The absolute Superman hasn’t been in that tough pickle since Krypton exploded, as Brainiac captured it in Absolute Superman #11. It seems like there’s a theme right now in an absolute book, as Bane just broke Batman, but now is the time for Superman to break in a completely different way.
Absolute Superman #11 opens in Krypton, where Superman’s parents are on trial for crimes against the Science League. Not only are they hanging, but Kalel is also punished. But soon we see that this is all in Superman’s head. It’s kind of torture as Brainiac tries to turn Superman from his altruistic self into Ra’s Al Ghul’s murder machine. This question is very important about Superman having stronger will than Brainiac’s thousands of torture scenarios, but who wins?
Mixed with torture are Lois and Jimmy, prisoners of the Lazarus group run by Argul. Writer Jason Aaron does a good job in injecting both personalities into these scenes. Jimmy is a bit similar because he’s goofy in touch and isn’t self-aware, but Lois is as difficult as a claw and is committed to the goal. Talia al-Gur, not that much. She spits out the rather cliched, evil villainous thing that feels strong in this series.
It looks cool, but honestly, why is there so much on his crotch?
Credit: DC Comics
Two elements unlock this issue beyond the rescue mission. One is Lois’ dad, and goes into a story that is sort of a super soldier. It adds action and gives the problem a super spy feel. The other is Superman’s incredible ability to encourage others to do the right thing. It takes place through Brainiac’s drone, and Aaron cleverly makes money and inspiring.
Aaron also does an amazing job with Brainiac’s dialogue. He is in the same parts sick and twisted, taking a ton of murderous, meaningless rage. The way he handles drones is in the way, along with the Aaron layer of the backstory that adds to his evil charm.
Carmine di Giandomenico’s art is good, but it’s great when Brainiac is on the page. He is terrifying to see, from his exposed brain to his mentally ill smile. The cast in green and purple lights, the colours of ulises arreola, and his scenes have an unmistakable horror film vibe. In one panel, Brainiac’s face is mostly cast in the shadows, except for the red eyes of the beads. That’s scary. Maintaining a variety of techniques, Superman is well illustrated with many fun details.
Absolute Superman #11 is a dark but exciting installment that takes away Superman’s unwavering moral compass for Brainiac’s most cruel suffering. While not perfect, this issue offers a powerful mix of horror, spice thriller action, and classic Superman resilience that makes the absolute line feel epic.
“Absolute Superman” #11 mixes horror and spy drama
Absolute Superman #11
Absolute Superman #11 is a dark but exciting installment that takes away Superman’s unwavering moral compass for Brainiac’s most cruel suffering. While not perfect, this issue offers a powerful mix of horror, spice thriller action, and classic Superman resilience that makes the absolute line feel epic.
Jason Aaron makes Blaineac’s voice completely, cold, twisted and unsettling.
Superman’s ability to stimulate will and shine, gives emotional weight to problems.
Lois and Jimmy’s dynamics feel true to the characters and add texture to the side plot.
Talia Al Ghul’s dialogue appears as a general and cliché that lacks the nuances found elsewhere.
Some of the torture sequences risk repeated emotions and are reliant on the familiar ratios.
