Synopsis: Superman finds himself at the forefront of a bold new age of heroes in the Absolute Universe, but he quickly learns that he wasn’t the world’s first super-powered protector. Enter Hawkman, who has a few tips for the new kid, whether he wants to hear them or not!
The Story
In Absolute Superman #16, Superman crosses paths with Hawkman, also known as Dr Carter Hall, and the issue largely unfolds as a conversation about experience, legacy, and perspective. Hawkman makes it clear from the outset that Superman is not the first hero to try and change the world, and he won’t be the last. It’s a lesson Superman isn’t entirely willing to hear.
As Hawkman talks, Superman repeatedly breaks away to deal with emergencies around Metropolis, making quick rescues before returning to the discussion. Eventually, Hawkman has had enough and physically stops him from leaving again, telling the new boy that he still has a great deal to learn. One of Hawkman’s key points is that Superman needs to let go of his personal vendetta against Lazarus Corp and start looking at the bigger picture. Superman clearly disagrees and takes off once more when an alien-looking monster appears in the city.
Hawkman follows, and the two come to blows in a brief fight that ends in a stalemate. When Hawkman realises the scale of the threat, he steps aside and lets Superman handle it, though it’s clear he believes his advice still stands.
Elsewhere, Lois Lane heads to an interview and runs into Perry White, who effectively offers her the job on the spot. Meanwhile, Brainiac seeks out Lex Luthor, only to discover that this universe’s version of Luthor is very different from the one readers are used to.
Artwork
Juan Ferreyra delivers solid artwork throughout this issue. I particularly loved the flashback sequence at the beginning, which explores Hawkman’s origin. We see Dr Carter Hall on an archaeological trip to Egypt, where he discovers the Hawkman suit. The panels showing him and his colleague abseiling down into the tomb are especially well done and give the sequence a strong sense of scale and atmosphere. I also really liked the panels featuring Hawkman and Superman flying together, which help underline both the visual contrast and the growing tension between the two characters.
Overall
This was a really enjoyable issue that brings Hawkman into the fold and shows Superman that there are other heroes out there, including ones he won’t always agree with. I liked that we still get a glimpse of Lazarus Corp continuing to operate under Talia al Ghul, which nicely hints at future conflicts. The segment featuring Brainiac attempting to recruit a Lex Luthor who is the complete opposite of the version we all know and love was another highlight. All of these threads help build a much larger universe, and it’s fun to see it taking shape.
- Covers9.4
- Story9.6
- Artwork9.8
- Lettering9.4
- Colours9.8
It will be interesting to see how they bring Mxyzptlk into Absolute Superman (if they bring him in). I know you hate it when they gender flip characters Ian but it might be pretty fun to have a female Mxyzptlk who crushes on Superman like Peter Gadiot’s version of the character did to Melissa Benoist’s Supergirl.
Obviously they would have to avoid sexist tropes if they did that.
I don’t think villains need to be pre-emptively softened. What matters is whether their worldview meaningfully challenges the hero and fits the story’s themes. An antagonist without any coherent philosophy is often less interesting than one whose values sharply conflict with the world around them.