Absolute Superman concludes DC’s Absolute Power series, and it might be the most mind-blowing installment of them all. After exploring Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman, it’s time to focus on the Man of Steel. But here’s the twist—this Superman doesn’t face a typical supervillain. Instead, he battles something far more terrifying and relatable. Want to know who? Let’s dive in.
What Happens in This Issue?
Forget what you know about Superman. This version isn’t the hopeful, idealistic hero we’re used to. In this universe, Superman grows up on Krypton with his biological parents. No rocket ship crash-landing in Kansas here. He spends his childhood in a society divided by class. The elite Kryptonians, called the Science League or “children of the sun,” hold all the power. Meanwhile, the less fortunate, known as the People of Steel, labor away in mines without any say in their future.
Corruption in Science, On Krypton and Earth
This isn’t some utopian, advanced civilization. Krypton’s class divisions run deep, and the so-called “intellectuals” hide some serious skeletons. The Science League, supposedly champions of progress, has a dark agenda. If anyone criticizes their policies, they face exile to the labor force. Superman’s own father falls victim to this harsh system after he questions why the League doesn’t fund interstellar travel. Stripped of status, he is forced to join the working class. Gone are the days of innovation—unless it’s for the wealthy elite.
Krypton’s elitist corruption feels eerily familiar. On Earth, science has also been manipulated by powerful corporations. Big Tobacco, for example, paid scientists to promote smoking as safe for decades. Then there’s the infamous Phoebus Cartel, which conspired to limit the lifespan of light bulbs, forcing people to buy replacements more often. It’s the same story—money over morals, profit over progress.
Climate Change Denial on Krypton
Krypton’s elites don’t just oppress; they destroy. The Science League recklessly drains energy from the sun and mines the planet’s resources without a second thought. They prioritize short-term gains, ignoring the environmental consequences. Superman’s mother faces exclusion from the elite class because her father dared to speak out about these dangers.
And just like Krypton, Earth faces similar challenges. Major fossil fuel companies like the American Petroleum Institute and Koch Industries spend billions lobbying against climate change awareness. They fund misleading campaigns to protect their interests. The pattern is clear: the powerful profit while the planet suffers.
Oppression in Mining
In a gripping moment, Superman disguises himself as a miner on Earth. He heads to Brazil, determined to help workers oppressed in diamond mines. These laborers face brutal conditions for minimal pay. Yet, this isn’t just a comic book story. In reality, many workers, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, mine cobalt for electronics under dangerous conditions. Corporations exploit them for profit, ignoring their plight.
Conclusion: The Real Villain Revealed
So, who is the true villain in Absolute Superman? It’s not a superpowered enemy or alien threat—it’s corporate greed. The real danger lies in systems that fuel inequality, devastate the environment, and exploit the working class for profit. Krypton isn’t wiped out by a sudden disaster. Instead, it’s undone by greed and carelessness—the very issues we face today.
In this universe, the iconic ‘S’ symbol doesn’t stand for hope. It’s a mark of shame of unskilled labor. This Superman doesn’t come from the prestigious House of El. He comes from Krypton’s labor class, the very people who suffered under the Science League’s rule. Absolute Superman is a stark warning: if we don’t challenge the corporate powers that dominate our world, we might face a fate as grim as Krypton’s.
