In this review of Absolute Superman #16, we learn more about Absolute Hawkman. Is he a friend or foe to Kal-El?
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #16
Written by JASON AARON
Art by JUAN FERREYRA
Main Cover: RAFA SANDOVAL
Variant Covers: GERALD PAREL, INHYUK LEE, MAHMUD ASRAR
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 2/4/26
This review contains spoilers
After Absolute Hawkman’s appearance at the end of Absolute Superman #15, we start Absolute Superman #16 with backstory on how Dr. Carter Hall gained his powers. While exploring a tomb in Kahndaq in the year 1940, he finds a Thanagarian mace. Upon grabbing it, he’s transformed into Hawkman.
Back in the present day, Carter and Kal-El are hovering in the sky trying to have a conversation. Superman keeps zooming off to save people, returning in the blink of an eye, which gets on Hall’s nerves.
The story cuts to Metropolis, where federal agents are seizing assets from Lazarus vaults. A Peacemaker is monitoring the seizure from a distance while remotely talking to Talia Al Ghul. She orders him to shoot a particular crate and, when it explodes, red tendrils come streaming out to attack the agent carrying the box.
As Hawkman and Superman fly along, Carter tries to give Kal-El some advice on how to be a superhero. He wants Kal-El to work with Lazarus rather than continue to fight against them. When Superman hears cries for help from afar, he uses his cape to grab Hall and speed off to Metropolis.
Lois Lane arrives at the Daily Planet for an interview, but the Planet is no longer the large building with the globe on top. The newspaper now operates out of the eighth floor of a rundown building nearby. She gets this information from Perry White, who just got fired as editor of the Planet. As Perry is walking away, Lois hears screams in the distance.
Superman and Hawkman arrive in Metropolis, but Carter isn’t happy to have been dragged along. They fight, but quickly realize they’ve got bigger problems, as a massive purple creature comes charging down the street, filling up the space between buildings. At this point, we finally get to see the labeling on the box the Peacemaker shot. It says, “Warning: Infectious Substance. Project: Parasite.”
The last few pages show us Brainiac (now disguised as a human) talking to Lex on his front porch. Brainiac is trying to convince Luthor to work on a project for him that will focus on Superman. Despite being offered large sums of money, Lex declines, choosing to stay with his family instead. Angered, Brainiac drops the disguise and tells Lex that he can be very motivating.
Analysis
The writing by Jason Aaron continues to be excellent with Absolute Superman #16. I like how he’s making it clear that this version of Superman is still new to the superhero game, but can hold his own with little trouble. There are a couple little comical bits when he goes zooming off and that lighter tone is one that we haven’t really seen a lot of with this character. Carter Hall has far more experience as a superhero, but he comes off as far less understanding and caring when compared to Kal-El.
The main fight between Kal-El and Carter is great, but brief. It highlights the fact that Superman is still learning how to fight someone who is just as powerful as him. If Carter can tone down the attitude that he carries, then I think he could be a good mentor for Superman, in the superhero fighting department.
The side stories of Lois and the Daily Planet, Lazarus and their Parasite project, and Lex and Brainiac are also entertaining. Of course, longtime readers of Superman titles will be familiar with these characters, but in the Absolute universe, things are slightly twisted. Jason Aaron is making those old ideas new again and it just keeps making this universe more fun.
Juan Ferreyra’s artwork (as both illustrator and colorist) remains gorgeous throughout Absolute Superman #16. His style is detailed, with clean linework and a beautiful array of colors. You can see what’s happening on the page, as everything from the characters to the action are neatly arranged and eye-catching. My favorite parts of this one have to be the fight between Superman and Hawkman. There’s a splash page where Superman knocks Hawkman through several levels of buildings and into the subway that is perfectly arranged. The story is terrific on its own, but is elevated by what Ferreyra puts on the pages.
Final Thoughts
Absolute Superman #16 gives the reader plenty to chew on. The introduction of Absolute Hawkman gives Superman a means to learn and grow as a superhero. It looks like he’ll have to learn quickly, thanks to the arrival of Parasite and the ongoing threat of Brainiac. Have fun, comic lovers!
