Absolute Superman #18 Review

Another week, another Absolute comic ready for the collection is here and this week brings us the latest instalment of Absolute Superman #18. Not only is this issue the start of a new story in the series, but it introduced us to another one of Superman’s most formidable opponents. All hell is about to break loose when these two titans clash. Read on for our full Absolute Superman #18 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

A few issues ago, in Absolute Superman #16, we were teased with Black Adam during Hawkman’s origin story. Now two issues later in Absolute Superman #18, the wait is finally over and all hell is about to break loose.

Now, being brutally honest with you here, but Black Adam is not usually a character I care too much about. Never have, probably never will. That was at least until I read Absolute Superman #18. Though Black Adam is quite a complex villain, his very presence in a Superman comic has always just felt like a gimmick to me. Oh my god, no way Superman has to fight a guy with abilities almost identical to his? Please… We’ve seen that hundreds of times before. This time however feels very very different and I’m hooked.

Not only is the Absolute universes Superman still figuring himself out, but we found out very early on in the series, when it comes to Kryptonians Kal-el is actually pretty weak. Black Adam however, is an ancient being who has literally been around since the Egyptian times and has had ample opportunities to perfect his powers and become the strongest and best possible version of himself. Since Superman struggled so hard to defeat Ra’s Al Ghul, this could quite quickly become a blood bath should the two go head to head, one I am completely unsure of how it will end… this arc is going to feel like a battle of the gods.

Image by DC Comics

This issue has set up an incredible next arc for the series, dived deep into the lore of DC icons, and gave us great context into Black Adam as a whole, but it was disappointing to see so little of him in present day given the cover art. The present day story we did have was very exciting, I’ll spare the details to keep things spoiler free, but it was hard not to feel disappointed when the cover made it seem like it was time. Absolute Superman #19 however is going to be what we expected this issue to be.

Once again, the artwork in this comic is truly stunning. In particular, the flashbacks we see that take us back to ancient Egyptian times really bring their origin stories to life. Despite the fact that the story in Absolute Superman is ever so slightly wiggly with me, the artwork has consistently managed to top pretty much all the other artwork we see in any other Absolute series. Truly exceptional stuff.

In short, Absolute Superman #18 was not the best comic we’ve had from the series, but it does set up a powerful arc I believe can easily trump the previous ones. Though this might be a slower build up, it will be absolutely worth it to see where this story takes us.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Superman #18 introduces another DC icon to the series and sets up a compelling new arc you won’t want to miss. Prepare for the epic battle of the gods as this story unearths some of the darkest stories the series has seen so far.

What are your thoughts on this new arc so far? Does the Absolute universe do Black Adam 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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