Ra’s Al Ghul s one of Batman’s most frustrating foes. While he is ruthless in his calculated plans to reduce the world population, there is also a core of honor at his heart. There are some lines that even the man called The Demon’s Head will not cross. This makes him even more unpredictable than some of the Dark Knight’s more chaotic enemies. However, the opening scene of Absolute Superman #8 reveals that the Ra’s Al Ghul of the Absolute Universe is not a noble demon.
Written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman #8 showcases this new Ra’s Al Ghul in action. He is shown to be a capable warrior, fighting several assassins while conducting a business meeting remotely. He also has a manservant named Ubu.
However, this Ra’s is a captain of industry, leading the sinister Lazarus Corporation. He is also looking for a male heir, apparently dropping his infant daughter to her death. This alone marks this Ra’s Al Ghul as a more evil figure since the original cherished his daughters, even as he wished for a son to follow in his footsteps.
The first four pages of Absolute Superman #8 may be viewed below.
How Ra’s Al Ghul is Absolute Superman’s nemesis
The decision to make Ra’s Al Ghul the archenemy of Absolute Superman is an interesting one. Despite his relative invulnerability thanks to the Lazarus Pit, Ra’s cannot contend with Superman physically. Symbolically, however, he is a perfect and equal opposite to everything the classic Man of Steel represents.
Superman is defined by his selflessness and his desire to help others without seeking glory. Ra’s Al Ghul, for all his noble intentions, is at least somewhat motivated to be recognized as the savior of humanity. The other major difference between them is their commitment to life. Both Superman and Absolute Superman have strict rules against lethal force. Both versions of Ra’s Al Ghul are unopposed to killing when the ends justify the means. However, the Absolute Ra’s Al Ghul seems far crueler, if only because of how easily he seems to kill his daughter.
Absolute Superman #8 arrives in comic shops everywhere on June 4, 2025.
