Many mediums have adapted the story of Kal-El of Krypton, with varying changes. However, some details usually remain constant. Kal-El is almost always the Last Son of Krypton and Jor-El and Lara sacrifice themselves to save their offspring. However, as Absolute Superman #5 reveals, things may be different in the Absolute Universe.
Written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman #5 is almost entirely a flashback. Most of the action concerns the destruction of Krypton. In this reality, the ruling classes hid the inevitable destruction of the planet from the public while planning their own escape. Thankfully, Jor-El discovered the disaster independently and his wife Lara constructed a rocket that could carry many people to safety. This is already a notable deviation from the original origin, with Jor-El and Lara planning to save many people as possible.
Beyond the ship, Lara also created special uniforms which could act as personal escape pods. This proved to be necessary as a meteorite destroyed the ship, leaving the Kryptonian survivors fleeing in a fleet of individual starships. Unfortunately, it also led to the young Absolute Superman being separated from his family and sent out of radio contact with anyone.
While the story implies that Kal-El is the last survivor of Krypton, it is not confirmed. This leaves open the interesting possibility that Jor-El and Lara might have survived. There is also a suggestion that the family dog Krypto, who had his own escape pod, might have escaped.
Absolute Superman came to Earth accidentally
Another notable change in Absolute Superman #5 is that Kal-El’s arrival on Earth is accidental. There is no suggestion that Lara or Jor-El had made plans for any destination beyond “off Krypton.” While it is likely the artificial intelligences within the suits had the capacity to find the nearest habitable planet, it also seems likely that Kal-El was knocked off course. This presumption is based on the fact that other Kryptonians would have shown up on Earth by now if their intended destination was Earth.
Absolute Superman #5 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
