Kal-El is on the run. After an encounter with the Lazarus Corp., the Last Son Of Krypton made some enemies. One soldier looking for more information is Lois Lane. Lane’s initial run-in with El has begun to consumer her. This doesn’t sit well with some new players known as the Omega Men. Something has to give.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #4 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey brings forth another explosive chapter to the Absolute Universe.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding now!
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #4 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Aaron moves the spotlight to Lois Lane for the majority of the issue. Right from the start, Lane’s journalism skills start appearing in her soldier persona. Readers watch as she starts interviewing Superman witnesses. The quest for knowledge leads her into a needed conversation. General Sam Lane comes across as a gruff, concerned parent. It plays well of Lois’s inquisitive mind. The result ushers in some new (and old faces) into the field.
Readers watch as the Omega Men are introduced. Aaron twists their familiar concept. The run-in starts turning into a “cat and Mouse” confrontation. This only becomes more complicated with Peacemakers. With an inflated cast for this chapter, pacing steers into a direct close. It is vintage Superman that scores big. The end results tie back to a loose plot point.
Seeing Peacemaker Smith go through the Lazarus Corp. protocol makes quite the impression. It may seem telegraphed in parts but doesn’t miss its’ landing. This throws the closing pages in flux. With Superman out of the picture, One Peacemaker does the unthinkable. It is a moment that is sure to come back to haunt Lazarus Corp. later. Where this now leads is anyone’s guess.
Sandoval and Arreola set up the interviews in a very throwback way. Using a 9-panel grid adds more context to what begins here. The slower pace fades when Lois must discipline a Peacemaker. A full page image of Lois handling business launches her portion. The banter with her father conveys another story. Each panel amps Lois’ disinterest in what she’s told. Much like her DCU counterpart, when she’s focused, Lois takes over situation like few others.
The Omega Men are presented in a vastly different light. Their use in this story is much more direct than lax. A near full page reveal shows their leader. Panels reflect the highly intense fight. With a red shroud crashes the party, the action goes even higher. It concludes with a vintage Superman power move. Little does anyone realize that Peacemaker Smith has done wrong. A near full page panel brings the horror front and center. Is the world ready for what’s next?
OVERALL GRADE: 9.2
With forces maneuvering. Krypton’s last son hits readers with a very thought provoking issue. Aaron pens a tale of drive hidden behind the action. Sandoval and Arreola lock in on the viewpoint of Lois as the latest chapter moves forward. Readers had better brace for what lies on the last page. Don’t miss it!
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