his new role as superhero. There is also a variant cover by Gerald Parel.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Aaron gets who Superman is in his core. The writing and story of the first 14 issues of this series did a great job cultivating a new, original, exciting, powerful and emotional Superman origin. This issue continues to build upon what has come before and expands it in new and exciting ways.

Readers are treated to two more classic Superman villains: one who is confronted by Superman in a very Batman (with superpowers) way, while Brainiac, free from Lazarus Corp, pays a visit to another. I’m excited to see what becomes of these new villains in the Absolute Universe and what Superman’s future interactions with them will be. While new villains are on the horizon, Clark takes time to try to redeem a past foe. This is Superman at his finest. Despite nearly being killed by his enemies, he still feels every life matters and that everyone, regardless of what they have done, can be rehabilitated and redeemed. We also learn what has become of Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Lana Lang, key people in Clark’s life now that the Kents have passed away. Living on their farm in Smallville and continuing to keep it running as they would have is such a beautiful tribute not just to the Kents who took Clark in, but also his Kryptonian parents.

Another thing that completely took me by surprise is that in the first 14 issues, Clark’s suit was not dark blue, as I had believed, but actually black. But, after being inspired by his late adoptive mom’s patched up blue super suit, Clark is now rocking a beautiful blue super suit in her honor.

With Aaron’s great script and writing, Ferreyra has slipped right into art and coloring duties to give this new story arc beautiful, powerful and incredible panels of images and color. The scene of Clark confronting a greedy millionaire is the kind of images that make great scenes in blockbuster, superhero films. Ferreyra captures the emotions of the characters in this issue with grace and sympathy, so readers feel what emotions the characters are experiencing.          

(10/10) Absolute Superman #15 is a great opening to a new story arc, which ties up some of the threads from its predecessor. I’m excited to see where this next story arcs takes Superman and his cast of characters, especially with the arrival of a new classic superhero at the end of the issue. I have really grown to love, understand and empathize with this Superman and I’m so glad I gave this series a shot over a year ago.