I Honestly Think Superman's New Continuity Is Turning An A-List Batman Villain into His New Nemesis

In Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, it's revealed that this new Kal-El had a childhood on Krypton before it was destroyed, meaning he was apparently never raised by the Kents on Earth. Growing up with no one except for his living suit of armor known as Sol, Kal-El has made it his mission to protect those in need, particularly those working for the Lazarus Corporation. To that end, this first issue sees Superman butting heads with several Lazarus agents and their "Peacemakers" after he interfered with their diamond mining operations in Brazil:

In the issue, Superman protects the lives of countless workers whose lives had been intentionally endangered by Lazarus for greater profit. To that end, I think I know who's in charge of this entire corporation, with Absolute Superman likely facing a foe who's typically one of Batman's classic villains from the primary DC Universe.

The Lazarus Corporation Is Corrupting The Entire World

Absolute Superman Has Been Targeting Their Operations

According to Absolute Superman, the Lazarus Corporation has mining operations and holdings across the globe, polluting the planet and overworking its employees non-stop. Possessing its own private military with several armed security forces and multiple Peacemakers wielding highly advanced weaponry, Lazarus is clearly a major organization with vast levels of influence. To that end, it makes sense that this darker version of Superman would have an axe to grind with Lazarus, as this first issue also confirms his parents on Krypton were part of the lowest laborer caste who'd both argued against the higher-ranking Science Guild, warning against the planet's aggressive mining practices that were endangering the planet.

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As a result, it's no wonder that Absolute Superman would be fighting to prevent the very same thing that doomed his world from happening on Earth. Likewise, whoever's in charge of the Lazarus Corporation must be extremely powerful with abundant resources and connections. While some might be led to think about Lex Luthor, I do think that a twist is coming for Absolute Superman and that the man at the very top has been in power for quite some time (perhaps for centuries in this darker DC Universe).

Absolute Superman Theory: Ra's Al Ghul Is Behind The Lazarus Corporation

Using His Immortality And Influence In All-New Ways

"Lazarus" feels like a pretty big hint that Ra's al Ghul could very well be the villain behind the corporation of the same name. After all, Ra's al Ghul has used the rare Lazarus pits in the main DC Universe to attain immortality and lead the League of Assassins for centuries. While al Ghul is typically one of Batman's most dangerous villains, anything is possible in this new Absolute Universe. Perhaps Ra's al Ghul has chosen to go more corporate in this universe, using his power at the expense of the world, rather than trying to save it as he does in the main continuity.

It also wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that the Lazarus Corporation's relentless mining operations aren't just about recovering precious metals and jewels. Perhaps Ra's is searching for the Lazarus pits themselves. At any rate, it would certainly be an exciting twist with such a major villain being behind one of the biggest and most corrupt corporations in the world, potentially becoming large enough that it completely dwarfs other companies like LuthorCorp in the Absolute Universe.

There's Still Plenty of Lazarus Mysteries To Explore In Absolute Superman

Like Brainiac and the Kent Farm

There are also plenty of other mysteries set up by Absolute Superman #1 regardless of whether Ra's al Ghul is the man in charge in the Absolute Universe. For example, a version of Brainiac looks to be in charge of Lazarus' R&D department, surrounding my miniaturized victims begging for death. Additionally, the remains of the Kent Farm belong to Lazarus for some reason, suggesting there may be a connection between Absolute Superman and the Kents after all.

It's also well worth noting that Lois Lane herself is surprisingly shown as an agent of Lazarus at the issue's end. As such, Ra's al Ghul potentially being the head of Lazarus is only the tip of the iceberg regarding all that could be uncovered about this major company that's become a key rival of Superman in this new universe. It's going to be fascinating to learn more as the new DC series continues from Aaron and Sandoval.

Absolute Superman #1 is on sale now from DC Comics.

Superman

The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.

Created By Joe Shuster , Jerry Siegel

First Appearance Action Comics

Alias Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent

Alliance Justice League, Superman Family

Race Kryptonian

Summary

The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.