I just read Absolute Superman #19 that just dropped (5/7/2026). It’s a very solid issue with some big moments, a really cool fight, and a crazy cameo!
The Setup
It opens with a nice John Henry Irons / Steel semi-backstory, then jumps right back into the tense standoff from #18 where King Shazam has just woken up. The lightning against the black for Shazam and the red/blue for Superman looks incredible.
The Cool (and Interesting) Parts
- There are a lot of similarities between the two, both carrying the dust of his home up on his back. King Shazam (Teth-Adam, Black Adam) has been locked away for like 3,000 years and in his mind he’s still the ruler of Egypt (and the world). He thinks Superman is a pretender created in his image.
- Superman doesn’t have a ton to say when Shazam asks why he shouldn’t just kill his enemies, which was a little disappointing.
- The fight itself is cool. Steel jumps in with his hammer, even though he’s kind of out of place as these two titans clash.
- We even get a brief, but crazy, Absolute Batman cameo watching from a rooftop/tower as the streak crosses the sky!
- Hawkman comes back into the picture at the end and makes a funny comment about the whole superhero thing getting a little out of hand.
The colors and visuals in this issue are beautiful and really help sell the intensity of the fight.
Final Verdict
This is a very solid issue with strong visuals and big moments. It felt like a good continuation after #18 and has me excited for what’s coming next!
What did you think?
Was Absolute Superman #19 shocking for you? What was your favorite part — the King Shazam fight, the Steel moment, the Absolute Batman cameo, or something else? Tag me on X!
Originally posted as a thread on X — check out the original conversation here:
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