ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #21 (DC COMICS)
Absolute Superman. King Shazam.
The two titans have crossed paths with a trail of destruction lying in their wake. Last round, Superman, Hawkman and John Henry Irons were left for dead.
Never one to back down from fighting for good, Kal-El makes one last surge to the Moon to end this once and for all.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #21 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Zander Cannon, Ulises Arreola & Becca Carey concludes the super-heavyweight bout.
Let’s take a deeper dive into recent events.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #21 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Zander Cannon, Ulises Arreola & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
You want action? You got it! Aaron pens an absolute (no pun intended) masterpiece in these pages. Knowing how high the stakes are, Kal gives his final wishes to both Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane. The writing nails the gravity of Kal’s choice. There is an overwhelming sense that he won’t survive this encounter. Once he heads to the moon, it is very clear there is no retreating from this final stand.
The fight lives up to every measurable aspect fans could want. It is explosive page after explosive page. One area that can’t be understated is the neutral territory they’re fighting on and the result. Aaron clearly establishes how impactful this brawl truly is. The encounter with Talia, Lois and Jimmy carries its’ own unique drama. Readers watch as a costly move sets up the grand finale. There is so much tension in this portion, the impact is immeasurable. Once the smoke clears, the fallout is epic in stature. Each plot point comes to a full stop with major ramifications. If that wasn’t enough, the final page sends a terrifying issue for the future should that ever arise. What an issue!
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
The art team knows this isn’t just an average fight. Watching Kal begin his final ascent carries an uneasy feel. It proves to be the only “stable” moment before the action takes hold. A spectacular two page spread welcomes the combat. This continues forward and never pauses. Panels are flowing with bold action scenes. Just when you think the fight can’t get any larger, they find a way to go above and beyond.
On earth, Talia’s fight Lois comes across as personal as one would expect. The pages fill up more with great action as attention goes back to space. Once here, the story shows its’ hand with the huge twist. A solid half panel showcases the fallout of the mistake made. It becomes the lead domino into other wild sequences. Jimmy Olsen has a huge panel that changes his path. The moment moves the Earth timeline forward. This opens the door for the insane epilogue. Brace for impact with that final full page. It is a huge mic-drop moment to walk away from this exciting issue on.
FINAL POINT: 10
King Shazam and Superman throw down in a final fight for the ages! Arron leaves it all on table with the script. The art team never knows a ceiling in how far to raise the stakes. Highest possible recommendation.
Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #21 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
