In Review: Absolute Superman #2 One Woman vs. The Peacemakers

Synopsis:  A fearless woman takes on the Lazarus Corporation’s toughest Peacemakers to capture a fugitive disrupting their mining operations.

The Story

Picking up from the last issue, Agent Lois Lane has successfully arrested Superman and is preparing to deliver him to the Lazarus Corporation for study. However, Superman has other plans. He attempts to break free from the handcuffs Lois has secured him with, but his super strength isn’t enough. Forced to adapt, he turns to the suit’s A.I., Sol, for assistance.

Sol’s solution, unfortunately, proves painful for Lois despite Superman’s explicit instructions to ensure she isn’t harmed. Meanwhile, the Peacemakers at Lazarus—following orders from their Brainiac-run computer system—watch the unfolding chaos with disbelief.

As the confrontation continues, Lois begins to see Superman in a new light. She realizes he isn’t the existential threat the Brainiac A.I. at Lazarus has made him out to be. This revelation pushes her to consider writing a more honest and independent after-action report.

Through flashbacks to Krypton, we learn more about Superman’s parents and their desperate attempts to warn the authorities about their planet’s impending destruction. These scenes also reveal that Superman’s iconic suit was originally designed by his parents as a tool for space travel.

Artwork

Rafa Sandoval delivers some stellar artwork in this issue, continuing his strong track record. As with much of his previous work, his linework is clean and precise, effectively conveying movement and energy, especially during the action sequences. A standout moment for me is a page where we see Superman flying or leaping alongside Lois Lane, both surrounded by red dust generated by Superman’s suit, Sol, which is designed to protect Lois while she is handcuffed to him. It’s a visually striking scene that showcases Sandoval’s ability to capture both dynamic action and emotional tension.

Overall, the artwork remains strong throughout the issue, and I couldn’t find anything to fault. It’s clear that Sandoval’s attention to detail and ability to enhance the storytelling through visuals are key strengths in his craft.

Overall

Jason Aaron continues to build on the strong foundation laid in the first issue, adding more depth and detail to the story. One of the standout elements in this issue is how well-written Lois Lane is. The context of her being a woman in a male-dominated corporate military organization serves as a perfect backdrop to showcase her strengths. Aaron skillfully highlights Lois’s resilience, intelligence, and determination.

I particularly enjoyed how Superman provides Lois with a different perspective on the Lazarus Corporation, revealing the damage it’s causing. This sparks Lois’s decision to write a more truthful report, despite Brainiac’s heavy-handed editing of her original version to fit Lazarus Corp’s agenda. It’s a strong narrative thread that underscores Lois’s integrity and her growing understanding of the world around her.

Overall, this is a solid second issue that continues to develop both character and plot effectively, with enough intrigue to keep readers engaged.