I just read Absolute Superman #20 that came out this week, and it gave me that “wow, I forgot how good this series actually is” moment I usually get with Absolute Batman. It’s not the first time Absolute Superman has done this, but it’s been less consistent than its Batman counterpart — which made this issue feel especially strong.
The Setup
We pick up right where the last issue left off with the massive three-on-one fight: Superman, Hawkman, and John Henry Irons against King Shazam (Absolute Teth Adam). The scale is enormous. The battle is causing worldwide disasters — tornadoes, earthquakes, and satellites falling from the sky — yet somehow no one is dying. That’s because Superman is actively protecting people the entire time, even while taking heavy hits himself.
The Cool (and Interesting) Parts
The art and visuals are a standout here. The black and yellow lightning paired with the blue and red creates some striking imagery, and the way the capes are styled similarly between Superman and Shazam is a nice visual touch. Hawkman also gets some strong moments, including a cool visual with his “shadow” perfectly on a plaque. We get more insight into, or at least a broader understanding of his mindset during, his 80-year history of operating in moral gray areas, doing questionable things in the name of the greater good.
There’s a really nice character beat with Absolute Hawkman as the fight goes on. He starts off much more willing to go for the kill on King Shazam than Superman, and… he stays much more willing to go for the kill, even seeing it as a necessity. However, he begins to believe that maybe Superman can do what he can’t (operate outside of the gray areas)— and that realization adds some real weight to their dynamic. A huge change considering he was sent, even paid, to bury Absolute Superman beside Oliver Queen (see Absolute Evil and Absolute Green Arrow).
We also get some big moments with the weapons. After taking serious damage (including a lightning bolt stab from Shazam), Hawkman and Irons (who holds his own for just a guy in a armored suit) hand over their signature weapons to Superman — Hawkman’s Nth metal mace and Irons’ Promethium hammer containing a miniaturized neutron star. Superman then takes the fight to the Moon in some very cool-looking armor while wielding both.
One small critique: There were a couple of moments where the writing transitions felt a little murky and could have been clearer. It didn’t hurt the overall experience much, but it stood out next to how strong everything else was.
We also get a glimpse at an (ancient?) Justice League, that didn’t want to share power with King Shazam. Who are they? Absolute Raven? Absolute Aquaman, Arion, Orm Marius? Absolute Vandal Savage?
Final Verdict
Absolute Superman #20 is a very solid issue with fantastic art and some genuinely big, epic moments. The worldwide scale of the fight combined with Superman’s refusal to let anyone get hurt (even while fighting for his life) is a powerful reminder of the kind of hero he is. The weapons handover and the shift to the Moon give the issue a strong climax, and the cliffhanger has me looking forward to the next chapter.
While it’s not quite as consistent as Absolute Batman has been, this issue felt like a step up and reminded me why I keep coming back to the Absolute line. The art carries a lot of weight here, and the character moments (especially with Absolute Hawkman) give it more depth than just a big fight.
What did you think of the fight and the way Superman handled protecting everyone while still battling Shazam? Tag me on X @NostalgicNestEg!
Originally posted as a thread on X — check out the original conversation here:
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