Absolute Superman #9 Review

It’s that time of the week again, new comic book day, and we could not be more excited for the latest entry of the Absolute Superman series, Absolute Superman #9! The series first arc really set up a broad universe, but this second arc is where Absolute Superman excels. We have already been introduced to most of this Superman’s team of allies, though it is still unclear as to who we can trust, Absolute Superman #9 expands on that in such a brilliant way and effectively shows readers what an Absolute Justice League might look like, but lets save that for the Absolute Superman #9 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be relatively spoiler free, although we recommend you read the previous issue as we will be talking about some of those plot points below. You have been warned!

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue, we saw Superman battle against a more advanced agent Smith only to be narrowly rescued by the Omega Men, and the powerful Ra’s Al Ghul make a grand entrance into the series. In Absolute Superman #9 we see Superman team up with the Omega Men to fight the Peacemakers while Lois Lane is blackmailed into continuing her work for Lazarus Corp.

Let me start by saying, this issue is truly brilliant! It’s explosive, exciting and, more importantly, continues to build a strong world and narrative. Jason Aaron truly is an exceptional writer who really knows how to peak readers interests every single issue. As you already know from the rating on the review, I loved every moment of this and could not pick out a single flaw, so lets just talk about all the stuff there is to love shall we!

Since the Absolute series started, I have been hoping and praying for an Absolute Justice League series, well… Absolute Superman #9 make this all seem possible. As the Omega Men work to heal Superman, Kal-El comes to realise that he does not have to fight his battles alone and trusts the Omega Men to help him. After basically refusing help from practically everyone so far this series, well aside from Martha and Jonathan Kent, this was a big character development for Superman and lead to one of the most awesome team ups.

The Omega men are usually neither good nor bad, and it seems like Absolute Superman is staying true to that trait, but while Superman and their interests align we can enjoy the incredible dynamic and excitement this group brings – though that might be short lived.

Image by DC Comics

So much happened in Absolute Superman #9 that linked all the Absolute comics which has me more excited than a kid at Christmas. The introduction to Ra’s Al Ghul already made the Absolute universe feel connected, with him usually being a Batman villain, but standout moment from this issue was when Jimmy Olsen shared a moment with Superman, he mentions ‘the world’s richest psychopath’ aka the Joker. This might have just been a callout to the rest of this universe, but I really hope its just a hint towards the much broader universe Scott Snyder is seemingly building with the Absolute universe.

Artist Rafa Sandoval and colourist Ulises Arreola are such a perfect duo and bring Jason Aarons exceptional story to life with vibrant, detailed, and just purely stunning panels throughout. Any fight scene in these comics are as explosive as you would expect a Superman fight to be, Ra’s Al Ghul’s presence is dark and eerie, just truly stunning work across the board.

Once again I find it impossible to rank this one lower than a 10, it has earned it after all. The series can only get better from here, but I did not expect Absolute Superman to be so spectacular this early into the series with this only being its second arc. It leaves readers wanting more and asking themselves so many questions, its only flaw is that we now have to wait a month for the next issue!

Image by DC Comics

Overall, Absolute Superman #9 is a flawless addition to the Absolute universe, packed with complex and engaging storyline and exceptional artwork throughout. The bar has been set high for the rest of the series. Absolute Superman #9 also did a great job of bringing together the other Absolute series leaving fans no choice but to get excited about the future possibility for a Absolute Justice League series.

What are your thoughts on Absolute Superman #9? Is there hope for an Absolute Justice League team up series? 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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