Absolute Superman #11 Review

Another week, another Absolute comic to add to the collection, and this time it’s the latest instalment of Absolute Superman, Issue #11. Last issue left readers shocked with one of the biggest twists of the series so far. With the bar set higher than ever, will this issue continue on the hype set by the previous one? Lets talk about that in our Absolute Superman #11 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be relatively spoiler free, although we recommend you read the previous issue before continuing. This is your only warning!

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue left us with the shocking discovery that leader of the Omega Men, is none other than Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra’s. With Superman and the Omega Men now a prisoners of Ra’s, who will free protect the citizens of Earth from Lazarus Corp or better yet, who will save Superman?

As the cover of this issue suggests, Absolute Superman #11 has a key focus on Brainiac. The whole Brainiac story was one of my favourites of the series so far, so seeing Brainiac play such a big part already was a highlight for me. But I did not expect it to be this good. Brainiacs mere presence is quite daunting, that with the torture, the twisted memories he is uses to manipulate Superman made for a great story.

Talia al Ghul’s part in this comic however was quite predictable…. at first, then she mentions something quite significant, something that just seemed like a homage until Darkseids appearance in Absolute Martian Manhunter, The Father Box, the box the Omega Men used to save Superman before. The Father Box has turned me crazy in comics before, it’s quite possible that this is what is happening to Talia and that is why she is this evil. Whatever it means I think it is safe to say where the Absolute universe is heading, Darkseid is coming, which will change everything.

Image by DC Comics

One thing I was disappointed by was the fact we did not see Peacemaker Smiths redemption arc after Superman saved him in the last issue. I am almost certain that is where his story is heading, after all it would be a missed opportunity considering the amount of love Peacemaker is getting thanks to the success of James Gunn’s series, but I really feel like Absolute Superman #11 would have been the perfect opportunity for his villain to hero arc with it potentially ending on Smith saving Superman from Brainiac. I still hold out hope for Smith, but again, it felt like a missed opportunity.

I find myself saying this about the artwork every issue, with good reason of course, but Carmine Di Giandomenico’s artwork paired with Ulises Arreola’s colouring is just a perfect combination. Since Carmine Di Giandomenico was the artist for the Brainiac issue I loved so much, it would not have been right to not have him return. With Brainiac manipulating Superman’s thoughts, the panels in Absolute Superman #11 were able to be a bit darker than previous issues, but in a strange way, this made them all the more enjoyable.

Absolute Superman #11 might not have been as explosive as last issue, but it stayed on the interesting path that was laid out in the previously issue and brings a lot more depth to Superman as a character and this entire universe. Jason Aaron has done nothing short of outstanding work on this series, the fact that it continues to grow at this same rate with every new comic is truly incredible.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Superman #11 continues to expand on the unique and compelling stories laid out in the previous issues, whilst giving fans a clear insight into the future of the Absolute universe in such a subtle a way leaving so much to ponder. Absolute Superman is without a doubt one of the most unique and interesting Superman comics ever made.

What are your thoughts on Absolute Superman #11? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article. Until next time, thanks for reading!

See also: Previous issue review

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