WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #12 (2025)
DC’s Darkseid-created Absolute Universe has reimagined fan-favorite heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, giving their characters and origins a darker, grittier edge. Now, the Man of Steel’s lore has received another epic update, as DC has introduced fans to a brand-new figure: Superman’s Kryptonian brother.
Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola have delivered another epic chapter to the Absolute Universe with the release of Absolute Superman #12, which officially introduces Kal-El’s big brother.
Yet fans already know this character, making Kal-El’s claim less shocking and more heartfelt: meet Sol-El, Superman’s “big brother from Krypton.” Longtime readers know Sol as Superman’s AI-infused suit created by his parents, but now Kal-El openly acknowledges that Sol is more than just a guardian: he is family.
MEET SOL-EL: Superman’s Big Brother from Krypton
Comic Page from Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #12 (2025) – Art by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola
Absolute Superman #12 explores Kal and Sol’s shared time on Earth, weaving between flashbacks and the present. In the current storyline, Sol apologizes to Kal-El, believing he failed to protect the young Kryptonian, which was his primary purpose as programmed by Kal’s mother. However, Superman quickly dismisses this self-doubt.
Superman reminds Sol that for six years on Earth, he was never without protection, care, or guidance. He emphasizes that he never lacked community or felt alone because Sol was always there. Kal then tells him he is so much more than a rocket ship, advanced crystals, or a cape. He is family.
In a heartfelt moment, Superman says, “You’re as much an El as I am. Sol-El. My big brother from Krypton. Thank you, brother. For everything.” With this, Sol finds his place on the El family tree, as Kal makes it clear he sees Sol not just as a guardian but as his brother and DC’s newest addition to the Super-Family.
Absolute Superman May Have Been Robbed of the Kents, But Has More Family Than Ever
Main Cover by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola for Absolute Superman #12 (2025)
As many know, the Absolute Universe’s overarching theme is stripping iconic heroes of their defining advantages. For Superman, that advantage was the love and stability of the Kent household. Yet in an ironic twist, the Absolute Universe has given Kal more family than ever during his early years, reshaping his relationships in ways both heartwarming and unsettling.
In addition to claiming Sol as his big brother, Superman has also captured the obsession of Ra’s al Ghul. The Lazarus Corps leader has declared Kal his heir and “son,” even extending this delusion by calling Kal and Talia al Ghul “brother and sister.” While these latter two are family ties Superman would rather not have, it remains ironic how much “family” the Man of Steel continues to accumulate in a universe where is supposedly “alone.”
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #12 is available now from DC Comics!
Created By
Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
First Appearance
Action Comics