Absolute Superman #21 Review
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Rafa Sandoval
Breakdowns: Zander Cannon
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Letterer: Becca Carey
Cover Artist: Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola
Variant Cover Artists: Jerome Opeña, Gabriel Hernández Walta & Marguerite Sauvage
Editors: Ash Padilla & Chris Conroy
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock
Release Date: July 22, 2026
They battled across the planet. Hawkman defied Talia al Ghul to fight alongside Superman. John Henry proved he deserved a better life than working in a slaughterhouse. Yet as King Shazam unleashed storms and natural disasters, Superman simultaneously protected people from the once and (perhaps) future king's fury.
As Ra's al Ghul knew, King Shazam refused to listen to reason. But will Superman? Or will Kal-El take Hawkman and John Henry's advice and kill King Shazam? Let's leap into Absolute Superman #21 and see!
Story
After Superman took Hawkman’s mace and John Henry’s hammer, and hurled Teth-Adam to the moon, the story returns to those tense moments before Teth-Adam returned to the shuttered Lazarus Corp building. Kal-El called Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen to warn them that they would arrive soon. Their friend realizes he must step up his attacks like never before. But in case he doesn't survive this final battle, Kal-El gives Lois and Jimmy a final request.
While the primary battle takes place on the moon, Absolute Superman #21 weaves Lois, Jimmy, and Talia al Ghul’s battle into the narrative. Amid all the fighting, it also shows how far Hawkman has come. Yet these are battles between people who have lost everything. Like Kal-El, even if they survive this conflict, they must chart a path to their new normal.
In Jason Aaron’s story, Teth-Adam and Kal-El have much in common. Both lost their parents and their worlds. Yet while the young boy sought to protect his people, Kal-El used his powers to help and protect strangers.
Perhaps Teth-Adam has suffered more than Kal-El. He was tantalized with the power to protect people from aggressors. As King Shazam, he transformed his world. Then, he endured the trauma of 3,000 years of imprisonment. He may have killed Ra's al Ghul. Yet, Teth-Adam also believes that safety can only be achieved through strength. But in Absolute Superman #21, Kal-El cannot accept that holding power over anyone will ever lead to peace.
Art
The twisted metal framework of the damaged building frames Lois standing on the shattered floor. Immobilized, Talia sits and watches. Jimmy charges down a flight of stairs as he implores Kal-El to save himself. Yet in space, Kal-El holds a hammer and mace. A storm of energy swirls around him, obscuring his features as it transforms his appearance.
Aided by Zander Cannon’s breakdowns, Rafa Sandoval stretches the action across pages as Kal-El's armor covers him with spikes. The thorned warrior glows amid the energy storm. Yet Teth-Adam’s features also change. Freed from the Father Box, Teth-Adam has grown younger. But while battling to build his perfect world, cracks race across his skin as he and Kal pound regolith into rubble.
Ulises Arreola frames the first page in orange as the red dust of Krypton merges with yellow energy. Lois bears orange on her shoulder, while indigo and green surround Jimmy. The green links Jimmy with Talia, as they once fought together in the Omega Men. Orangish red and yellow rage on the moon as the combatants’ hands and feet glow, and the symbols they wear with pride burn in their chests. Yet the blue void surrounding the fighters darkens, until a storm of power swirls amid Kal-El’s darkest night in Absolute Superman #21.
Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase text. The letters shrink for lowered voices and grow bold for intonation. Rage-fueled yells swell letters and deform balloons. Two characters speak into black fields, while large white letters indicate time and location. Yet Lois’ narrative fills beige boxes, guiding readers through the tragic events. Vibrant sound effects enhance the battle of two supermen wielding weapons fit for the gods as they shake the heavens. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
Like Sol, Kal-El’s fallen friend, most people believe that the Earth is hopelessly flawed. Perhaps if they had the power, they could make it more balanced. Yet Kal-El saw the Klerics of the Science League destroy Krypton by rigidly controlling every aspect of their world. So, as he strives to protect his adoptive planet, Kal-El fights not to install a perfect system, but to protect imperfect people in Absolute Superman #21.
Rating 9.8/10
To look inside see my preview of Absolute Superman #21.
For what happened last time, see my preview of Absolute Superman #20.
For what happened before that, see my review of Absolute Superman #19.
For what happened even before that, see my preview of Absolute Superman #18.
For more on Hawkman, see my previews of Absolute Superman #16 & Absolute Evil #1.
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