Absolute Superman has finally arrived, bringing with it a fresh yet deeply profound perspective on one of the most iconic superheroes in the DC Universe. As part of the ongoing Absolute series, which has garnered widespread praise for its stunning presentation and complex storytelling, Absolute Superman takes us back to the origins of Kal-El—before he was Superman, before he became the beacon of hope for Earth. This comic delves into his early life on Krypton, offering us a glimpse of the planet that shaped the hero we know today.
The Absolute series has set a high bar for comic book storytelling, often combining exquisite art with deep, thought-provoking narratives that expand on familiar characters. With Absolute Superman, DC once again delivers a gripping tale that’s not just about powers or saving the day, but about understanding the responsibility that comes with having such immense abilities.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the story, its themes, and its implications for Superman’s journey. We’ll explore how Absolute Superman revisits the iconic mythology of the Man of Steel, reimagining his origins, and what makes this particular retelling stand out in the crowded world of Superman stories. From the lavish cities of Krypton to the haunting, inevitable fall of the planet, this is a story that redefines Superman in ways both familiar and new.
Krypton: A Planet on the Brink
Krypton, once a thriving planet with advanced technologies and complex societies, is a place of striking contrasts. The planet’s cities, such as Kandor, were marvels of engineering, filled with towering structures powered by lava-based energy plants and super capacitors made from Sunstone crystal. These cities were home to the elite members of Kryptonian society, the clerics of the Science League, who devoted their lives to harnessing the planet’s energies in an unyielding pursuit of progress.
Yet, despite the advances and knowledge, this relentless drive for power came at a cost. The Science League, considered the ruling class of Krypton, had one goal: to propel the planet into an era of unmatched scientific achievement. Their influence was unmatched, and their thirst for progress was insatiable. However, this came at the expense of the planet’s resources and its everyday people.
While the elite basked in their advancements, the rest of Krypton’s population, particularly the working class, struggled. The people living outside the pristine cities, like farmers, found themselves under the thumb of the powerful Sky Department. This was the department that controlled something as basic and essential as the rain—a vital resource for survival on Krypton’s harsh landscape. The working-class Kryptonians were at the mercy of this system, forced to pay exorbitant fees just to secure rainfall for their crops. This stark divide between the ruling class and the rest of Krypton’s population paints a troubling picture of inequality—a theme that resonates deeply in the world of Absolute Superman.
The Farmer’s Struggles and Lara L’s Role
In the midst of Krypton’s stark social divides, we are introduced to Lara L, a mechanic working on a small Kryptonian farm. While most would expect her to be involved in the higher scientific circles of Krypton, Lara is depicted as a grounded and resourceful figure, one of the many working-class Kryptonians striving to make a living. She is shown helping a farmer fix his harvester, a symbol of the challenges faced by those outside the city centers.
Through their conversation, we learn that the Sky Department, which controls the rain, is part of the elite class. The farmer explains how he must pay an exorbitant fee to the Sky Department to purchase rain for his crops. This crucial moment in the story highlights the immense gap between the ruling class and the ordinary citizens, underscoring how even something as vital as rain is commodified for profit.
When Lara finishes repairing the harvester, the farmer offers to pay her with a basket of harvest produce. This exchange is not just a simple transaction; it symbolizes the struggles of everyday Kryptonians, those whose labor sustains the elite but who are often ignored or underappreciated by the ruling class. Lara, as a mechanic, embodies the ingenuity and resilience of the working class, struggling within a system that seems designed to benefit the powerful while disregarding the needs of the people.
The Birth of Kal-El and the Legacy of Krypton
Amidst the tensions of Krypton’s declining society, we are introduced to Kal-El, the son of Lara L and Jor-El, one of Krypton’s greatest scientific minds. The birth of Kal-El represents a fusion of two distinct elements of Kryptonian society: the scientific intellect of Jor-El and the grounded, practical wisdom of Lara L. Kal-El’s heritage would not only shape his destiny but also play a pivotal role in the future of Krypton itself.
Jor-El, a member of the scientific elite, had his own ambitions for Krypton’s future. However, his work came to be seen as increasingly at odds with the ruling class, who valued progress at any cost. His warnings about the imminent destruction of Krypton were ignored by the Science League, who were so consumed by their technological pursuits that they failed to see the planet’s inevitable demise.
