Absolute Superman #2 absolutely delivers on all fronts - with a captivating story, a fresh perspective, and breathtaking art. Aarons narrative is strong, emotional, and filled with timeless themes of identity and heroism. Sandovals artwork complements this storytelling perfectly, with a kinetic, cinematic style that makes the action and emotion feel larger than life. If youre not reading Absolute Superman, you are missing out. Read Full Review

Is it Christopher Smith, the actual Peacemaker?  Anyways, this was a full meal of an issue giving us information, action, teases, and making me want more. As a Superman fan I am willing to see where this goes. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2 carries the momentum of its debut issue forward and creates even more magic. From Jason Aaron's compelling character work to Rafa Sandoval's stunning artwork, Absolute Superman is already making a strong case for being DC Comics' best series. This comic book is that special. Read Full Review

This is a fast-paced, thrilling read with some great moments, but it keeping its lead at arms' length means it can't quite reach the heights of its two counterpoints yet. Read Full Review

With a blend of classic and new takes, Superman makes a loud statement in its latest chapter. Aarons writing keeps the Man Of Steel soaring with hope. Sandoval, Arreola and Carey flood the pages with action and intrigue. In a short amount of time, this story has made an immediate impact with no signs of slowing down. Read Full Review

Overall, this is a solid second issue that continues to develop both character and plot effectively, with enough intrigue to keep readers engaged. Read Full Review

This second issue is chock full of everything that is making this series great. It's full of the core power of Superman, while letting the new deviations flourish in all the best ways. Read Full Review

The visual storytelling in Absolute Superman #2 is incredible. What this Superman can do and what he's about is shown to us instead of overly explained to us. This allows the written elements to focus more on dialogue and character interactions. It's simply well crafted and I can't wait to experience it more. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2 unleashes more than just chaos. It is a frenetic comic, delivering Aaron’s hardcore vision with unbelievable energy. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2 is a hell of a second issue that is packed with action but at the same time is focused on letting readers to get to know the main characters. It delivers awe and ends with a shocking moment that highlight the good that's at the heart of this Superman. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2 has a refreshing anti-AI/pro-humanity bent from his opening scene where young Kal-El gets called out for not using the Kryptonian equivalent of Open AI on his paper for his Zoom class, but make it sci-fi. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2 deepens the lore and intrigue with its unique take on Superman's Kryptonian past and its inventive approach to Lois Lane, blending action-packed sequences with slow-burn plotting. While the villain remains shrouded in mystery, the issue sets the stage for a compelling arc with vivid visuals and a fresh spin on the iconic character. Read Full Review

Overall, Absolute Superman #2 is a must-read for fans of the Man of Steel. The combination of strong writing, stunning artwork, and a compelling story make it a standout comic. Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2is an improvement over the first issue. Jason Aaron's script spends much less time on Krypton and more time showing what this alternate version of the Man of Steel can do. Plus, the art team creatively brings Kal-El's range of unique gadgets to life. That said, the script suffers from odd narration, heavy-handed messaging about the use of A.I., and weird action where the suit does most of the work.8/10 Read Full Review

Absolute Superman #2 continues to carve a path in DC's Absolute Universe as its most unique reimagining. Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval are proving to be a dynamite creative pairing revelling in the creative freedom of this new storytelling initiative. Read Full Review

Much like Absolute Wonder Woman #2 last week, this second installment of Absolute Superman introduces the titular character’s main universe love interest — with a twist. That comes to life here in the form of Lois Lane working as a soldier for the evil Lazarus Corporation. The interactions between Lois and Kal were spot-on and a great representation of what you’d expect from these two no matter what universe they’re in together. It may not be the exact relationship we’re used to just yet, but there was instant chemistry between these two thanks to Jason Aaron’s dialogue.

Aaron has introduced Lazarus as a symbol of corporate greed. Multinational conglomerates are destroying our actual society, culture, and environment in the name of power and profit and that’s exactly what Lazarus is doing to Earth in this universe. Their corporate mottos about peace and other empty “aspirational” promises are plastered on their weapons of mass destruction in a nod to Orwellian doublespeak from 1984.

