REVIEW: Absolute Superman #16

Absolute Superman #16, “The Never-Ending Begins, Part Two: This Universe Will Break Your Heart, Kid,” continues this incredible new Superman story arc and once again delivers on action, character, and bold reinvention. Writer Jason Aaron, artist and colorist Juan Ferreyra, along with letterer Becca Carey, have made these first two months of the year especially rewarding with the launch of this storyline.

Every time the Absolute Universe’s Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman appears on the page, he feels more and more like the Superman I know from the regular DC Comics Universe. The same goes for this universe’s Lois Lane. There’s something deeply intriguing about watching these darker, rougher versions of familiar characters slowly grow into the heroes and people we recognize and love. That evolution feels earned. And honestly, I love who these characters are now and the paths that brought them to this point in the Absolute Universe.

Before I get carried away, let’s talk about these absolutely super covers. The main cover by series regulars Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola sets the stage for an outrageous clash between two powerhouse heroes as Hawkman and Superman face off in the sky. Hawkman’s razor-sharp wings look massive and deadly, matching the sheer presence of Superman’s shape-shifting cape. Both heroes appear fully committed to this impending battle, ready to give everything they’ve got.

The Gerald Parel variant presents a defiant Superman standing firm against an unseen threat. This is a Superman who has risen to the challenge and is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect and endure. Energy surges through his suit, and the image captures a hero fully locked in and ready for war.

Mahmud Asrar’s variant cover shows Superman ripping through the sky like a missile as explosions erupt around and beneath him. He looks completely undeterred—graceful, powerful, and unwavering as he charges toward his destination. It’s a striking image of pure momentum and resolve.

There is also a variant available by Inyuk Lee.

Juan Ferreyra’s interior artwork is nothing short of spectacular. Each panel feels like a carefully composed photograph taken by an unseen but incredibly talented photographer within this world. Emotions land clearly, the action feels IMAX-worthy, and there’s no wasted space. Every page enhances the atmosphere and deepens the sense of place Ferreyra continues to build in this universe. As a writer myself, I would love to see Jason Aaron’s scripts for this series—or better yet, study them in a script book or sit under his mentorship. Reinventing Superman in a completely separate universe and making him feel fresh, cool, and emotionally compelling is no small feat, yet Aaron makes it look effortless.

The world-building in this arc continues to impress. Last issue saw Superman confront Toyman, Brainiac en route to meet the Alexander “Lex” Luthor of this universe, and Hawkman making his presence known. In this issue, another classic Superman villain makes their official Absolute Universe debut, while additional familiar DC names are mentioned, with their fates ominously hinted at. We also hear about other current superheroes in the Absolute Universe—heroes Superman seems completely unaware of. The interaction between Superman and Hawkman is excellent, especially Hawkman sharing his backstory and Superman cutting short Hawkman’s mandatory “Hawk Talk” (his version of a TED Talk). Their fundamentally different worldviews are exactly what lead to the powerful confrontation teased on the standard cover. Hawkman, who first appeared in Absolute Evil #1, continues to show just how rigid and uncompromising his perspective truly is.

We also get to see—and “hear”—what Lois and Jimmy have been up to, along with the appearance of another classic Superman character who, in one panel, oddly enough resembled the late Superman actor George Reeves. Their interaction, set around the Daily Planet building, includes a strikingly accurate observation about the current state of journalism. I can’t wait to see more of Lois, Jimmy, and hopefully Clark in his civilian identity. And then there’s Brainiac and Alexander Luthor’s meeting—next-level stuff. Brainiac reveals his awareness of other Luthors across realities and becomes fixated on ensuring that this universe’s Luthor reaches his full potential. One way or another, Brainiac promises to make that happen. The final page featuring Brainiac leans fully into sci-fi horror territory and is genuinely chilling.

(10/10) I loved Absolute Superman #16 —this creative team, this story, this universe, and its characters. If I had never read a classic Superman story and this series was my first introduction to the character, I would still love Superman just as much as I do now. Over the years, I’ve heard people say Superman isn’t relatable. I’ve never agreed. But if I heard that argument today, I’d point them directly to this series. It feels strikingly close to the world we live in now—minus, unfortunately, the superheroes.