Brainiac is always a step ahead of Kal-El who will stop at nothing to find and destroy him. His hunt to destroy Braniac will bring Superman to the brink and threaten to destroy everything he has worked to build on Earth. Kal has a choice to make, let Braniac’s mind games consume him and give into his rage or preserver, which will it be?
Creative Team: Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra, Becca Carey, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola.
The Story:
WOW, I don’t truly think we have seen Superman pushed to this type of limit before. This issue is largely narrated by his own thoughts and how Braniac continuously stays one step ahead some how. However, as this issue progresses Jason is working like a tea pot that is starting to boil. There is something horrifying revealed in this issue and as such we sympathize with why Superman reacts how he does. however, amongst the rage, the fear, and anger, there is a satisfying aspect of Superman destroying the rich through their possessions. At the end of the day this issue is personal and it feels deeply as such. We are experiencing Kal-El’s thoughts and the struggle he is facing as we go between his childhood and how it connects now. This issue is nothing short of amazing and powerful.
The Art:
The art team has put in some work in this issue and while the vibrancy we have had is still there, they have opted for darker tones and there are a couple art styles working in this issue. The team allows for our imaginations to run rampant as we spend time with Kal on Krypton and it feels like a softer tone much like colored pencils in a way. The present however, has dark shadows and darker colors as the rage is illustrated throughout the panels and continues to grow more and more. Becca is capturing his inner monologue and as he becomes more and more unhinged, the lettering feels bolder and bolder to me. The stark differences in the artwork with past and present hammer home how dire this issue is. It’s an incredibly moving issue that allows for the art to tell as much of the story as the words.
Final Thoughts.
Absolute Superman #23 is hard hitting and intense as Kal-El is hunting Braniac, who is always ahead of him by mere seconds. The mind games mix into reality and pushes Superman in a way I don’t believe any of us have ever seen in a comic before. This issue will leave you sitting and thinking with your own thoughts and is one that should be talked about as one of the most powerful superhero issue of the year.
Overall Grade: 10/10
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