In Biblical lore, Lazarus of Bethany is brought back to life by Jesus as one of the miracles he performed. It's why stories use the name Lazarus when it comes to long or everlasting life. For example, it was where DC Comics got the name for the Lazarus Pits.
On DC Comics' Earth Prime, the Lazarus Pits are pools around the world that can bring a person back to life (depending on their injuries). However, resurrection comes with a price. It causes the user to go mad. Ra’s al Ghul may have used it more than anyone, and that's why he gets crazier as time goes on. He's abused the pit too often.
In Absolute Superman, a company called Lazarus Corp uses its army of Peacemakers to steal from people, force them to work in harsh conditions, and beat them into submission. Thankfully, Kal-El (Superman) came to Earth and has protected innocents from them the best way he can.
During the series, it looked like Brainiac was the one in charge. The AI has his name, and the Lazarus Corp uses him for reports, therapy for their Peacemakers, and more. It's easy to guess that he's provided technology that's kept them in power and strong enough to maintain their status. In issue No. 6 of Absolute Superman, a new piece of the puzzle is revealed, involving who's really the boss of the Lazarus Corp.
Absolute Superman No. 6 creative team
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
- Colorist: Ulises Arreola
In Absolute Superman No. 6, Jon and Martha Kent have a conversation about the Lazarus Corp and the mysteriousness of the things they do. Martha mentions that the owner of the company is over a hundred years old and that, for a million dollars a minute, there’s a pit that will make you younger. All of this should sound familiar because it’s almost like Ra’s lore in DC Comics. Well, that’s because Ra’s is the person behind Lazarus Corp. Or is he?
At the end of the issue, Ra’s is talking to Brainiac. The two seem to have a good working relationship with neither of them trying to outdo the other, but Ra' al Ghul is clearly in charge. Things start to look differently when Brainiac says he’s happy to be a servant of a higher cost. Even in an alternate universe, there’s no way that Brainiac is working for someone lesser than him without a motive.
Another hint is writer Jason Aaron’s closing words in this comic. The next issue says, “Into the mind of Brainiac!” Endings like that can mean two things. The first is the origin of Brainiac; in this case, how he ended up on Earth and how he started working with Ra’s al Ghul. Second, what Brainiac is thinking and what his plans are; it's an easy guess that it's world domination or another bottled-up city.
There's one more thing to consider with Brainiac. We don’t know who he is. Yes, he’s green and hooked up to wires and cords like the Vril Dox of DC Comics' Prime universe, but this is an Elseworld. He could be any number of villains we haven’t seen. With Ra’s generally being a Batman villain and a main antagonist for Superman here, anything is possible.
Issue No. 7 should be another amazing and eye-opening issue of Absolute Superman. Jason Aaron hasn't let us down yet, and it's doubtful he'll start now. When more is revealed, Bam Smack Pow will be here to report what’s going on.