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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!
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
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
[RELATED: DCs Absolute Green Lantern Team Teases Hal Jordans Very Bad Day, Alien Encounters, and More (Exclusive)]While much of the issue is set on Krypton, some key moments also play out in the present, allowing Superman to almost move full circle. The sense of loss and isolation is truly palpable in those final pages, and it all coalesces into an unforgettable comic that is already making its case to be one of the best of the year. Absolute Superman as a series is exceptional, and Absolute Superman #5 is a must-read. Read Full Review
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oh bugger off Gabe.
"Wahhh! It's set on Krypton!" You're like a stuck record, every bloody review moaning about the Krypton story.
Who hurt you?
This was the book’s first perfect issue as we see the end of Krypton brought to vivid, horrifying life thanks to the incredible creative team. I was brought to tears witnessing Kal experience the gut-wrenching loss of his parents, his dog and his planet in a way that countless earlier DCU retellings have failed to measure up to. It also gives this Superman a clear mission statement that the regular DCU Superman lacks: to ensure that the horror of what befell Krypton doesn’t repeat itself, and which he sees already happening on Earth. I can’t wait to see where things go from here!
It’s fantastic.
I like a Superman that’s full of righteous rage.
I've been reading Superman nearly all my 61 years. Long before I could read words , I could look at the wonderful pictures of a man that came to save us all. The story so far I have enjoyed but the art today by Rafa Sandoval brings me full circle to why I love comics. His art alone is worth everything to a real fan of Superman
.Absolutely the best interior art yet. Before anyone says this or that. Remember we all love comics and we all love what we love so let the nay sayers say nothing for a change....JM
A very well-written issue depicting what happened at the end of Krypton, which felt particularly relevant in the current landscape in the real world. I have to acknowledge Sandoval, as well, as he's doing a fantastic job on the interiors, plus this cover especially.
This is the one I've been waiting for since the launch of this title. We get to see the destruction of Krypton, done in such an amazing way that will make you look at the world we are living in and wonder... and HOPE. The Absolute titles is my favorite part of the DC world currently, and I hope they keep it up.
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probably a cold take but this is my favorite Absolute universe series of all time. This is like if Superman wasn't self-less and was driven by vengenance of righteous rage. I am happy that Rafa Sandoval is the artist because this is his best work. I like Jason Aaron, the coloring, and Jason Aaron's vision of a different Superman. I think I am going to re-read this and the previous 5 issues so I can fully appreciate it. This was a knockout punch, and I hope this series will end on a very strong note.
Art: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Total: 8/10
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