I’m enjoying how Aaron is using Lazarus, which is revealed to be led in some capacity by a version of Brainiac, to introduce the ethos of this version of Kal (Aaron has been very careful not to use the name ‘Clark’ for this character yet) as a freedom fighter. These types of figures haven’t been known to be too forgiving to their enemies throughout our own world’s history, so it will be interesting to see how Aaron explores Kal’s moral compass when the characters is forced to make tough, ambiguous decisions. It was also fascinating to see this Kal spent an actual childhood on Krypton where he witnessed the reign and destructive nature of an evil regime. This background gives our new Kal a layer of motivation that our main universe version doesn’t have. Aaron has already built such a deep history in two short issues that he can continue to explore in future issues. I’m really excited to see how this evolves.

Getting back to Lois for a second, Aaron subverts her usual journalistic positioning in the form of her wanting to write a military report detailing her experience with Superman. In this new world, A.I. (another very topical area where Aaron’s script provides underhanded commentary) is king and nobody is supposed to think for themselves. When Lois is being debriefed after her encounter, her words are twisted to match an anti-Superman narrative, to which she objects. Her decision to write her own report being the moment she realizes she has a knack for using her voice to tell others’ stories was such a smart and fun way to give the character a core part of her DNA without just replicating things that other Superman writers have been doing for decades.

Artist Rafa Sandoval and colorist Ulises Arreola are freaking amazing! Exquisite linework paired with bold, emphatic colors create a visual feast. Sandoval is a master of motion — his interpretation of Kal’s icy breath was so cool! He uses onomatopoeia perfectly to give the book a surround sound feel during major action sequences and Becca Carey’s lettering adds depth to some of the quieter the panels. However, the best visual execution of the entire issue has to be the life and personality the art team gives to Kal’s sentient cape. It is somehow sentient (based on what we think is it’s ability to converse with Kal) and is able to alter it’s shape to accomplish tasks like shielding survivors of a battle from harm. Getting to see all the cool stuff this team did with it was worth the cover price alone — it was that awesome! more

Magic.

This was EFN' AWESOME! So, I am not the biggest fan of Superman, but I really dig the Absolute Superman thus far. This issue was a great introduction to Lois Lane, and as a tough as nails Lazarus Agent, she may just find that she has a knack for writing. The 2 sided story between earth & Krypton is being told very well by Jason Aaron. Rafa Sandoval's art has to be seen to be believed. I'll definitely be talking about this one on my podcast LUNCHBREAK REVIEWS!!!

I was more into this than the previous issue, which currently makes me believe this is my second-favorite of the Absolute line (currently). The way Lois described Kal-El is accurate, which is something I've really liked about both issues. What I'm referring to is the notion of him being rather quiet at certain times, and being more confident at other times. Sandoval's art was nice here, as well.

I’m really impressed and appreciative of how different the Absolute titles are to their mainline universe counterparts. Everything here feels alien—especially Superman. His costume and “cape” feel like true alien tech, which is really neat. But Superman himself also manages to have more humanity than anyone working for Lazarus, so he isn’t completely alien to the reader.

I really like the Orwellian themes that Aaron has put in here, especially with AI both on Krypton and Earth.

What a great book. I like how lois slowly trusts superman. I feel jason aaron found his groove again when he works with different publishers because he can write different and fresh characters.

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motorik - Dec 4, 2024

Spot on, Jason's writing has clicked beautifully with this.

daspidaboy - Dec 5, 2024

I gave Jason Aaron another chance because I think he literally wrote everything he could think of for Marvel. So his Avengers was disappointing and mediocre because he didn't know what to write. But for DC and other publishers, it's a fresh new start so that's why his work on Superman and other comics are REALLY good.

daspidaboy - Dec 5, 2024

Jason Aaron never lost his touch. He just needed to regain his motivation or write for different publishers and have a fresh clean new start

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An ambitiously Orwellian take on life in the age of algorithms and "AI", where people don't even notice how their own voices and ideas have been made extraneous to the ever-more-automated and controlled process of communication. I don't know if I'm convinced that magic dust is a thing Superman needs, but I really respect what Aaron & Sandoval are reaching for here enough to run with it

IDK. I didn't respond to the blossoming of Lois Lane's character the way I had hoped I would. I love Lois and really wanted her to be special in this series but if felt forced and a bit dry. The story seems ok and the art is fantastic so I'm still in it for the long haul. Aaron has proven he can write DC comics better than his last marvel ones and I'll trust him to get me to a good place with this iteration of Supes.

Art: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7/10

Absolute Garbage. Readers need to demand more from comicbook creators. Save your money.