ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #16 (DC COMICS)
The skies rain with blood!
Ever since his debut in Absolute Evil #1, many have wondered when they would see the Absolute version of a certain winged warrior again. Their wait finally comes to an end.
ABSOLUTE HAWKMAN has already taken out one hero. He now has his sights on the last son of Krypton. It’s Absolute Superman verses the mace-wielding maniac. Someone isn’t going to be flying the friendly skies after this one.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #16 by Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra & Becca Carey bares witness to an absolute confrontation.
Let’s get ringside to watch these fireworks go off!
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #16 by Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Aaron plays into the historical aspect of Carter Hall. The investigation into the Kahndaq tombs leads into a tragic beginning. Once events come to the present, the mood swings into a surprising look. Seeing the grizzled Hall trying to “mentor” Superman is an unexpected take. Their dialogue is more light than expected as well. Hall’s “tough Love” doesn’t waiver his direct intentions. Hearing his perspective as serves as a reminder of dealing with ambition in the Absolute Universe. Hope is a rare element in this world for a reason.
The writing also welcomes in another familiar face to the world of Superman. Readers will enjoy seeing this character with a new take. The dialogue with Lois Lane is brief due to the heavyweight fight in waiting. This gives way to the lesson in being a superhero. Hawkman’s rage takes over as the fight breaks out. Youth vs. experience becomes the narrative as they battle. It is abruptly stopped due to a larger threat in the streets. Readers watch as the issue closes with Brainiac furthering his quest for Lex Luthor. Their dialogue is a bit awkward but is perfect for where this leads. Brace for a wild outcome here.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Ferreyra starts with strong look at the 1940’s tomb in Kahndaq. This leads into a gorgeous panel of an emerged Hawkman looking for action. From here, a two page spread brings the lead pairing into the spotlight. Superman’s more whimsical expressions are a good foil to Hall’s frustration. Even with a brief Metropolis break, the main evet soars back into view. Another great two page spread highlights this pairing. Their speech grows with mounting frustration. It helps to get readers to what they paid to see: a showdown for the ages.
Readers watch as the fight finally begins with a mace swing for the ages. The panel pops off the page as the first strike is thrown. It spins into an all out brawl. Seeing Superman boiling with rage is met by a more calm Hawkman. The result leads into a few back and forth blows. Coloring usage guides this into a much larger statement. Superman’s full page strike drops a monster exclamation point on their ordeal. If this wasn’t enough to awe over, the near full shot of the latest rogue hits its’ mark. This allows the finish with Lex Luthor and Brainiac. The calm start finishes with a terrifying final page. All in all, the art is a big win here.
FINAL POINT: 9.4
An absolute showdown begins with some fireworks behind it in this latest chapter. Aaron’s writing keeps readers on toes as it bears many different takes. Ferreyra’s art hits the spot as the two titans begin their confrontation. This series never falters on delivering something special for readers every time out.
Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #16 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
