Since his debut in 1938, Superman has been a cultural icon, capturing the imagination of generations with his powerful presence and unwavering sense of justice. But it wasn’t until Christopher Reeve donned the red cape in Superman (1978) that the character reached worldwide fame, solidifying his place in pop culture.
Over the years, countless actors have brought Superman to life, each with their own interpretation of the character, including Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Tom Welling (Smallville), and Henry Cavill (Man of Steel). Now, with the arrival of David Corenswet as the new Clark Kent in James Gunn’s SUPERMAN (slated for release in 2025), a new era is about to begin for the iconic hero.
But even as fans eagerly await Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel, DC Comics has already launched a bold new reboot in the form of the “Absolute Superman” comic series. Part of the wider Absolute Universe, the comic offers a daring, re-imagined version of Superman that stands apart from both the traditional stories and recent cinematic portrayals.
In “Absolute Superman”, nothing is as it seems. Gone is the familiar story of Kal-El arriving on Earth as a child. Instead, in this new universe, Superman lands as a young man on a dystopian Earth—one that’s very different from the world we know. This shift in his origin story sets the stage for a complete overhaul of the character, blending traditional Superman elements with darker, more complex ideas.
In this iteration, Superman’s famous suit is no longer just a costume—it’s a sentient artificial intelligence that adapts to its wearer. His iconic red-and-blue outfit is now an evolving entity, making him far more vulnerable than the god-like Superman we’re used to. Additionally, the powers we associate with Superman—strength, flight, invulnerability—are not only more varied, but also require him to recharge, adding another layer of complexity to his abilities. This new Superman isn’t quite as unstoppable as previous versions, making him more relatable and flawed.
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One of the most surprising twists in “Absolute Superman” involves the character’s iconic red cape. Instead of being made from traditional fabric, the cape is revealed to be constructed from Kryptonian dust—a nano-tech byproduct of Superman’s AI-powered suit. This new cape, which has a sentient mist effect, is not only a symbol of Superman’s power but also a reminder of his lost home. The cape is made from the literal ashes of Krypton, giving it a deeply emotional significance. This bold reinterpretation of Superman’s classic costume adds a layer of sorrow to his already tragic backstory.
The cape’s transformation is just one of the many changes in “Absolute Superman,” showing how even the most recognizable symbols of the character can be redefined. On X (Twitter), fans of the original Superman are reacting positively to these fresh ideas, appreciating the new take on such an iconic figure.
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While the “Absolute Superman” comic series has been met with enthusiasm, reactions to the first image of David Corenswet in the new Superman suit have been more mixed. Fans of Henry Cavill’s portrayal are still mourning the departure of the darker, more serious Superman from the DC Universe films, with some expressing disappointment over the costume and overall design.
Corenswet’s suit, which appears more loose-fitting than expected, has drawn some negative reactions, with fans criticizing its fit and questioning why another reboot is necessary.
Despite the criticism, many fans are still hopeful that James Gunn’s SUPERMAN will bring a fresh perspective to the character. For those who aren’t satisfied with the new suit or the direction of the films, “Absolute Superman” provides a compelling alternative, offering a darker, more experimental take on the character that’s sure to appeal to long-time fans of the Man of Steel.
“Absolute Superman” is part of a larger initiative by DC Comics to create a bold, re-imagined version of its most iconic heroes. Alongside Superman, readers are introduced to “Absolute Batman” and “Absolute Wonder Woman,” both of which take radically different approaches to their respective characters.
Have you read “Absolute Superman” yet? Let us know in the comments!
