Written by: Jason Aaron
Art by: Rafa Sandoval, Fico Ossio
Colors by: Ulises Arreola
Letters by: Becca Carey
Cover art by: Rafa Sandoval Ulises Arreola
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: July 9, 2025
First Impressions
This issue hits the ground running and barely lets up. The emotional stakes are sky-high, but there’s a nagging sense that Superman’s soul is being put through a meat grinder—sometimes just for the spectacle.Recap
If you missed the last issue, catch up with this review: Absolute Superman #8 Review. Previously, Superman found himself caught between the ruthless Lazarus Corporation and the enigmatic Omega Men, who believe only Superman’s raw power can topple their enemy, in Smallville. The issue ended with Superman felled by Peacemaker Smith's kryptonite bullets before the Omeag Men whisked him through a Boom Tube, leading directly into the dire circumstances of this current installment.
Plot Analysis
Absolute Superman #9 opens with a critically injured Superman undergoing an emergency medical procedure, his body riddled with "multiple entry wounds". The medical team, composed of Omega Men agents, struggles to save him as anesthesia proves ineffective due to his unique physiology. During this agonizing process, Superman experiences vivid flashbacks of his homeworld, Krypton, recalling a past attempt on his life six years prior. He discovers the projectiles tearing him apart are "radioactive slivers" forged from his home planet, realizing "Krypton is the gift that keeps on killing".
As the medical crisis intensifies, all the equipment in the room is inexplicably destroyed, leaving the team blind to the internal damage. In a desperate move, Superman demands the clamps, asserting he will extract the remaining shards himself. The procedure proves too much, so the Omega men use a tool of last resort - a "Father Box." Simultaneously, the scene shifts to Lois Lane at the Lazarus Corp Processing Center, where she confronts Ra's al Ghul, the reclusive founder and CEO of Lazarus Corp. Ra's al Ghul asserts his control over Lois by threatening her father's life, whose legs are prosthetics provided by Lazarus.
Weeks later, in Karachi, Pakistan, the Lazarus Corp Peacemaking Embassy comes under attack by "Omega Men". Superman, now recovered, engages the Omega Men, who accuse Lazarus of slaughtering innocents and lying about their intentions. The conflict escalates, with Superman initially telling the Omega Men he prefers to work "alone".
However, the issue concludes with a dramatic reveal: the Omega Men are intent on killing anyone working for or associated with Lazarus Corp, forcing Superman to make a moral choice - support his rescuers or abandon them to stop the killing. The issue ended with Alpha Agent Jimmy Olsen captured during the raid and subsequently interrogated by Lois Lane.
Story
The story is a relentless assault on Superman, both physically and emotionally. The opening scene, with Superman undergoing a horrific, unanesthetized surgery, immediately sets a grim tone and showcases a vulnerability rarely seen in the Man of Steel. The integration of flashbacks to Krypton adds a layer of tragic irony, revealing that the very essence of his homeworld is now actively trying to kill him. The parallel narrative involving Lois Lane and Ra's al Ghul is intriguing, establishing a powerful and unsettling dynamic where the stakes for Lois are deeply personal. The confrontation in Karachi provides the explosive action, but it's Superman's internal struggle and the unexpected team-up that really drives the plot forward. The pacing is sharp, cutting between the intense surgery, the tense interrogation, and the chaotic battle, keeping the reader constantly on edge.
Art
The artwork in this issue is absolutely stellar, perfectly complementing the gritty and intense narrative. The facial expressions are particularly noteworthy, conveying the pain, determination, and despair of the characters with incredible precision. The action sequences are dynamic and fluid, making every punch and energy blast feel impactful. The color palette is rich and moody, utilizing vibrant purples and reds during Superman's internal struggles and the Omega Men's energy attacks, which effectively heighten the emotional and kinetic energy of the scenes. The character designs for the Omega Men are sleek and intimidating, further enhancing the visual appeal of the book.
Characters
Superman is portrayed with a raw vulnerability that makes him incredibly relatable despite his powers. His internal monologue, grappling with Krypton's destructive legacy, adds significant depth to his character. Lois Lane, in her direct confrontation with Ra's al Ghul, demonstrates her unwavering resolve and sharp wit, even when facing extreme personal threats. Ra's al Ghul is a commanding presence, his calm demeanor and subtle threats making him a truly chilling antagonist. The Omega Men, while initially appearing as antagonists, reveal a complex motivation, blurring the lines between hero and villain and setting up an intriguing alliance with Superman.
Positives
The comic excels in its unflinching portrayal of Superman's pain and vulnerability, making him feel more human and the stakes genuinely high. The artwork is consistently impressive, particularly in its ability to convey raw emotion and dynamic action. The dialogue is sharp and impactful, especially in the tense exchanges between Lois and Ra's al Ghul, adding significant weight to their confrontation. The pacing is expertly handled, keeping the reader engaged through multiple concurrent storylines and building suspense effectively. The reveal of the Omega Men's true intentions and Superman's decision to save the innocents adds a compelling layer of moral complexity to the narrative.
Negatives
While the internal monologue provides insight, at times it can feel a little heavy-handed, overtly stating themes that the art and action already convey. The immediate shift from Superman's dire medical state to his full recovery and engagement in battle feels slightly abrupt, perhaps glossing over a potentially interesting recovery arc. While the Omega Men's designs are cool, their motivations could have been fleshed out a bit more before their sudden allegiance with Superman, making their transition feel less sudden.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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