At a pivotal moment in Superman’s illustrious history, the destruction of his home planet Krypton serves as a stark warning for humanity on Earth. A cocktail of environmental devastation, political dysfunction, and deep-seated social strife has contributed to the demise of Krypton. Additionally, elements of classicism and elitism have played their part, yet no graphic novel has delivered such a piercing analysis of these societal issues as this week’s Absolute Superman, which marks a significant entry in DC’s innovative series of reimagined superhero tales aimed at resonating with contemporary audiences. In this new portrayal, the iconic Man of Steel is depicted as having grown up amidst the struggles of a working-class family on Krypton, where he witnessed firsthand the derision aimed at his lineage. Now, as he inhabits Earth, he emerges as an ardent advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, actively challenging the powerful corporate entities that exploit the vulnerable.
Recently, we had the opportunity to engage in a revealing conversation with acclaimed writer Jason Aaron. His current work on the DC Black Label series, Batman: Off-World, similarly subverts traditional expectations about the Dark Knight, exploring the ramifications of witnessing humanity’s more cruel and indifferent aspects, a theme he also threads through his narrative for Absolute Superman.
Batman: Off-World presents a unique challenge for Batman by placing him in a radically different setting, forcing him to adapt to a series of unfamiliar circumstances. Was your approach in crafting Absolute Superman similarly avant-garde?
Absolutely, yes to that times a thousand. With Off-World, I relished the chance to do something unprecedented and refreshing by launching a street-level, gritty Batman into the cosmic unknown of space. This endeavor incorporated my deep admiration for DC Comics while drawing inspiration from classics like New Teen Titans and Omega Men, showcasing everything from my formative years that ultimately shaped my devotion to the medium. Batman: Off-World symbolizes that rich passion.
Absolute Superman magnifies that essence to incredible heights. The earliest comic issues that captivated my imagination were those of World’s Finest and DC Comics Presents. I distinctly remember clipping a page to send five dollars and receiving a spray-painted chunk of kryptonite in return. I even treasure my Superman nightlight. Absolute Superman encapsulates both my childhood affection for the character conceived by Siegel and Shuster in 1938 and the evolution he has undergone over the decades. It references various influences, from the iconic 1978 film to pivotal comics such as Crisis, paying homage to a broad spectrum of Superman’s storied history. However, we re-envision the character in the context of modernity; what might Superman’s odyssey resemble if he were conceived in 2024 as opposed to 1938? The one consistent narrative thread remains the explosive destruction of Krypton, but beyond that, readers can expect crucial departures from the classic tale we all know. Some elements will be profoundly transformed.
Although his journey, identity, and foundational ethos remain intact, it’s evident that we’ve doubled down on what makes Superman who he is. Everything we create aims to highlight this aspect, but the narrative is radically distinct and intensified. This characterization portrays a Superman who experiences deeper isolation, heightened desperation, greater anger, and increased peril than we are accustomed to witnessing. Nonetheless, resolutely, he embodies the true essence of Superman, now more than ever.
What challenges arise from altering so many core elements while ensuring the character remains unmistakably Superman?
Initially, partnering up with Scott Snyder to brainstorm this project invigorated and excited me, but it also brought about a wave of trepidation similar to writing my inaugural issues of Action Comics—attempting to give voice to Superman sparked equal parts exhilaration and fear. Creating a fresh interpretation of this iconic hero felt like scaling an enormous mountain.
To that end, I developed an extensive foundational guide that mapped out critical aspects, including the essence of Krypton, the characteristics of his parents, and how Kansas interplays with this universe. Once all those vital details were clarified, it provided clarity on who this Superman would be, facilitating the entire creative process. Our intention was to embrace boldness and adventure, ensuring that every modification was thoughtfully integrated into the narrative. For example, his costume—the choices made in color, the silhouette of his cape, and the design of his hair—were not arbitrary elements introduced merely for visual appeal; every aspect of his design reflects his character’s persona.
We are all deliberate in our quest to craft stories that feel contemporary and engaging. Notably, readers won’t find him mingling with Batman by issue #3—while there will be interconnected narratives across the other titles, those interactions will unfold in a purposeful manner that supports the broader storyline.
