ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #23 (DC COMICS)
Kal-El’s mission to find Brainiac has not come without grave challenges.
The Absolute Man Of Tomorrow ran into a major roadblock in the form of Metallo. His way of defeating the hybrid pawn was one that showcases Kal’s greatest strength: his compassion.
Brainiac knows this all too well. The psychotic rogue has placed another obstacle in Superman’s way. This time, Brainiac has found a way to hurt Supes in a manner unfathomable.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #23 by Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra & Becca Carey (DC COMICS) continues its’ “Get Brainiac” storyline!
Let’s take a closer look at events.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #23 by Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
In the course of this series, Aaron has pushed Kal’s relatability to Earth’s residents to new levels. No matter what has been thrown his way, Kal finds a way to keep composure and represent hope. For this latest chapter, The writing questions ethics of life and death. The flashback sequence teases a previous incident which impacted Kal. Once the story comes back to present, it begins as any Superhero story would. That is the furthest place where this all goes.
Dealing with the mature subject of human (& more disgustingly children) trafficking, Superman is faced with an evil he can’t even process. His reactions are justified as he gets a hold of names in connections. Readers see the rage building as he hunts down all guilty parties. Once he finds Toyman, Aaron keeps the pressure on Kal’s moral compass. This allows for a brief moment of question to play out. Seeing Superman ever do this is startling enough. Readers watch as his conscience takes on the burden of actions. It provides a powerful finish while re-examining the cost and effect on his soul trying to save humanity from itself.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Ferreyra starts the art with Kal’s young soul finding a disturbing site. The lighter tone panels hide the horrors long enough to transition back to present. Superman’s search carries a dire feel with the panels on display. The dark overtones set up the disturbing reveals of Toyman’s schemes. A chilling full page image lets Kal see the true horror at play. His reactions are flowing with rage as Brainiac’s search is benched for a greater evil.
Readers watch as Superman extracts his justice on those connected to Toyman. Panels showcase the destructive nature running wild. It leads to a lone look at Superman letting his sadness sink in while in Space. A fantastic two page spread shows the reminder of the flashback to push Superman into the destined encounter. Panels fill with solid action as Kal keeps pushing through. His response is unforgiving as he walks a fine line for victory. This moves pages to an impactful close. Ferreyra exposes Kal’s true emotions pushing into a definitive final image, setting the course to the hunt to continue. Incredible work on the panels.
FINAL POINT: 9.5
An unthinkable evil forces Superman to question his ethics while searching for Brainiac! Aaron challenges the soul of hope with a superb script. Ferreyra unlocks a wide array of responses to the troubles brought forth. A stunning look at the Intricacy of hope in the Absolute Universe.
Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
