Krypton epitomizes what could easily be described as a poignant cautionary tale for our times. It was once a thriving planet rich in resources, home to an advanced civilization that had far surpassed merely meeting their basic needs, drawing striking parallels to our own society. Yet, akin to humanity, they fell victim to overwhelming hubris, a flaw that ultimately orchestrated their planet’s tragic demise.
Earth, for now, has escaped such a fate, but escalating environmental concerns and geopolitical tensions suggest that unless we make some difficult, collective global decisions, we might be hurtling down a similar path. The resonances between our civilization and Krypton have not escaped the attention of Kal-El in Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval’s Absolute Superman, informed by his formative experiences on his home planet. He bore witness to the unyielding arrogance of Krypton’s elite, as both his exceptionally intelligent parents faced disgrace for daring to challenge the comfortable status quo and voice inconvenient truths. Moreover, he intimately experienced the struggles of the working class, as Jor-El and Lara were forced to navigate a difficult existence, scraping by on the peripheries of society under the oppressive regime of the Science League.
While the unfolding narrative of this new Superman offers many mysteries yet to be revealed, the initial chapter clearly illustrates that this incarnation is not particularly inclined toward universal heroism. Instead of promising to protect everyone, this iteration of Kal-El appears more focused on championing the rights and dignity of the working class.
This development is particularly noteworthy given that DC’s newly minted Absolute Universe aims to present superheroes who are reimagined to confront the pressing injustices of the contemporary world. These heroes remain inherently true to their core identities while also exhibiting dramatic shifts in their perspectives and actions. It’s difficult to contest that this new portrayal of the Man of Steel resonates deeply with this vision, yet it also harkens back to his origins.
If you delve into the pages of Action Comics #1, the very first page unabashedly heralds our hero as “Superman, champion of the oppressed! The physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need!”
This is how Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster originally characterized him at his debut—clearly positioning him as a champion of the oppressed rather than a broader savior for all humanity. While over the past nine decades the Man of Steel has transformed into a multifaceted hero representing the hope and goodness inherent in society, his origins as a defender of the most vulnerable, a fighter against oppression, stand resolutely at the heart of his character. Now, in Absolute Superman, that essence is revived once more.
This perspective introduces an intriguing reinterpretation of his heroic identity. In the traditional DC Universe, Superman is undeniably a champion of truth, justice, and a brighter future. However, the Absolute take on Superman reveals a more nuanced reality where truth and justice may not always align harmoniously. The profit-driven corporations that exploit marginalized individuals, like the Brazilian diamond miners introduced in Absolute Superman #1, operate within the confines of the law. Historically, comic book narratives often framed “justice” as punishing lawbreakers, sidelining the plight of those who abide by the law but face moral injustices. We reside in a more enlightened era now, where laws can be unjust, and legal actions can mask exploitative realities. The question looms: is it just to advocate for the exploited? The exploiters, represented by the nefarious Lazarus Corp, would undoubtedly dispute that notion, and Brazil’s own judicial system may mirror their sentiments.
In the debut issue penned by Aaron and Sandoval, Superman initially grapples with the complexities of his role by opting not to actively fight for the miners. Instead, he takes a more subtle approach—using his abilities to assist them by quietly mining and transforming the ore they toil over into diamonds, ultimately sparing them from the dangers of an asbestos-infested environment. However, when the Lazarus Corp and their intimidating Peacemakers aggressively seek accountability from the miners, Superman shifts gears, confronting them in a much rawer, less polished manner than fans typically expect, although he steadfastly refrains from taking any lives.
This moment marks a pivotal point in Aaron and Sandoval’s narrative—Superman’s decisive action carries a sense of inner turmoil. As we journey through the storyline, we can only speculate that these uncertainties will diminish, particularly if he reflects on the heartfelt words of miner João, who invited him to join in their celebration before their grueling work shift. With a heavy heart, Superman remarks, “I’ve seen the wonders of your world. And I’ve seen a lot of places like this. Industries that run on suffering. How do you know which is the truth?”
João’s response is both poignant and insightful: “You know. When you have what is worth fighting for, that is the truth.”
Justice is subject to evolution and often framed by the subjective biases of those who define and enforce it. Yet, a singular truth remains undeniable.
Absolute Superman strikingly underscores that the oppressed are undeniably worth fighting for. This principle was true when the inaugural issue of Action Comics was published over 85 years ago, and it continues to resonate today. Even now, Superman stands resolutely as a champion of the oppressed, though we have grown more discerning about the identities of those who perpetrate oppression.
Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola is now available in print and as a digital comic book.
Tim Beedle covers movies, TV, and comics for DC.com, writes our monthly Superman column, “Super Here For…”, and is a regular contributor to the Couch Club, our recurring television column. Follow him on Bluesky at @TimBeedle.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Tim Beedle and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
**Interview with Comic Book Expert Dr. Emily Carter on the New Depiction of Superman in *Absolute Superman***
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The new iteration of Superman in Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval’s *Absolute Superman* has received quite a bit of attention. What do you think are the most significant changes in Kal-El’s characterization?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! The most striking change in Kal-El’s characterization is his focus on championing the working class and addressing social injustice rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all heroism. This Superman is resonating with contemporary issues, embodying the struggles faced by marginalized individuals. It’s a return to his roots as a champion of the oppressed, a narrative shift that mirrors our current socio-political landscape.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting you mention his roots. How does this new depiction resonate with the original portrayal of Superman by Siegel and Shuster?
**Dr. Carter:** Indeed, it does. In the very first issue, Superman was presented as the “champion of the oppressed.” Over the decades, his character evolved into a symbol of hope for humanity at large. However, *Absolute Superman* brings us back to those early ideals. This shift emphasizes that Superman isn’t just a protector but also a champion for those facing systemic injustices, specifically the working class, which reflects the ongoing struggles many people are facing in today’s society.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned social injustices. Can you elaborate on how this narrative addresses those concerns?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. The story delves into the dynamics of power and exploitation, as seen in the portrayal of the Lazarus Corp and brazilian diamond miners. Superman initially helps the miners quietly, embodying a more nuanced approach to heroism. This illustrates the complexities of justice—how often those who follow the law can still be victimized by the very systems meant to protect them. Superman’s journey to confront these exploiters while grappling with his own moral dilemmas adds deep layers to his character that we haven’t seen in this way before.
**Interviewer:** The concept of justice seems to be central to this new narrative. Do you think this portrayal challenges traditional views of justice in superhero comics?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! Traditionally, superhero narratives often simplify justice as punishing lawbreakers. However, *Absolute Superman* complicates that notion by questioning the very integrity of laws and legal systems. In a world where corporate interests and established power dynamics often override moral considerations, the comic calls for a more critical examination of what true justice looks like. It’s a profound commentary on our contemporary issues, such as corporate greed and social stratification.
**Interviewer:** how do you think this transition in Superman’s character might impact the broader DC Universe and its readers?
**Dr. Carter:** This evolution could significantly influence the broader DC Universe by demanding a reckoning with social issues and encouraging readers to engage critically with the content they consume. As more heroes adopt this reflective stance and address societal shortcomings, it could lead to a new era of storytelling in comic books—one that prioritizes empathy, realism, and advocacy over mere escapism. This character development encourages readers to embrace heroes who fight not just for justice but for fundamental human dignity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights on this compelling evolution of Superman. It seems like there’s much to anticipate in the upcoming issues!
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how the narrative unfolds as Kal-El navigates these complexities. It’s a remarkable time to be a Superman fan!
