In this review of Absolute Superman #20, in a battle of strong wills, which all-powerful god can emerge victorious, Black Adam or Superman?
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #20
Written by JASON AARON
Art and Main Cover: RAFA SANDOVAL
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, JUAN FERREYRA, JOHN GIANG
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 6/24/26
This review contains spoilers
At the conclusion of Absolute Superman #19, Hawkman arrived to join the fight between Superman, Steel, and King Shazam. The battle rages on in Absolute Superman #20 as the trio fight the god-like being. They fight hard, but still can’t beat Teth-Adam.
Hawkman describes how he found the Father Box holding King Shazam in his container, but the god doesn’t care. He unleashes his full power and defeats the team.
Superman manages to stand up again and grabs Hawkman’s mace and Steel’s hammer. While he’s doing this, King Shazam has gone back to Metropolis to find the Father Box. He arrives just as Lois and Talia are fighting. He tries to destroy the box, but Superman catches up to him.
Kal throws Teth-Adam to the Moon where he won’t be able to breathe, weakening him. Superman is protected, though, as his suit morphs around him to form a helmet. He uses the mace and hammer to smash King Shazam’s head without killing him.
Analysis
Writer Jason Aaron’s story relies heavily on ferocious action resulting in a fast-paced Absolute Superman #20. There’s a lot of dialogue, as much of the story is told in Hawkman’s voice where we learn about the motivations behind his actions, but it’s not enough to overshadow the battles.
I like how in typical Absolute Hawkman fashion, Hall just flat out tells Black Adam, in the middle of the fights, that the prophecy of a savior is about Superman, not him. Needless to say, Hall could probably have picked a better time to reveal this because it just results in the angry god becoming angrier and Jason Aaron happily ratchets him up a few notches.
The power levels of this version of Black Adam are off the charts. Even with pulling his punches, he’s able to defeat three powerful characters. When he ramps up his power output, it’s not a close contest. Given that scenario, I like Superman’s decision to get this being to a place where there’s no oxygen. By thinking through the problem, Superman gains the upper hand.
Deranged Brainiac is still nowhere to be found, although we do get a brief appearance from the Brainiacs who created King Shazam. My guess is that the Black Adam arc will be wrapping up in the next issue and we’ll see Brainiac return. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for because I’m chomping at the bit to see what happens with him and Lex. As much of a challenge as Black Adam has been to Superman, the Lex / Brainiac combo is going to be much worse.
The artwork continues to shine in Absolute Superman #20. Rafa Sandoval is the main artist, but he gets a little help from Vicente Cifuentes for a few pages. Their styles are similar enough that I didn’t even notice a difference until I went back to look closer. Ulises Arreola’s color work is constantly great. The action in the battles is smooth and easy to follow. There’s plenty of energy from one panel to the next. My favorite look in this one has to be the final-page reveal with Superman in his modified suit standing above a breathless Black Adam. The suit is seething with energy as the cape flows around him while he’s holding the mace and hammer. It’s a gorgeous way to close out the issue.
Final Thoughts
Absolute Superman #20 features an absolute slobberknocker between four powerful characters, two of which are basically gods. With no lack of action, this issue keeps the excitement of the Absolute universe dialed to high. Have fun, comic lovers!
