The best part about Absolute Superman is the dive into Kal-El’s past. Learning that Krypton went from a place of peace to a planet built on a caste system was disappointing, but what can you expect from a universe from the mind of Darkseid (read DC Comics All in Special for that)?
The most important part of this story comes when you see that Clark Kent was a teenager when Krypton was about to be destroyed and his parents (Jor-El and Lara) were working-class people. They still had genius-level intellects, but they weren’t good enough to be part of the ruling class of the Klerics' Science League. Nevertheless, they were happy with their position in life and with each other.
Absolute Superman tackles a long-time fan question about the Man of Steel's origins
After Jor-el discovered that Krypton was dying, he told the people above him they needed to act. Just like the original story, the people in charge didn’t listen to him. Except, this time, Lara worked with Jor-El to make a ship to get off the planet. They also made it big enough to fit as many people as possible.
One of the biggest problems fans have had with Superman’s origin is why his parents didn’t make a ship big enough for them. It’s so befuddling that Robot Chicken made a joke about it saying Krypton was never destroyed and a private investigator from Krypton was sent to find him. Even if there’s never a reason that makes sense, it’s good to know that Jason Aaron has created a universe where the House of El did the smart thing. However, the story about Kal-El getting to Earth in the Absolute Universe is far from over.
So far, we haven’t seen any proof that any other Kryptonians have made it to Earth. On Earth-Prime, Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) lands on Earth decades after her cousin, Kal. The difference is they came on different rockets. This time, his relatives should be coming on the same ship. If that’s the case, how did he survive and no one else did and why haven't we seen them?
The end of the issue leaves more mystery to the Kryptonian origin. We see an elderly woman in Smallville Senior Living with a wristband that says “M. Kent”. There’s even a picture of Kal-El with two unidentified older people. I immediately thought this meant he was still raised by Martha and Jonathan Kent. But a wristband doesn’t mean anything.
Just like Kal-El needed to become Clark Kent, Lara and Jor-El would have needed a secret identity if they actually made it to Earth. Could they have become Jon and Martha Kent in this storyline? However, Absolute Superman No. 1 shows Ma and Pa Kent’s farm destroyed. Maybe that happened when the Kryptonians landed. Or perhaps being raised by the real Kents is the one thing that remains constant in this world and every Kryptonian still dies.
The only thing for certain is that writer Jason Aaron will make provide us with answers throughout the series. Thankfully, he’s a writer you can trust so the wait will be worth it.
Absolute Superman No. 3 creative team
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Rafa Sandoval
- Cover: Ulises Arreola Palomera and Rafa Sandoval
- Colorist: Ulises Arreola Palomera
Absolute Superman is coming!#supermancomics #superman #supermanfans #supermanfans #dcu #dccomics #dcuniverse #dc #comicbooks #comicart #comics #art pic.twitter.com/dK0z5vYkv4
— Rafa Sandoval (@RafaSandoval75) August 21, 2024
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