The Al Ghul's are bringing the Lazarus army to Smallville and are willing to kill everyone in the town to make Superman unleash his 'alien fury'. I'll just say again. Last issue was a bloodbath. What better reverse gut-punch than a love letter. And then let's remind everyone that we are still in the Absolute Universe by closing the issue with splash of troop ships and mechas closing in? Brilliant long term storytelling by Aaron and Sandoval. Read Full Review

DC has found a very successful formula with their Absolute titles and Absolute Superman's first year wraps with an exciting eye to the future of what's in store for Year 2. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #12 is a home run. It delivers awesome action, a killer cliffhanger, and poignant character moments. If you're a Superman fan, or even just a comic book reader who values great art and relatable emotion, grab this one. Read Full Review

This hero is probably the furthest from the version we know of any of them, but it's one of the most compelling takes on Superman we've had in a while. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #12 is an absolute treat and an essential read. A mix of real-world parallels and Supermans fight for freedom is the refreshing take we needed. The narrative is strong, emotional, and filled with timely, relevant themes. If youre not reading Absolute Superman, you are missing out. Read Full Review

This issue builds beautifully on the larger story. I especially loved the sequence where Lois and Jimmy enter the diner and meet Lana Lang and the people of Smallville, who look ready to face one hell of a fight with or without Superman's help. Equally enjoyable is seeing more of the relationship between Kal-El and his AI companion, Sol. The moment where Kal tells Sol he sees him as family is genuinely touching and feels truly earned in the context of everything that has come before. Read Full Review

A symbol of hope looks to find some before a dark destiny arrives. Aaron constructs a deep look inside Kryptons last son. Sandoval and Arreola unleash the emotional build with the art. After the last page, will the world of Superman ever be the same? Read Full Review

Sandoval creates some beautifully detailed and visually thrilling art throughout the issue. From the journey of Superman to the Lois/Jimmy story in Smallville, everything looks amazing. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman Issue 12 brings the series down from the boil, but only briefly. After so much bloodshed and violence, the issue takes stock of what has happened and allows the heroes to process. Read Full Review

Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval do an effective job creating an entry point for readers to understand Absolute Superman's journey post-Krypton's destruction. It informs of why he is the way he is and how that has made Ra's such a dangerous threat. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #12 resets the stage with emotional resonance and flashbacks, peeling back Kal-El's layers while setting up bigger confrontations to come. It's a thoughtful issue that mixes myth, humanity, and atmosphere, though a few choices keep it from being a knockout. Read Full Review

Very enjoyable issue that sets a foundation for the main characters ahead of the next big battle. The character work remains one of the best parts of his comic. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #12 proves you can pack a Kryptonian punch even when standing perfectly still. While the action crawls, the art and emotional honesty break new ground, and the characters deliver the feels, even as the plot pretty much finds a comfy diner booth and orders another round of pancakes. If you're hungry for jaw-dropping visuals and soulful character moments, dig in. If you're looking for narrative speed, bring coffee... and maybe a crossword. Read Full Review

Best issue since #7, less chatter with the Al Guls and more focus on Kal and his search for connections. Beautiful art as always, and I liked the writing much more this time. Lana Lang's introduction too, I can't wait for this arc to end and focus solely on the core of Absolute Superman.

My favorite current title marches on in its greatness…

I think I said this a bajillion times. But Jason Aaron has won me over. He hasn't lost his talent or was past his prime. He just needed a new motivation and a change of scenery. It's debatable between which Superman series do I prefer, Joshua Williamson's main Superman or Absolute Superman.

But besides the tight pacing, interesting story, Rafa Sandoval's art is the scene stealer. I legitimately believe this is his best work, and I just love the coloring. I just love Jason Aaron's writing for other Superman characters on how it's different. it's not cringey or out of character like his back end of Marvel comics. It's unique and fresh. This is why Absolute Superman is personally my favorite out of all the Absolute series.