Absolute Superman #14 Review

Today is a big day for comic book fans! Not only do we have the long awaited Absolute Wonder Woman/Batman crossover, but Absolute Superman finally concludes its explosive Son of the Demon arc. We’ve all waited a long time for this, but was it all worth the wait? Can superman defeat the great Ra’s al Ghul? Lets talk about that in our Absolute Superman #14 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler-free. However, we do recommend you read the previous issues in this arc before continuing as we will be discussing the overarching story.

---

The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue, we saw Superman at the cusp of defeat. Now in Absolute Superman #14, Ra’s al Ghul, Kryptonite sword in hand, is a bigger threat than ever, Kal-El is ready to join his parents in death, Smallville is at the mercy of the peacemakers and Talia al Ghul. Its all to play for in this incredible finale.

Throughout the Son of the Demon arc, Superman has been tortured, tormented, betrayed and now beaten half to death – it has been no easy run for him. But all of that was essential for the character growth we have reached by the end of this arc. I think it is safe to say, after all this, Absolute Superman will never be the same again, perhaps for the better. Superman has learnt his humanity, realised he is no longer a wonderer but Earth is his home. This feels like a more familiar Superman, an icon, and while some fans might be disappointed if this comic starts to feel like a standard Superman comic, I am very excited to see how Jason Aaron mixes the old and the new in the next arc.

As much as I enjoyed this issue the end did seem a little anticlimactic. Superman went through so much, learnt so much, there was a perfect moment to reflect on that, a perfect moment for your stereotypical ‘I am as human as anyone’ Superman speech – a moment a lot of fans wait for – but nothing. Do not have me mistaken, this did not ruin this incredible issue by any means, but it was unfortunately a missed opportunity to please long time fans of Superman and really bring home Superman’s inspiring demeanour.

Image by DC Comics

I mention the artwork of these comics every review, and rightly so, but this issue is in a league of its own! The differentiation between reality and Superman’s subconsciousness felt so authentic. Everything is hazy like a dream, then we snap into reality to a literal battleground where Superman bleeds half to death in some of the series’ most brutal panels. Brutal, and yet somehow, so incredible – I mean just look at the picture above.

Artist Rafa Sandoval and colourist Ulises Arreola’s might be taking a break for the next instalment but they have made a lasting impression throughout. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say, I eagerly await their return.

In short, Absolute Superman #14 is a masterpiece. It concludes this arc perfectly, while moving the series in a directing that is both exciting and iconic. I’m not sure where the series will go from here, I try to stay clear from much details about the next arc, but based on this issue and the fact that the next issue Superman is rocking his classic blue suit so expect some inspiring, more heroic comics.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Superman #14 was the perfect end to a perfect arc. The character growth we have seen throughout was essential, inspiring and leads us into a more heroic arc for Superman as he becomes the Man of Steel we know and love.

What are your thoughts on the Son of the Demon arc? 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

• ShareCopied to clipboard
• X
• Facebook