Absolute Superman #12
Scheduled to arrive in stores: October 1, 2025
Cover date: December 2025
“The Battle of Kansas” – Part One: “Sol”
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artists: Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola
Cover: Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola
Variant Covers: Jae Lee and June Chung, Kris Anka, Mattia De Iulis
Reviewed by: Craig Boehmer
The issue starts with a moment of lucidity from Martha Kent in the Memory Care Unit, she remarks about needing to get things ready for him because the storm blew past. We find out the storm she is referring to was Sol bringing Kal, Lois, and Jimmy to the Smallville Prairies where Kal can feel safe again. Kal reminisces about how Sol has saved him in the past, convincing him not to give up on humanity after the tragedy in Smallville. Sol convinced Kal to keep going, and even take a bath in lava. Kal later travels to the Philippines and has a run in with the Peacemakers, ripping one of their arms off by accident. Following the accident he fled to the Peak of Kangkar Punzum where he loses his temper with Sol and grieves the loss of his homeworld and family. Sol leaves him in a cocoon of solitude to heal.
In the present day Kal is again in a cocoon of solitude and in town Jimmy and Lois are at a café. They discover that the locals of Smallville love Kal, and love Lois and Jimmy for being with Kal. Kal travels to the Kent’s farm where he shares how meaningful it has been to have Sol with him in his travels. Jimmy and Lois join him on the farm to discuss what happens next and to prepare for the arrival of Ra’s. Unbeknownst to them, Ra’s is already on his way with an army to bring down Kal.
Story – 5: This story is barreling forward towards an incredible confrontation between the forces of Kal and Smallville, and the armies of Ra’s. Aaron uses this issue to flesh out the emotional toll Kal’s journey to Earth has taken on him, and to highlight the relationship he has forged with Sol. Seeing his reactions to the loss of his home, the loss of the Kents, and his accidental mutilation of another human feel earned. The character work Aaron is putting into Kal has been very rewarding to watch.
The growth of Jimmy and Lois has equally been important to the larger narrative. The quiet moment where Jimmy expresses his condolences for the loss of her father carries weight. And there dawning realization that the regular people in Smallville love Kal echoes their own growing admiration for the last son of Krypton.Art – 5: As always, Sandoval and Arreola put in great work. My only quibble was how red Martha looked on the first page. But Sandoval does a magnificent job showcasing how cool Sol is.Cover Art – 5: This cover is amazing! I cannot wait to see this confrontation play out in the comic itself. How will Kal’s fight with Ra’s impact the larger Absolute Universe?
Variant Cover Art – 3: This is a creepy cover. It looks cool and is well executed, but it’s just not my cup of tea.Variant Cover Art – 3: Fantastic use of the red negative space on this cover.
Variant Cover Art – 4: I like this cover’s emotion on Kal’s face.
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