Absolute Superman #17 Review

Another week, another Absolute masterpiece hits the stores today for us to add to the collection and this week brings us Absolute Superman #17. Since last issue left us with Superman facing their impending doom, stakes are high this time around. But will this issue live up to expectations? Lets talk about that in our Absolute Superman #17 review.

This review will be spoiler-free, however, we do recommend you read the previous issue before continuing.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

The last issue gave us a broader look into Hawkman, a character which has been highly anticipated since his debut in Absolute Evil, though he might not be as bad as we first thought as these unlikely allies are forced to team up against a purple slime monster looking to devour Metropolis.

Firstly, Absolute Superman #17 gives us a little more action than last time, which at the time I thought I wanted, but after reading this issue I couldn’t help but feel like there is so much potential to Hawkman, there could be so much depth to this character, and yet it feels a little lacking. It feels as though we are expected to have this deep connection to this character already but realistically, we don’t know the first thing about him, and more to the point neither does Superman. Don’t get me wrong his first impressions in the previous issue do count for something but it just felt as odd.

The story in this issue felt like something we had seen before, but a new depiction of that, which I absolutely loved. Absolute Superman #17 reminded me what this universe is all about, the darker vibe, the horror-esque drawings, it really unintentionally highlighted all the things that were different between this and the usual universe we all know and love. This issue reminds us of how the Absolute series is able to so perfectly blend genres, in this case horror and superhero, by introducing this beast that I can only compare to a homunculus from Fullmetal Alchemist… truly hideous.

Image by DC Comics

I was however quite disappointed by Lois Lane in this issue. She was still the heroic Lois we are used to, but not to the standards set in previous issues of Absolute Superman, felt like a back pedal, which was a little disappointing. But I guess this reimagined Lois Lane is currently reimagining herself in this universe after stepping away from Lazarus Corp, so at least it is still consistent.

Juan Ferreyra remains in the hot seat providing us with some more exceptional artwork. Despite the few niggles I have with the characters in this story, I am in love with the design. Everything about it feels so fantastical and unearthly, which simply captures everything these comics have been building.

Absolute Superman #17 really highlights what this universe is about. It’s not the best Absolute Superman issue we have seen to date, but it definitely captures the essence of these comics.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Superman #17 captures the heart and soul of the Absolute universe while moving us forward in a story that is bound to be sensational.

What are your thoughts on this new arc so far? Does the Absolute universe do Hawkman justice? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section or on our Instagram page. Until next time, thanks for reading!

See also: Previous issue review

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