REVIEW: Absolute Superman #22

Superman apparently doesn’t take breaks as he moves on to his next mission in Absolute Superman #22, “Get Brainiac: Part One: Metallo.” The Man of Steel is hunting the elusive Brainiac 419,732, who has remained several steps ahead since escaping the battle between Superman and Ra’s al Ghul more than eight issues ago.

Superman has faced some incredibly powerful opponents, and one would understand if he stopped to smell the roses, but that is not what writer Jason Aaron, artist and colorist Juan Ferreyra and letterer Becca Carey have in mind. Superman knows how dangerous Brainiac is, and he cannot rest until he stops him for good.

Before we join Superman on his hunt for Brainiac, let’s look at the super covers. On the main cover by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola, Superman flies up, up and away toward former Peacemaker Christopher Smith, now transformed into Metallo. His massive metallic body stretches across the skyscrapers like a spider at the center of its web, while Brainiac gleefully looks down as his “creation” faces Superman in his place.

Ferreyra’s variant cover tugs at the heartstrings of nostalgia as a kryptonite-empowered Metallo looms over a weakened Superman. The entire cover, down to the yellow background, pays homage to John Byrne’s cover for Superman #1 from 1987. Ferreyra said in an Instagram post in May that he based the variant on that cover because he was 10 when he began reading the title and Byrne is the reason he draws comics. Thanks, Mr. Byrne.

Scott Hepburn and Ian Herring’s variant cover shows Superman standing as a guardian of Metropolis, ready to stop any force threatening the city or the world. The iconic globe of The Daily Planet can be seen in the background as Superman’s hands, arms, feet and legs glow with fiery energy. From his determined expression and powerful positioning, nothing is getting past the Last Son of Krypton.

These three covers show that Superman never gives up and will push himself beyond every limit to save lives and protect his new world. There is also a variant cover available by Eric Canete.

Ferreyra returns as artist and colorist, and he said in May that he was “so happy to be returning.” That excitement shines through every page. I felt as though I was standing beside Superman and Metallo as they duked it out. His artwork needs to be used as a reference or storyboard for an Absolute Superman animated series. Ferreyra’s use of different colors behind the panels cleverly conveys the emotions, power and energy coming from the characters. The splash pages were incredible, and their designs made each major moment even more impactful. I also loved how he made the memories displayed throughout the issue feel as powerful as every punch and kick thrown during the battle. They were not simply placed between the action; they became part of the fight and helped us understand the pain, anger and humanity beneath Metallo’s metallic exterior. Ferreyra understood the assignment and more than delivered. That final full-page image nearly brought me to tears.

Aaron continues to show how super this universe’s Superman truly is and how worthy he is of the name. His heart is so big that his compassion extends beyond the people he is protecting. Even while facing someone whose very presence is killing him, Superman keeps trying to reach the person trapped beneath the weapon. He did the same with Hawkman, Ra’s al Ghul, Parasite and King Shazam, and Metallo is no different. Aaron’s writing reminds us that redemption is available to anyone as long as breath remains in their body and they have a willing mind and heart. Superman does not just fight to defeat his enemies; he fights to save them from the darkness consuming them. Superman has an idea of what Brainiac did to Christopher after experiencing Brainiac’s torturous and sadistic nature firsthand. Superman knew how difficult it was to resist, and now a human being who endured unbearable physical pain and mental anguish has become a puppet for that same fiend. This battle becomes a desperate attempt to rescue Christopher before nothing remains of the man he once was.

(10/10) This new story arc in Absolute Superman #22 sets the bar high for everything that follows. I cannot wait for Superman and Brainiac to finally face each other. How can Superman reach a seemingly soulless being as he has so many former foes? What options does he have against an entity made from more than 400,000 artificial intelligence beings? Aaron and Ferreyra open this storyline with action, emotion, horror and hope while reminding us that Superman’s greatest power may be his refusal to give up on anyone.