Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #4
Absolute Superman looks ready for DC's newest Man of Steel to embrace his dark side. Staging a one-man war against the incredibly powerful and corrupt Lazarus Corporation, Superman is attempting to save those the corporation is abusing and exploiting, while also trying to prevent the Earth from meeting the same horrible fate as his own. However, even those whom Superman has saved know Kal-El has been holding back (and they don't want him to).
In previous issues of Absolute Superman, it was confirmed that the Krypton of DC's new Absolute Universe suffered a much slower and arguably more tragic demise, the result of over-mining and pollution, to the point where the planet was being poisoned from the inside out. As such, this new Kal-El has recognized the Lazarus Corporation, with its massive global operations and paramilitary security forces, as the single biggest threat to the Earth and its most underprivileged. Now, Superman's war has put him in the sights of Lois Lane, an agent of Lazarus seeking the truth behind what he's fully capable of.
Lois Lane's Hunt for Superman Takes A Surprising Turn
Searching For The Superman
In the new Absolute Superman #4 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, Lois Lane is determined to speak to as many people as she can who've been saved and have interacted with "The Superman", many of whom were victims of the Lazarus Corporation's corrupt business practices and abuses committed by its cruel enforcers known as The Peacemakers. Having seen firsthand that Kal-El is trying to make a difference and save lives, Lois is trying to understand more about Superman (and is more open-minded compared to her fellow Lazarus agents). To that end, every single person Lois interviews carries the same sentiments.
Speaking to abused workers from India, Botswana, Brazil, Belarus, Mexico, Vietnam, and more, Lois tries to make these victims understand that she's trying to help Superman. However, they all tell her that they too tried to find Superman and failed, as he'd already moved on to the next Lazarus operation. They also confirm that Superman is afraid, not of Lazarus, but of the day when his anger becomes so great that he finally saves the world by decimating Lazarus and everyone in it. This is a day Lazarus' victims pray for, wanting the Man of Steel to crush their oppressors with no remorse.
The Victims Of Lazarus WANT Superman To Go Dark
"We Pray For The Superman's Rage..."
The concept of Superman having to hold back with his immense power is a common theme in DC Comics. After all, the idea that the real trick for the Man of Steel is that he constantly pulls his punches and demonstrates restraint highlights just how powerful he is, and his desire to uphold justice and the value of life. The fact that he could snap a common criminal like a twig and doesn't is arguably power in and of itself.
DC writer Jason Aaron is breaking his silence and offering insight into Darkseid’s connection to Absolute Superman and the other Absolute titles.
However, this new issue of Absolute Superman poses a much darker idea: how much harder would it be for Superman to hold back when those he's saving desperately don't want him to?The Lazarus Corporation is so gigantic with operations all over the globe. As such, it's more than likely that Kal-El may feel like he's fighting a losing battle, but only because he's striving to be merciful to those who've been oppressing the weak and underprivileged while damaging the world for the sake of profit.
Will DC's Absolute Superman Give Into Vengeance?
(Should He?)
It would be so much easier for DC's new Absolute Superman if he just unleashed his powers, adopting a scorched earth policy with Lazarus and leaving nothing in his wake. It would certainly be an incredibly dark yet effective way to ensure that this corrupt corporation never hurts anyone or abuses the world's resources ever again. Furthermore, this issue also confirms that he'd even be applauded for his efforts all over the globe with Lazarus' victims currently praying for the day when he does exactly that.
The established instability of Superman's solar powers is likely why this new Man of Steel will continue to hold himself back in future issues...
It's quite clear that DC is redefining the kind of hope this new Superman is bringing with a much darker lens, and it's fascinating to see it all unfold. However, the established instability of Superman's solar powers is likely why this new Man of Steel will continue to hold himself back in future issues. It won't be for the sake of sparing Lazarus, but instead to ensure that innocents aren't inadvertently harmed in the process.
Absolute Superman #4 is on sale now from DC Comics.
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