It is the final fight for Smallville and for Kal’s life as he is at the mercy of Ras. The battle reaches new bloody heights, and from the ashes will rise the son who was promised from Krypton.
Creative Team: Jason Aaron (WRITER), Rafa Sandoval (ART and COVER), Ulises Arreola (COLORS and COVER), and Becca Carey (LETTERS).
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Story:
This truly feels like a finale from Jason Aaron as he pulls no punches in the fight between these two titanic beings. Kal El is brought to the brink and to his knees, but what I love is how he truly never gives up, and he digs deep within himself, no matter what hits he takes. The loss of Sol hits exactly as hard as it should since we were with Sol from the start, and it was a beautiful sequence of sacrifice. The ending of this issue adds more levity and emotion, and feels as though a phoenix rising from the ashes with the death of Martha Kent, and I cannot wait for what is next.
The Art and Letters:
Rafa and Ulises craft such an epic battle between Ras and Kal with this issue. Ras is built like a tank and is menacing with every detail drawn into his muscles, and how frightening his face is as he cuts through Kal El mercilessly. The colors of greens and reds clash together, and there is a hyper realism to the artwork, which is a testament to how incredible this team is. One of my favorite scenes is a broken and bloody Superman who spits into Ras’s face, which seems like a minor detail but was perhaps the best panel in this whole issue.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Superman #14 sees a bloody fight to the death, and justice prevail but not without consequence. It truly feels as though everything has been a prologue, and we are about to get to the main story of Kal El.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
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