ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #18 (DC COMICS)

In the wake of “The Battle Of Kansas”, there is some unfinished business.

Lois Lane is looking for payback. Talia Al Ghul is trying to bring back her father to his natural ruthless state. All the while, something is luring in the shadows that will shake everything up in the Absolute Universe.

That something was just awakened.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #18 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola & Becca Carey launches into an all new story arc!

Let’s take a closer look at how all of this begins.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #18 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola& Becca Carey (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Aaron juggles a few plot points in dealing with this issue. Opening with the origin of Teth-Adam lures readers into the tragic, brutal beginnings of his life. The writing is unapologetic as it delivers its’ picture. There are a few curves thrown into play which raises more questions. It’s a solid lead-in to the present time. Once here, the story actually feels like a traditional Superman story. Presentation is very classic until one element shakes everything up.

Readers watch as Lois goes covert in an attempt to kill Talia. This move is welcomed and swings back to the Battle from a few issues prior. The writing shows Lane’s convictions become unbreakable. Even more shocking is the state of Ra’s Al Ghul. Conflicting with Talia, it appears he has bought in on Superman’s hope. This leads to a more explosive interference. Readers watch as another figure enters the game. Their presence shakes events up leading into the close. Once here, events become full circle as a boy has become King and Hell is coming with him.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Sandoval and Arreola return after a few issues off. The depiction of Ancient Egypt is brutal as Adam starts his story. Emptions run high as the boy navigates through his opposition. A mysterious figure crashes the scene with a haunting aura. One thing that never leaves the panels is Adam’s rage. Each illustration brings the pain out of him, even to the unique visit he encounters. It is a far cry from Smallville, Kansas.

The opening panel of Supes “playing with his pet” feels very vintage. It is a rare sight seen in the Absolute Universe. The same can be said for Jimmy Olsen at the Daily Planet. Only when Lois Lane hits the pages dies the look swing back to an Absolute vibe. Her confrontation with the Al Ghuls doesn’t disappoint. There are many reactions to be had here. Superman enters the picture with a great full page image. He is not the only one with a grand debut. Readers watch as a masked figure lays waste to the opposition in front of him. As all roads come together in the weapons cache, one false move opens up a forbidden door. The result is a full image of a game-changing presence that can’t be escaped. Excellent work all around.

FINAL POINT: 9.5

The Absolute Universe had better be ready for what was unleashed in this issue. Arron delivers a thrilling debut to this new arc, filled with heavy drama and action. Sandoval and Arreola return with a vengeance as the emotional art is on full display. Can even Hope overcome the power of Pure Anger unleashed? Only one way to find out.

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