Absolute Superman #15 Review: Great Entry Point for Man of Steel

While a critical and commercial success for DC, the new Absolute Universe line has suffered in one regard. Most of the series’ opening arcs ran for several issues. This left newcomers without an easy way to catch up until the first trade paperback collections were released. Thankfully, Absolute Superman #15 is not only a perfect introduction to the Man of Steel in the Absolute Universe. It also serves as an encapsulation of everything that defines Superman.

Written by Jason Aaron, with art by Juan Ferreyra, the issue showcases the new life that Kal-El of Krypton has built for himself. He has taken the name Clark Kent, from the family that almost adopted him in this reality. He has also settled in Smallville, where he’s trying to get the Kent family farm back up and running.

However, when he hears a call for help, which is often, he drops everything to do what he can. This ranges from repairing a broken dam, to putting the fear of divine retribution into a sweatshop factory owner using child labor. The factory owner, it should be noted, is the Absolute Universe version of the classic Superman villain Toyman.

In the midst of this, Clark continues the hunt for the alien AI called Brainiac. He also takes time to try and rehabilitate the would-be world-conqueror Ra’s Al Ghul. This rehabilitation takes the form of Clark reading aloud letters written by the children of Ra’s victims, expressing their hopes Ra’s will change. Clark also meets with his new friends, Lois Lane and Lana Lang, who both seem to hope that Superman might become more than friends with them.

Absolute Superman #15 is a perfect Man of Steel story

It is clear from this issue, if not the series to date, that Jason Aaron both loves and understands the character of Superman. His script for this issue shows Kal-El as a humble man who honestly wonders why people can’t get along. At the same time, Aaron showcases the righteous anger born of his compassion and why his empathy is not a weakness. This does much to humanize the Man of Steel. Moreso than the revelation he has to power nap in thunderstorms to briefly escape all but the most vital cries for help.

Aaron’s writing is equalled by the artwork of Juan Ferreyra. I’ve been a big fan of Ferreyra’s style since his run on Green Arrow. And yet, his work here blows away everything I’ve ever seen him do before. There are so many visually perfect moments in this issue I was hard pressed to pick which ones to share in this review.

On every level, in every way, Absolute Superman #15 is perfect. If you’ve not been reading this series, this is the ideal entry point. Indeed, if you’ve ever hoped that a man could fly and that good still exists in this world, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Grade: 10/10

Absolute Superman #15 is now available at comic shops everywhere.