Absolute Superman #5

Writer: Jason Aaron Artist: Rafa Sandoval Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: March 12, 2025 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 15 User Reviews: 31
8.8Critic Rating
9.2User Rating

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BRACE YOURSELF FOR A HEARTBREAKING TALE OF THE FINAL FATE OF KRYPTON! Kal-El's life with his parents in the rural Redlands of Krypton is a happy one. But when that entire existence is suddenly threatened, the Els have no choice but to make a stand...and fight for the truth!

  • 10
    The Aspiring Kryptonian - David Beasley Mar 12, 2025

    Obviously this part of Superman's story has been told countless times, but I can't remember ever feeling the incredible weight and tragedy of it all like I did with Absolute Superman #5. I think this version really explains the fundamental differences of the character while still keeping to the core of Superman. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Watch - Christian Laspada Mar 12, 2025

    This creative team is firing on all cylinders and producing one of the best series to come out of DC Comics. Absolute Superman #5 absolutely delivers on all fronts - with a captivating story, a fresh perspective, and breathtaking art. The narrative is strong, emotional, and filled with timely, relevant themes. 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

  • 10
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Mar 14, 2025

    Absolute Superman 5 really puts a unique spin on Krypton's fall with dazzling art and some tremendous characterization. This title continues wisely tackling different ways to show this younger Superman fighting (aggressively) for his convictions and why he's so focused on preserving Earth. No matter who he encounters. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Mar 12, 2025

    It almost seems like a running gag at this point I think that this has to be the month where the Absolute line loses a bit of its momentum, and each month the three books prove me wrong. Read Full Review

  • 10
    KPB Comics - Phillip Creary Mar 22, 2025

    Absolute Superman #5 delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant retelling of Krypton's destruction, masterfully blending the familiar tragedy with modern anxieties and raw, visceral artwork. The issue juxtaposes this catastrophic past with Superman's present rage and eventual return to hope, highlighting the enduring impact of loss and the choice to forge a better future. Read Full Review

  • 10
    But Why Tho? - William Tucker Mar 12, 2025

    Absolute Superman Issue 5 ends a stunning first arc. The first five issues of the series have been nothing short of breathtaking. The anti-fascist and anti-capitalist statements have been loud, angry, and cathartic. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Nerd Initiative - Ken M. Mar 12, 2025

    The absolute fate of Krypton is revealed in a tragic manner for this chapter. Arron pens a heartbreaking final stand with the impactful writing. Sandoval and the art team blitz readers with powerful images to close the past for Kal-El. Very strong storytelling with this issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    AIPT - Ryan Perry Mar 12, 2025

    By the end of it, readers can't escape the deep humanity of this work and its Superman-like desire for a better tomorrow. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    SciFiPulse - Ian Cullen Mar 16, 2025

    So far, this comic has used a lot of flashbacks, contrasting the fall of Krypton with the way corporations exploit Earth's natural resources and oppress its labor force. The narrative serves as a solid allegory for many of the world's current problems, and for some readers, it might feel a bit on the nose. Personally, I think Jason Aaron gets the balance just right. He captures the cold, inhumane calculations of Lazarus Corp, run by Brainiac, while also portraying the plight of the workers who are firmly under Lazarus Corp's thumb, with little to no health benefits. What the story doesn't provide, however, is any suggestions or ideas on how to fix the system it critiques. Now, that's something I'd love to see in a comic a template for how to solve the world's problems. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez Mar 12, 2025

    Absolute Superman #5 does so much to create an incredible close to the first story arc. Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval were at the top of their game with how they mixed the present and past into one deeply emotional story. By the end your left excited by all the questions that are set-up around Kal-El and the mythology of Superman in the Absolute Universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    The Comicbook Dispatch - Dispatchdcu Mar 12, 2025

    Overall, Absolute Superman #5 is shaping up to be a must-read for Superman fans. It promises a poignant and impactful story that explores the character's roots and the values that define him. The emotional depth and thematic resonance of this issue make it a standout in the series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Mar 15, 2025

    Absolute Superman showcases the best of the industry with every issue. This particular issue covers a lot of interesting ground on the last days of Krypton, and that exploding planet has never looked better or more intense. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez Mar 13, 2025

    Absolute Superman #5brings the first arc and the fate of Krypton to a close with a harrowing race to escape destruction. Jason Aaron put gobs of thought and effort into depicting the last days of Krypton, and Raf Sandoval's artwork gives you all the spectacle you could want in a world-ending drama. That said, Absolute Superman is a non-issue again. The destruction of Krypton doesn't tell you anything you haven't seen before, and the extra effort Aaron puts into creating Krypton's oppressive class structure comes off as flawed and superficial soapboxing. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicsOnline - Matt Sernaker Mar 14, 2025

    We won't reveal the massive twist ending, but there's no way to read this book and not be on the edge of your seat the entire time. This chapter in particular was worth the wait, and the suspenseful build was crafted to absolute perfection. One of the final panels will pull at your heartstrings, helping to solidify this chapter as my favorite thus far. Absolute Superman has been a consistently impressive read, and the dynamic twists on the Man of Steel's mythos continue to bring be back for more. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Mar 17, 2025

    The rich having their escape ships out in the open, taunting the lower class.The Els not only making a ship, but red dust tech so powerful it can create completely working space ships.Dozens of Kryptonians potentially alive. (A possible Kara is a positive, assuming she will be treated well.)The further devolution of Krypton from paradise to classist hell.An enraged Superman acting like Atrocitus for most of the issue.  This is the Absolute Superman book after all.  Read Full Review

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