The Lazarus Corporation sent their most battle-hardened crew of Peacemakers to locate the mysterious fugitive interfering with their mining operations–but they weren’t expecting one motor-mouthed, iron-willed woman to be the one to finally get the cuffs onto him! Absolute Superman #2 matches the excellence of the debut issue.

Written by Jason Aaron, Absolute Superman #2 is good, really good. Along with the debut issue, this is a one-two punch of excellence and one of the best starts to a series this year. Aaron’s Superman is familiar but different, taking the rooted fight for justice and expanding on that in many ways.

As we saw in the debut issue, this Superman is focused on the fight against oppression, standing up for those abused and misused, in this case by the Lazarus Corporation. In flashbacks to Krypton, we see how that caste system instilled the belief system we see acted upon in the present day. This is a Superman that’s both strong and timid, taking the combo of the Kansas farm boy and powerful being and instilling those qualities into one individual instead of splitting it between two personalities. While he can destroy armies, he also protects and is concerned with doing as little harm as possible and saving as many as he can. It’s everything that makes Superman super and a character we should look up to and emulate his fight for justice.

Absolute Superman #2 is a focus on not just Superman, but Lois Lane as well. There’s a bit too much of a wink and nod to her traditional role in journalism, this Lois is military and so close to bringing in Superman. Through her, we get a better sense of the qualities this Superman poses and through the actions of Superman towards her, we get to see how those qualities manifest. It also gives us a better idea of the split between his super powers and what his new suit brings to the table.

The art by Rafa Sandoval is amazing. With color by Ulises Arreola and lettering by Becca Carey, the comic is beautiful to look at, even through the destruction. Somehow the team has mixed the hopeful visuals we associate with the character with a slightly darker tone. It balances the character’s positivity and the bland nature of this world. The character designs are great and Sandoval’s focus on what to highlight in each panel and in each moment shines. It’s one of the best looking ongoing series right now.

Absolute Superman #2 is a hell of a second issue that is packed with action but at the same time is focused on letting readers to get to know the main characters. It delivers awe and ends with a shocking moment that highlight the good that’s at the heart of this Superman.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Rafa Sandoval
Color: Ulises Arreola Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

---

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle