Absolute Superman #17
| Writer | Jason Aaron |
| Artist | Juan Ferreyra |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
Superman must save Metropolis from being devoured by his most terrifying enemy yet, the all-consuming Parasite—while the happiest man in the Absolute Universe, a simple family man named Lex Luthor, receives a fateful visitor...
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
This series continues to be one of the absolute best on the stands right now, both incredibly new and true to the core of Superman. Read Full Review
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10
But Why Tho? - William Tucker
Mar 04, 2026Absolute Superman Issue 17 shows a real change in attitudes within the Absolute Universe. Hawkman had been the enforcer and the authority for the last eight decades, brutally delivering justice. But now there’s something new. Read Full Review
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10
The Aspiring Kryptonian - Tyrone Tony Reed Jr
Mar 05, 2026Absolute Superman #17 genuinely unsettled me. What I loved most is that even in the midst of this horrific situation—the unstoppable threat of Parasite—the hope represented by Superman continues to shine through. This issue reminded me that even in the darkest moments, whether in people, situations, or entire universes, light can and should prevail. Read Full Review
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9.5
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Mar 04, 2026With Metropolis on the line, Superman must find strength within to combat Parasite. Aaron mashes the worlds of horror and heroics together for a huge win. Ferreyra absolutely crushes every aspect of the art this issue. He NEEDS to be back on a Superman title sooner than later. An intense read that few will see what’s coming next! Don’t miss it. Read Full Review
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9.5
Nerd Initiative - Matthew Roth
Mar 04, 2026Absolute Superman #17 finally hits the crescendo as Superman has found his footing in this new universe and has become the hero Metropolis and Earth have needed. Kal does burn play around, and neither does the creative team, who have been working to build toward this moment, which has landed effectively. Read Full Review
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9.5
KPB Comics - Stan West
Mar 09, 2026Absolute Superman explores why Superman is more than a superhero. He’s a symbol. Aaron shows that he’s a beacon of a better tomorrow, whether he’s inspiring the citizens of Metropolis or drawing a line with Hawkman. Ferreyra twists the book into the realm of horror with Parasite, before bringing it back into the light as Clark triumphs. Superman won’t be bought, and he’s making that loud and clear. Read Full Review
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9.5
SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen
Mar 11, 2026Overall, this was a really fun issue that frees Ra’s al Ghul and reveals Hawkman as an agent of Lazarus. With several intriguing plot threads now in motion, it will be interesting to see what further revelations await in the issues to come. Read Full Review
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9.2
Comic Watch - Christian Laspada
Mar 04, 2026Absolute Superman #17 is an absolute gem and an essential read. A mix of real-world parallels and Superman’s fight for freedom is the refreshing take we needed. The narrative is strong, emotional, and filled with timely relevant themes. If you’re not reading Absolute Superman, you are missing out. Read Full Review
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9.2
The Comic Book Spot - Jeremy Bonnette
Mar 05, 2026Absolute Superman #17 brings the full horror of Parasite and Brainiac, but gives us a good Superman message of standing together in the face of fear. Fans of beautifully horrifying artwork will want to check this one out. Read Full Review
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9.0
Comic Book Clique - Jacob Kent
Mar 19, 2026Absolute Superman #17 gives us arguably one of the most visually upsetting and disturbing entries yet in the series, but the darkness of the issue is countered by Superman’s inherent belief in doing the right thing even when the right thing is seemingly impossible. It feels as if every issue gently takes a step forward in making Kal-El embrace his role as this Earth’s champion and this latest one is no exception. Read Full Review
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8.7
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Mar 04, 2026Ferreyra creates some beautifully detailed and visually exciting art throughout the issue. I love the visual style of this series and the character designs. Read Full Review
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8.5
Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez
Mar 07, 2026Absolute Superman #17 balances presenting how horrifying Absolute Parasite is while maintaining keeping classic superhero elements. The balance between the two is struck well to create great concern for the citizens of Metropolis. Read Full Review
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8.5
COMICON - Olly MacNamee
