Absolute Superman #15: A New Era of Heroism and Struggle

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #15

DC’s Absolute Universe is redefining what Superman looks like, not only when he stops holding back (but also when he can't stop). Now that a new era has come for this brand-new Man of Steel, we're being shown the true burden of one of Superman's most classic powers.

As seen in the new Absolute Superman #15 by Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra, Superman is wearing a more classic blue suit while also attempting to protect the world, just like we've always seen from the mainline Man of Steel. However, Absolute Superman seems to be facing a deeper and far more visible struggle when it comes to trying to save the world.

It's A New Era For Absolute Superman, And He's All Over the Place (Literally)

Following the Siege of Smallville and Absolute's Superman brutal clash with Ra’s al Ghul and Lazarus Corp, Kal-El has committed himself to saving and protecting the world. Not only does this look like Superman trying to maintain Kent Farm in Jon and Martha's memory, but also answering cries for help and taking on more corrupt corporations like Lazarus (including the Toyman's).

However, we soon see that Kal-El's super-hearing is leaving him unable to ignore suffering anywhere on Earth. Every scream, every plea, and every voice of desperation is heard, resulting in Absolute Superman feeling like he can't ignore or neglect any of them if he can help it (even if that means running himself ragged and neglecting himself).

This Superman Is Trying To Save The World Non-Stop (And It's Tragic)

With every page of this new issue, Absolute Superman's relentless determination becomes all kinds of tragic. He clearly believes stopping for rest means failing someone else, forcing him to run himself into the ground, desperately trying not to lose another world he calls home.

Throughout the issue, we see Kal-El repairing dams, saving boats during hurricanes, swallowing fires in the Amazon, all while returning to Smallville to try and keep the Kent farm alive to honor the family he’s already lost. There are even more quiet moments that prove Superman is literally trying to do everything all at once, including reading poetry to an incarcerated Ra's al Ghul before he dies.

However, the breaking point comes when Kal-El helps a young girl before she dies of cancer, realizing even he can't save everyone. His anguished scream, loud enough to shake satellites from orbit, clearly proves we have a Superman who's being pushed beyond even his impressive endurance.

It's deeply human, especially considering this younger Superman isn't yet sure if he has what it takes to inspire the world like Lois Lane believes he can. Ironically, the struggle in and of itself is tragically inspiring in its own right with this brand-new era for Absolute Superman.

Absolute Superman #15 is on sale now from DC Comics.