The new Absolute Universe line has garnered a lot of attention for DC Comics in the traditional media. Some of that has been based around online outrage regarding one story’s portrayal of Batman. However, that outrage may be eclipsed by the most recent developments in Absolute Superman.
The recent controversy regarding the Absolute Universe line began in late October 2025, with the release of Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1. The anthology opened with a story set early in the career of this world’s Bruce Wayne. It found the young vigilante fighting masked police officers with amazing brutality. This was taken by some critics as an anti-police statement.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Daniel Warren Johnson)
However, whether deliberately or accidentally, many of these critics ignored the context of the story. The police officers in question were working in conjunction with a Neo Nazi group, violently attacking a homeless encampment. Absolute Batman was ultimately working to save innocent lives and, being a novice vigilante at this time, went too far in dealing with the aggressors.
It is worth noting that the classic Batman fighting corrupt authorities is nothing new. Indeed, he frequently fought corrupt police officers before Jim Gordon cleaned up the GCPD. However, this controversy may be nothing compared to the events depicted in the latest issue of Absolute Superman from Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval.
Absolute Superman controversy explained
Absolute Superman differs from the classic Man of Steel in several respects. Chief among these are that this version of Kal-El came to Earth as a teenager rather than as a baby. He was not raised by the Kents, although the elderly couple were the first Earthlings to show him kindness. This Superman is also notable for being a more proactive hero, akin to his original depiction in the 1930s. He actively fights against social ills like slavery, deforestation, and pollution. This brings him into conflict with Ra’s Al Ghul and the Lazarus Corporation, which maintains a private army of Peacemakers to safeguard their financial interests.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Rafa Sandoval)
Absolute Superman #13 centers around Lazarus invading the city of Smallville, which sought to shelter the injured Kal-El. This starts an epic battle, with farmers armed with simple rifles standing against armored men with drones and armored vehicles. The narration, provided by Lois Lane reporting on the event in defiance of a media blackout, showcases the bravery of the common people standing up to a corrupt oligarch.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Rafa Sandoval)
Whether by accident or design, the events of Absolute Superman #13 seem to reference several recent real world atrocities. The war between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict in Gaza. The growing concern regarding government overreach in the United States. All of these could be seen as analogous to various parts of the invasion of Smallville. This seems likely to spark controversy from the same sources who found Batman fighting Klansmen and crooked cops so scandalous.
Absolute Superman #13 is now available at comic shops everywhere.