Mar 10, 2026Hawkman, the Parasite, Lex Luthor and Brainiac. It’s quite the action-packed, well-paced issue that brings this partiuclra storyline to an end while promising future horrors that will keep Superman busy for quite some time. A series that was waning is now back on the up and up. Read Full Review
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8.4
Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj
Mar 06, 2026All in all, this series has been fantastic and this 2 parter was fantastic! Read Full Review
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8.4
The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge
Mar 18, 2026As a short arc with a guest artist, this was a lot of fun. We got to explore more of the larger history of this particular place, and a classic character I love a lot getting a new lease on life. The backstory issue before was a lot of fun, and this one builds on that nicely and delivers some really great stuff for this version of Parasite – who was one of my first comic experiences with Superman decades ago. I really liked what we saw with Ra’s in this issue, as you kind of root for him to change, while at the same time feeling awful watching what’s happening to Lex. Superman is the core, however, and he shines brightly throughout this even while getting a bit tired of Hawkman and his bought ways operating for Lazarus. Good stuff all around. Read Full Review
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8.0
AIPT - Collier Jennings
Mar 04, 2026Absolute Superman #17 shifts from a superhero narrative to a horror-based one, and makes sure readers will never look at one of the Man of Steel's foes in the same way again. Read Full Review
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8.0
Get Your Comic On - Luke Deckard
Mar 04, 2026Absolute Superman #17 really soars when it pushes the boundaries of horror, though it ultimately plays it a bit safe, particularly with Parasite. The Absolute titles take risks and shouldn’t be afraid to take bigger risks. There were definitely missed opportunities here to rattle the status quo. Still, the ideological clash between Superman and Hawkman is gripping, and the mystery of what becomes of Lex Luthor will certainly keep me coming back for more! Read Full Review
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8.0
Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez
Mar 04, 2026Absolute Superman #17 succeeds because it understands that Superman's greatest power isn't heat vision or super strength but the ability to inspire hope in impossible circumstances. Aaron's script positions this Superman as someone who rejects cynical pragmatism not from naivety but from genuine conviction that heroism requires moral consistency regardless of cost. Ferreyra's art transforms what could have been standard superhero action into genuinely affecting visual storytelling, using color and composition to communicate emotional stakes that dialogue alone couldn't carry. The issue stumbles slightly in pacing the rescue sequence and keeping Lois's role reactive rather than active, but these are minor critiques in an otherwise compelling examination of what separates genuine heroism from transactional violence.8/10We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media: Read Full Review
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8.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Mar 07, 2026Excellent second part to last issue’s story, with a great use of Absolute Hawkman and some very good Superman heroics. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
That was an intense issue. Let’s take it step by step.
I absolutely love Aaron’s voice for Superman .it’s fearless while also being warm and compassionate, exactly how I think the character should be. We get a reimagining of two Superman villains, Lex and Parasite. As for Parasite, it’s interesting that he’s also alien, that actually makes sense. The way he influences people through nightmares to drain even more of their life energy is a really compelling idea.
As for Lex… I truly didn’t see that coming. I’ll admit it’s not the direction I would have chosen, but I can’t deny that I’m intrigued.
The art is excellent. I always love seeing Lois, Clark, and Jimmy together. I also really liked Hawkman,very unique while more+ Like • Comment• Likes (1) -
10
Another perfect issue. Superman does the possible… by empathizing with others. Aaron truly knows what makes Superman tick - what differentiates him from other superheroes; how he’s able to inspire his community by taking that little bit of extra time and effort to remind you that you are not alone; and Aaron also manages to make Superman incredibly funny. There were a couple times where I had to put this issue down because I was laughing, and a couple other times because I was tearing up at how wholesome the story was.
Ferreyra’s art is great as always, the colors really pop. I hope to see his work in future arcs.
There are some cool setups for future stories down the road that I cannot wait to see come to fruition. Also… more -
9.5
The art in this issue is phenomenal
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8.0
Last issue was better but I still enjoyed this.
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6.0
This comic has an extremely odd tone to me.
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7.0