Attention! Spoilers ahead for Absolute Superman #6!
The latest iteration of Superman from DC Comics has faced tremendous challenges, particularly during his escape from Krypton, which has been depicted as an incredibly traumatic experience. In Absolute Superman, we witness the profound events that have shaped this darker version of the iconic hero, showcasing a much grimmer origin story than that of the original Kal-El.
In an upcoming look at Absolute Superman #6, crafted by the talented duo Jason Aaron and Carmine Di Giandomenico, a young Kal-El finds himself tragically separated from his parents amidst the catastrophic destruction of Krypton. For more than a year, he drifts alone in his spaceship, wearing the Sol armor, which pushes him to the brink of madness as he traverses the emptiness of space.
After traveling an astonishing nine million light-years from his home planet, Kal-El reaches a state of despair so profound that he contemplates giving up entirely. He pleads with his ship, Sol, to cast him into the nearest star. However, just as he hears the call of the sun, his latent powers activate, and Sol discovers a potential new world.
Absolute Superman Was On the Verge of Surrendering After Fleeing Krypton
A Year and a Half of Isolation Nearly Undid Him
In the reimagined landscape of the Absolute Universe, influenced by Darkseid’s corruption, the challenges faced by DC’s heroes are indeed amplified. Unlike his Prime counterpart, this version of Superman grew up on Krypton, witnessing firsthand the destruction wrought by corruption and greed. Though his parents endeavored to construct an escape craft, the vessel was damaged during their flight, leaving Kal-El adrift and alone as he searched for a new home.
This setting intensifies the trauma for Kal-El. While the original Clark was too young to remember the cataclysmic explosion of Krypton, this rendition of Kal-El retains vivid memories of his parents and the anguish of their separation during those harrowing moments. The long-lasting isolation within a spaceship, with no assurance of finding a welcoming planet, only exacerbates his suffering. Although both incarnations of Superman have faced their own share of hardships, the trials endured by Absolute Superman far exceed those of the Prime version.
What Additional Distressing Transformations Have Affected Absolute Superman’s Backstory?
And How Have These Changes Altered the Man of Steel?
From the outset of Absolute Superman, readers encounter a Kal-El who is deeply scarred by his past experiences, teetering on the brink of emotional collapse. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that there are still more layers of tragedy embedded in his history waiting to be unveiled as he reaches Earth. This Kal-El has weathered numerous hardships, setting the stage for an even darker path ahead for Superman.
Absolute Superman #6 will be available on April 2nd from DC Comics, promising to shed more light on the enigmatic and tumultuous journey of this complex character.