Warning: Contains spoilers forAbsolute Superman #1!
As somebody who has never been that interested in the Kryptonian side ofSuperman, I’m already clamoring for more of the Absolute Universe’s unique Lara-El and Jor-El. I’ve become super invested in the new House of El, given howAbsolute Supermanrewrites core aspects of the character’s lore, with his parents’ status being perhaps the biggest change, as they are revealed as censored scientists with blue-collar sensibilities.
Absolute Superman#1 – written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval – introduces an unrecognizable version of Kryptonian society, which has a caste system that the Els find themselves at the bottom of. The issue also debuts one of my new favorite characters, Lara-El, a resourceful mechanic struggling with government oppression.
Additionally, the issue reveals that Jor-El works in a hazardous mine,giving both of Superman’s parents true working class status along with a shared history of criticizing Kryptonian leadership that I find really compelling.
Superman’s Alien Heritage Never Really Captured My Attention, But The Absolute Reboot Totally Changes That
Absolute Superman#1 – Written By Jason Aaron; Art By Rafa Sandoval; Color By Ulises Arreola; Lettering By Becca Carey
SinceAbsolute Supermangrounds Kal-El’s Kryptonian parents with a blue-collar spirit – reimagining them as a mechanic and a miner, who live on some kind of alien farm land – I’ve found myself more connected to their new storythan previous versions. While most other iterations that I’ve come across make the House of El high-ranking citizens of Krypton in some way, the Absolute Universe’s Lara-El and Jor-El are somewhat discarded in society as part of the laboring class.This new development isamong many jaw-dropping changes to Superman lore, and instantly makes me relate to their struggle.
Absolute Superman Rewrites His Kryptonian Origin, Merging The House of El & The Kents in A Brilliant Twist
Superman’s always had two sets of parents, one at the highest level of society, and one the salt of the Earth. DC’s Absolute Universe just fused them.
There have beenmany iconic versions of Supermanover the years, but I’ve always gravitated toward the Kents, Smallville, and his identity as Clark. However,the strong debut issue ofAbsolute Supermanimmediately hooked me with its new take on the Els, especially with Lara-El’s backstory. I’m possibly even more intrigued by Lara than Superman, an aspiring astronaut forbidden from practicing science for being critical of the Kryptonian government. Since it’s also revealed that the Els are raising a school-aged Kal with Krypto in their timeline, I’ll be more devastated than ever when Krypton falls.
The Els Desperation To Protect Their Child’s Future On A Dying Planet Makes Them Incredibly Relatable Heroes
Absolute Superman#1 – Available Now From DC Comics
While the destruction of Krypton has been a mainstaythroughout Superman stories, the origins of the planet’s fall can vary. For me as a reader, giving the Els a more relatable story makes the death of Superman’s home planet more effective, helping this variation on his origin to really resonate with real world issues. WhenAbsolute Superman #1comes to a close with Jor-El barely making it out of a mining disaster because of incompetent higher-ups and the calamitous state of Krypton,his fear for his family’s survival on a dying planet is both relevant and gut-wrenching.
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Though these themes have long been a part of Superman stories overall, I think that the more grounded versions of Lara-El and Jor-El give this plot a lot more emotional weight. As a mother and father trying to warn their planet’s people about environmental disaster, disregarded for their labor class status,the new El family are truly captivating and potentially inspiring figures in 2024.While the newAbsolute Universe builds its powerful roster of heroes, Superman’s parents join the ranks as new takes on old characters that are given a new perspective and purpose in this reinvigorated DC lore.
I Hope DC Doesn’t Kill Off The Els Too Soon In The New Absolute Version Of Superman’s Story
Krypton’s Days May Be Numbered, But Spare Jor & Lara
Rafa Sandoval’s gorgeous cover art forAbsolute Superman #3gives a tease of Lara-El, Jor-El, and Krypto during what looks to be the death of Krypton,as destruction happens around them, butI’m holding out hope that DC won’t get rid of these versions of the characters. Though they may seem doomed by the narrative and destined to die,Absolute Batmanalready established an alive-and-well Martha Wayne, meaning rules could be bent to keep them around. Even if they can’t make it off of Krypton alive, I’d also accept a prequel just to see more of the Absolute Universe’s Els.
With their bold new origin and status, I’d love to see Superman’s parents develop as heroes while the Absolute Universe expands
With only one issue released of the newAbsolute Superman, it may be a little early to start calling for full spin-offs, but I can’t help but want Lara-El and Jor-El to take a more prominent role in this new world. Though the main continuityDC now has Lois Lane as Superwoman, Aaron and Sandoval’s version of Lara makes me really want to see the mother of Kal-El suit up as her own take on the superhero. With their bold new origin and status, I’d love to seeSuperman’s parents develop as heroes while the Absolute Universe expands.
Absolute Superman #1is available now from DC Comics.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