Lara L, on the other hand, came from a different world—a world of practical labor and daily struggle. Her perspective on Krypton’s society was shaped by the challenges of working with her hands and understanding the needs of those who lived far outside the cities. Together, Jor-El and Lara L represented Krypton’s last hope. Their son, Kal-El, would carry both their legacies: the intellect of his father and the resilience of his mother. But, as we know, Kal-El would not grow up on Krypton. His journey would take him far beyond the planet’s dying borders.
Transition to Earth: Kal-El’s Journey
Kal-El’s transition from Krypton to Earth is more than just a physical journey—it is the beginning of his transformation from an innocent child to the iconic Superman. As Krypton crumbled, Kal-El was sent to Earth by his parents, who hoped that he would survive where their planet had failed. His arrival on Earth would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Superman mythos, one that would see him struggle with his identity, his Kryptonian heritage, and his place in the universe.
On Earth, Kal-El would grow up in the small town of Smallville, raised by the kind-hearted Kent family. His powers, granted by Earth’s yellow sun, would set him apart from others, but it was his Kryptonian upbringing and the values instilled by his parents that would shape his sense of justice and responsibility.
As he matured, Kal-El would face the monumental task of reconciling the legacy of Krypton with the moral code he developed on Earth. While his Kryptonian heritage granted him extraordinary abilities, it also came with the weight of Krypton’s failure—a failure that Kal-El would carry with him for the rest of his life. He would struggle not only with the responsibility of his powers but also with the immense loss of his home planet and the question of whether Krypton’s mistakes would repeat on Earth.
Themes of Power and Responsibility
At the heart of Absolute Superman lies a timeless theme: the tension between power and responsibility. This is the essence of Superman’s character and what makes him such a compelling hero. From Krypton’s elite class seeking progress at all costs to Kal-El’s internal struggle on Earth, the story asks a crucial question: How do you wield power responsibly?
In Krypton’s case, the elite class’s pursuit of knowledge and scientific advancement came at the expense of the planet’s future. Their unrelenting quest for progress, without consideration for the greater good or ethical responsibility, led to the planet’s downfall. This mirrors the challenges faced by many heroes in the DC universe, who must balance the power they possess with the consequences of their actions.
For Kal-El, this theme is even more personal. Raised with the ideals of truth, justice, and the protection of innocent life, he must constantly question how to use his immense powers without becoming like the elites of Krypton who were blinded by their own pursuits. The struggle between upholding the values of his parents and the looming shadow of Krypton’s legacy serves as a constant reminder that power must be wielded wisely.
Superman’s journey is not just about saving the world—it’s about understanding the moral implications of that power and accepting the burden of responsibility. As Kal-El grapples with the mistakes of Krypton, he realizes that the power he possesses is not a gift but a responsibility. His journey becomes one of redemption, not just for himself but for the ideals Krypton failed to uphold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Absolute Superman offers more than just a retelling of Superman’s origin story; it provides a deep exploration of Krypton’s rise and fall, the complex relationships between its people, and the consequences of unchecked progress. The series delves into themes of power, responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas that come with being gifted with extraordinary abilities.
As we’ve seen, Superman’s journey isn’t just about saving the world—it’s about understanding the weight of his powers and how they shape his actions and decisions. The legacy of Krypton, particularly the mistakes of its ruling class, is a constant presence in Kal-El’s life, reminding him that even the greatest of civilizations can crumble when they fail to respect the balance between progress and ethical responsibility.
For Superman, his Kryptonian heritage represents both a gift and a burden. The fall of Krypton serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, while his time on Earth allows him to define his own legacy. His struggle to reconcile these two worlds—his Kryptonian past and his Earth-bound future—adds a rich layer of depth to his character.
As the story of Absolute Superman continues to unfold, it promises to further explore these themes, bringing new dimensions to the Man of Steel’s ever-evolving mythos. In doing so, it solidifies Superman’s place not only as a symbol of strength but as a figure of moral complexity, reflecting the eternal battle between power and responsibility.
This story isn’t just about the fall of Krypton or the rise of Superman—it’s about the ongoing journey of understanding what it truly means to be a hero, and what it takes to live up to that mantle. With Absolute Superman, DC has delivered yet another unforgettable chapter in the Superman saga, one that will leave fans reflecting on the timeless lessons of power, sacrifice, and responsibility long after the final page is turned.
