First Impressions
This issue is an absolute stunner, a masterclass in cosmic weirdness. It’s a surreal, disorienting journey that throws you off balance in the best way possible. I’m immediately invested in finding out how Superman gets himself out of this mess.
Recap
In the last issue, readers were given a flashback to Krypton, where Jor-El, working as a miner, leads a rescue mission against deadly Magmoles, setting the stage with a reflection on Kryptonian strength and violence. The story then shifts to the present at a Lazarus Corps Research Facility in Greenland, where Sky Patrol is shot down and ground troops are ambushed by Superman, now allied with the radical Omega Men. A news broadcast reports that “Timmy Olsen” is imprisoned there, a mistake that annoys Jimmy Olsen. Superman demonstrates overwhelming power, dismantling the soldiers and facility alike, showing his commitment to the Omega Men’s cause against Lazarus Corps. However, as the mission concludes successfully, Ra’s Al Ghul turns the tide when Talia Al Ghul, disguised as Primus, stabs Superman in the back.
Plot Analysis
Kal-El finds himself back on Krypton as a boy, witnessing the trial and judgment of his parents for heresy. When the judges turn their sites on Kal-El, he explodes in anger, killing everyone. We learn the memory is a false projection created by Brainiac in a remote Lazarus lab while Kal-El is imprisoned inside Brainiac’s mind-bending machines. The Al gul’s have tasked the cyborg with breaking Kal-El’s mind so that he will willingly carry out the Al Ghul’s plans for genocide.
As days past, Kal-El is subjected to countless simulations where he’s forced to kill. Still he resists and subconsciously convinces Brainiac’s cyborg subordinates to resist. When the subordinates revolt, Brainiac is forced to destroy them.
The issue ends with General Lane staging a rescue attack on the Lazarus facility to free Lois and Jimmy, leading to a firefight to free Kal-El. But when Kal wakes up, will he retain his humanity or will Brainaic’s conditioning change him forever?
Detailed Review
Writing
The writing is a masterclass in psychological horror, blending Superman’s noble heroism with a disorienting, surreal plot. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and perfectly captures the tone of each character, from Superman’s determined resolve to the Science League’s illogical pronouncements. The pacing is relentless, each panel a new discovery that pulls the reader deeper into the bizarre world of the Dreamweaver. The narrative avoids a simple “punching a villain” plot and instead focuses on a compelling mental and emotional struggle, which elevates the story far beyond a standard superhero comic.
Art
The art is a feast for the eyes, a mesmerizing blend of vibrant colors and dynamic line work. The surreal nature of the story is perfectly captured through the art, with each character and setting designed to be both familiar and unsettling. The colors are particularly noteworthy, with a sickly, ethereal palette that creates a sense of dread and unease. The layouts are innovative and experimental, with panels that warp and bend to reflect Superman’s deteriorating mental state. The artist’s ability to convey complex emotions and surreal visuals without sacrificing clarity or detail is truly remarkable.
To be fair, the shadows can sometimes be so thick that they obscure faces, but the dark shadows work to achieve a sinister mood.
Characters
Superman’s characterization is exceptional. The story peels back the layers of his stoicism and reveals his vulnerability, his deepest fears, and his unwavering commitment to his people. We see him not just as an indestructible hero but as a being with an immense sense of responsibility and guilt. The villain, Brainiac, is more of a concept than a character, a brilliant narrative device that forces Superman to confront his internal demons. This focus on character development makes the story relatable and emotionally resonant.
Positives
The comic’s greatest strength is its bold, experimental narrative. It subverts expectations by moving the conflict from a physical to a psychological plane. The story’s unique premise forces Superman to confront his insecurities, making him a more complex and relatable character. The intricate plot, with its surprising twists and turns, keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The surreal, unsettling art perfectly complements the story’s tone, creating an immersive and unforgettable reading experience. It’s a perfect example of a comic that uses the medium’s unique strengths to tell a story that would be impossible in any other format.
Negatives
While the narrative is compelling, some of the dialogue can feel overly philosophical at times, bordering on pretentious. The villain, Brainiac, is a powerful concept but lacks a concrete motivation other than “he’s crazy,” which may leave some readers wanting a more understandable antagonist. The plot can be confusing in the first few pages, and it might take a second read to fully grasp the story’s surreal logic.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Final Thoughts
Absolute Superman #11 is a thrilling and thought-provoking descent into Superman’s subconscious. It’s a sharp, terrifying, and gruesome comic that breaks all the rules of a typical Superman comic and creates something new and exciting in the process. It’s a perfect read for those who want a Superman story that is as intelligent as it is entertaining.
8.8/10
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