Each of the DC Comics Absolute Universe series has introduced classic characters to Darkseid’s dystopian timeline (read DC All In Special to learn how that happened). Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman gave readers a variety of villains like Black Mask and Joker while Kelly Thompson’s Absolute Wonder Woman introduced Steve Trevor and Barbara Minerva. Absolute Superman hasn’t differed from bringing in well-known characters.
The first two issues of Absolute Superman introduced Lois Lane, Christopher Smith (a.k.a. Peacemaker), and Brainiac (whose identity hasn’t been revealed). Issue No. 4 brought in someone important to Lois Lane’s life on Earth-Prime and apparently in the Absolute Universe too.
Readers meet Jimmy Olsen and he's a bit different than the one we know and love.
Absolute Superman No. 4 creative team
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Rafa Sandoval
- Cover Artist: Ulises Arreola Palomera
Unlike Jimmy Olsen from Earth-Prime, the Absolute version is a freedom fighter. Yes, Jimmy fearlessly working for the press and taking pictures to show the truth is a version of a freedom fighter. The difference is Jimmy is in more danger here. He's out in the world with a gun, armor, and a mask while being hunted by the armed, trigger-happy, and extremely dangerous Peacemakers of Lazarus Corp. At least on Earth-Prime, he has Superman watching his back.
Granted, Jimmy Olsen is on a team in the Absolute Universe called the Omega Men and that will offer him some protection. However, his independent streak might get him killed by the leader of the Omega Men (whose identity is also a mystery). They've warned him once about that and if the rumors of them slaughtering people are true, it wouldn't be shocking if they did that to one of their teammates. If that doesn’t get Jimmy, one of the Peacemakers will be happy to kill him.
The Lazarus Corp Peacemakers are so dangerous that one of their guys (Christopher Smith) has blacked out twice and once killed people. Instead of getting the help he needs, the Brainiac algorithm gaslights him into believing what he’s doing isn’t his fault. If this is a version of the DC Universe where the villains are stronger, crazier, and smarter, then imagine what kind of monster Christopher Smith will be.
One thing for certain is that Smith has already proven to be easily manipulated. It's doubtful that will change as the series continues. Don't be shocked if Olsen's death is the thing that makes Lois Lane quit Lazarus Corp. She's already teetering and seeing Smith kill Jimmy Olsen would tip the scales.
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