Written by: Jason Aaron
Art by: Rafa Sandoval
Colors by: Ulises Arreola
Letters by: Becca Carey
Cover art by: Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola (cover A)
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: December 4, 2024
Absolute Superman #2, by DC Comics on 12/4/24, gives Lois Lane a firsthand look at the extent of Kal-El's powers when an arrest turns into a chase, opening her eyes to what a real hero looks like.
Is Absolute Superman #2 Good?
First Impressions
Given DC's emphasis on making the Absolute titles as big a hit as possible, writer Jason Aaron isn't making it easy to like Absolute Superman #2. In general, the issue is a more engaging read than issue #1 because you spend much less time on Krypton, and you get more time to see what this version of Kal-El and his super suit can do. However, the wonky messaging against the use of Generative AI for writing and weirdly worded narration from Lois Lane throws the issue off balance in big chunks. Ahh, well. C'est la vie.
Recap
When last we left the last son of Krypton in Absolute Superman #1, we witnessed the last days of Krypton when a brilliant scientist named Jor-El was banished to the working class after railing against the elite scientist class for ignoring the ecological dangers to their home planet. In the present, Kal-El secretly travels from one location to the next, protecting labor workers from exploitation by the Lazarus Corporation. The issue ended with a Lazarus strike team surrounding Kal-El, led by Officer Lois Lane.
Plot Synopsis
In Absolute Superman #2, we begin with a brief prologue on Krypton. A teacher makes the rounds with students during a virtual classroom session, giving praise to each student for their reports. The teacher is shocked to find that Kal-El wrote his own report instead of using the approved generative AI linked to the Science League's storehouse of knowledge.
Now, we pick up with Lois Lane still handcuffed to Kal-El. She orders Kal to get on his knees for detainment as Peacemakers and Lazarus Corp soldiers surround them at gunpoint. Sol, Kal's suit, emits a fiery plasma tentacle to undo the cuffs, but the undoing will take time. The surrounding soldiers are authorized to open fire, sacrificing Lois Lane as collateral damage. In response, Sol emits a cape-like structure made of Kryptonian dust to shield them from the assault.
Kal super-jumps into the air, pulling Lois behind him from the attached cuffs and buoyed by his "cape." A few miles later, they're shot down by a pursuing heli-tank, sending them crashing into a small village's church. Sol wraps the dust cape around nearby villagers and applies dust to their wounds for healing.
As the rescue continues, Lois begins to narrate her after-action report to the Brainaic A.I., describing everything about Kal, including his demeanor, his appearance, and the way he smells, using the most unexpectedly flowery language you've ever heard from any version of Lois Lane.
The issue concludes with Kal leaping away as soon as Sol unlocks the specialized cuff, Lois becoming frustrated with the Brainiac AI's interpretation of her report, igniting in her a passion for writing, a peek at Kal's parents inventing the suit he now wears, and the Peacemakers taking out their frustration on the local villagers.
What’s great about Absolute Superman #2?
Some of the aspects we expected to see in issue #1 but didn't get, show themselves in issue #2, which is a positive.
For example, we get to see the "dust cape" in action. The extended, first interaction between Kal and Lois has its charming moments. And the rescue scene in the Brazilian village is the kind of Superman-esque action you'd expect to see from the Man of Steel, regardless of which universe he hails from.
As a plus, the elements of the story that take place on Krypton are much less prominent compared to issue #1.
What’s not great about Absolute Superman #2?
First, Jason Aaron's thorough world-building in issue #1 was overshadowed by the heavy-handed messaging about classism in worker exploitation, taking time away from Kal-El's introduction. In issue #2, you get heavy-handed messaging about the reliance on generative AI for the simple act of writing. How about we stop with the heavy-handed messaging on any topic and focus on telling an exciting adventure?
Second, Los Lane's flowery, almost Shakespearean after-action report doesn't sound like anything that would come from Lois Lane or a Lazarus Corporation field agent who explicitly states she hates writing. Is Jason Aaron trying to say Kal-El got her to swoon so hard that she turned into an English Literature major? The narration comes off as silly.
Last but possibly least, it seems odd to have a story about an alternate version of Superman where the suit does most of the work, which is what happens in this issue. Yes, Kal has his powers, but the super-versatile dust cape, plasma tentacles, and tactical information are all Sol. You almost get the impression Kal is a sidekick for his suit.
How’s the Art?
There's no need to mince words. The art looks great. Rafa Sandoval has the unenviable task of envisioning dust capes, plasma tentacles, and all kinds of action to give readers as much bang for their buck as possible. Plus, Ulises Arreola's coloring makes great use of lighting, shine, reflections, and glow to give this issue an extra bit of vibrancy and pop.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Final Thoughts
Absolute Superman #2 is an improvement over the first issue. Jason Aaron's script spends much less time on Krypton and more time showing what this alternate version of the Man of Steel can do. Plus, the art team creatively brings Kal-El's range of unique gadgets to life. That said, the script suffers from odd narration, heavy-handed messaging about the use of A.I., and weird action where the suit does most of the work.
8/10
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