This series also gives a fresh take on the character of Peacemaker. What inspired the decision to include this iteration of Peacemaker within your new Superman narrative?
Without revealing too much, I will tease that issue #1 introduces a recognizable character that fans will appreciate. Multiple forces will converge against Superman; some will be familiar faces, while others will be newly introduced. Although Peacemaker is not the central antagonist, he represents a portion of a broader opposition facing our revised version of Superman.
How do you see the Absolute DC series in comparison to previous reimaginings of DC heroes, such as the Elseworlds and Earth One lines?
While it’s tempting to draw comparisons, I must clarify that this is not another installment in the Elseworlds series. My perspective on Elseworlds revolves around showcasing characters we know and love but placing them in radically altered scenarios; for instance, envisioning Superman or Batman navigating through medieval settings or gothic landscapes. This presents a unique opportunity to explore what-if scenarios that captivate us.
Absolute Superman, however, defies that mold—its heart and core are unmistakably Superman, anchoring him firmly to his ideals, yet everything surrounding him is fresh and novel. Crucially, these changes are not simply haphazard reinventions—they serve a purpose in relation to the narrative we aspire to convey. Rethinking Krypton, illustrating his parents’ dynamic, and deciphering the significance of the symbol on Superman’s chest—all these elements coalesce to provide a cohesive representation of who this character is. Writing this series has been exhilarating, and I believe readers will find it equally thrilling.
Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola is now available in print and as a digital comic book.
**Interview with Jason Aaron on *Absolute Superman***
*Interviewer*: Jason, thank you for joining us today. Your new work, *Absolute Superman*, has certainly caught the attention of comic book fans. Can you tell us what motivated you to reimagine such an iconic character?
*Jason Aaron*: Thank you for having me! The motivation stems from the desire to honor Superman’s legacy while also updating him for modern audiences. We wanted to explore the foundational narratives of his existence—like the destruction of Krypton—and how they could serve as a metaphor for our current societal issues. By depicting Superman as a product of a working-class family on Krypton, we aimed to intertwine his plight with that of the marginalized here on Earth.
*Interviewer*: Your approach in crafting this story seems avant-garde. How did you go about ensuring that this new version of Superman still felt authentically “Superman”?
*Jason Aaron*: That was indeed a significant challenge. To maintain his authenticity, we leaned heavily on the core traits that define him. I collaborated closely with Scott Snyder to build an extensive framework outlining his identity, his home planet’s characteristics, and how they influence his actions on Earth. By grounding these elements, we ensured that while the external narrative may change, the essence of who Superman is remained unchanged.
*Interviewer*: You mentioned your previous work, *Batman: Off-World*. Did that experience influence how you approached *Absolute Superman*?
*Jason Aaron*: Absolutely! With *Batman: Off-World*, I turned Batman’s world upside down by placing him in unfamiliar cosmic settings. That idea of challenging a hero’s familiar landscape also informed my work on *Absolute Superman*. We’re exploring new narratives and environments while retaining their fundamental motivations and ethics.
*Interviewer*: Alongside Superman, you’ve introduced a fresh iteration of Peacemaker. What inspired this decision?
*Jason Aaron*: Without giving too much away, the inclusion of Peacemaker is meant to provide a contrasting dynamic to Superman’s character. His presence introduces themes of authority and moral ambiguity, allowing a deeper exploration of Superman’s ideals versus a more controversial figure. The interaction between them adds layers to the narrative while reflecting contemporary themes of justice and responsibility.
*Interviewer*: Lastly, what do you hope readers take away from *Absolute Superman*?
*Jason Aaron*: I want readers to reflect on the powerful themes of class struggle, social issues, and the fight for justice that resonate deeply in today’s world. This reimagining aims to spark conversation about what it means to be a hero in a time when it feels like those who have power often exploit the vulnerable. If we can engage readers on these issues while honoring the legacy of Superman, then I believe we’ve succeeded.
*Interviewer*: Thank you for your insights, Jason. We’re excited to see how fans respond to *Absolute Superman*.
*Jason Aaron*: Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to dive into the story.