Absolute Superman #1 completes DC's new Absolute trinity
Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval goes on sale, reimagining Kal-El without his family, Fortress or home in DC's Absolute Universe.
On 6 November 2024, a very different Man of Steel landed on comic shop shelves. Absolute Superman #1, by writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval, completed the trinity of DC’s new Absolute Universe.
What we know
The Absolute line, launched under DC’s All In banner, reimagines DC’s biggest heroes with familiar origins but fewer advantages. This Kal-El is still the last son of Krypton, but he has no adoptive family, no Fortress of Solitude and no home to return to. DC’s own preview posed the question of whether he can still be a symbol of hope in such a hostile world.
Aaron’s story draws on class and exploitation. DC’s coverage highlighted that this Kal-El grew up in a working-class family on Krypton, and the first issue sets him against those who exploit miners, while keeping his refusal to kill. Ulises Arreola provided colours, and the issue followed Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman.
Why it matters
Absolute Superman became one of DC’s most talked-about series. Its “Get Brainiac” arc reached a finale in issue #25 in November 2026. New to Superman comics? Try our Superman comics reading order, and for the lost world behind every version of Kal-El, Krypton explained.
From the archive: written in November 2026 from the original reporting linked below.
Questions
What is Absolute Superman?
A reimagined Superman in DC's Absolute Universe: still Krypton's last survivor, but without the support and resources of the classic version.
Who writes Absolute Superman?
Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval.
Original reporting
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