Absolute Superman #18
Scheduled to arrive in stores: April 2, 2026
Cover date: June 2026
“King Shazam”
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artists: Rafa Sandoval
Cover: Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola
Variant Covers: Gerald Parel, Ben Oliver, Chris Burnham
Reviewed by: Craig Boehmer
In ancient Egypt, Teth-Adam recounts how his family were enslaved by the Pharaoh’s armies, and eventually starved or burned to death. He alone remains and, after hearing a prophecy of a savior, vows to seek out the power necessary to save his people. His journey takes him to the desert where he is abducted by the Brainiacs who, hearing his desires, experiment on him with new technology.
In the present Kal is playing with a much more docile Parasite while speaking to Jimmy. He then learns that Lois is tracking the al Ghuls in an abandoned Gates building. In the building, the al Ghuls have found another Lazarus Pit, which Ras starts to destroy, arguing about the change that Superman wrought upon him. While they argue Lois shows up threatening to kill Talia for the murder of her father. Talia and Lois then begin to argue until Kal shows up. Elsewhere in the facility Talia’s Peacemakers are debating whether they should provide back up, when an armored man with a hammer destroys all their armored forms, claiming that he designed them.
Back with Superman, Ras begs his daughter to move the fight elsewhere, because he does not want to awake something else in this building. His cries come too late as the battle awakens a black cloaked man calling himself King Shaza.
Story – 5: This was a great issue. It introduced us to the Absolute versions of two fantastic characters, Black Adam, and Steel. Both, so far, are exciting new versions of the characters. I also loved that Ra’s stayed true to the change that Superman wrought in him over their time together. His desire to destroy the Lazarus Pit, vindicated the message of hope that Superman brings in this book. The use of Brainiac as the creator of King Shazam intrigued me, it more directly ties King Shazam to the al Ghuls, and the larger story. I do want to see more time spent on actual Superman villains, but Black Adam (King Shazam) is a villain that I enjoy going head to head with Superman.
Art – 5: I really enjoyed the work of Juan Ferreyra on the previous issues, and hope he comes back long-term, but I do love the aesthetic vibe that Sandoval has for this world. It is unique compared to the other Absolute books on the shelves.
Cover Art – 5: Great cover showing the threat of the oncoming King Shazam.
Variant Cover Art – 4: This Superman looks so much thicker than Absolute Superman is typically depicted. Wow he did not skip leg day.
Variant Cover Art – 3: A fine cover, but not one that gets me excited for the book.
Variant Cover Art – 3: The art is great in this image, but it does look boring to me.
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