In this review of Absolute Superman #22, while in search of Brainiac, Superman finds himself struggling against another metallic monster.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #22
Written by JASON AARON
Art by JUAN FERREYRA
Main Cover: RAFA SANDOVAL
Variant Covers: ERIC CANETE, JUAN FERREYRA, SCOTT HEPBURN
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 8/5/26
This review contains spoilers
Absolute Superman #22 opens with Superman in battle against a metallic construct that’s pummeling him. He soon realizes the human portion of the cyborg is Christopher Smith, a former Peacemaker. Smith has been turned into Metallo by Brainiac and has synthetic kryptonite coursing through his veins, giving him an advantage over the Kryptonian.
In a weakened state, Superman hits Metallo with everything he has, but Smith continues to beat him down. Kal repeatedly attempts to get Smith to remember his true identity in order to reason with him, but Brainiac has effectively brainwashed Smith into only remembering the Metallo name.
The battle rages across the city, through buildings and in the streets until, finally, Smith goes into cardiac arrest. Superman resuscitates him, only to be thanked by a massive punch that sends him crashing into the sewers.
Without sunlight and constantly exposed to the kryptonite blood, Superman is on the verge of defeat. In a last ditch effort, he tells Smith he was present at the Peacemaker’s funeral and had talked to his mom. The mention of his mother snaps Metallo out of Brainiac’s programming, ending the battle.
Analysis
I’ve anxiously awaited the return of Absolute Brainiac and while Jason Aaron scatters a few moments with him throughout Absolute Superman #22, they’re important ones that show how fiendish this character is.
Brainiac has exactly zero regard for human life. The only thing he’s concerned with is his twisted experimentation. He doesn’t care if he has to run through a billion people in order to carry out his goals. He’s a vile psychopath.
Superman is just the opposite. He puts himself in mortal danger to not only stop Metallo, but to save the man inside the machine. Even though the kryptonite blood is killing him, he doesn’t quit. When Smith has a heart attack, Superman could have just let it end there, but he brings the man back to life in an effort to save him.
As a reader, you’ve got to feel for Christopher Smith, as the guy’s had it rough. He’s misguided by the Peacemakers, killed by Ra’s Al Ghul, and ghoulishly resurrected by Brainiac. When Superman is finally able to snap him out of the brainwashing, what’s he got left? A broken, mutilated body, no family, and no job. Fortunately, Superman is there to reassure him that he’s not alone.
The good versus evil angle draws me into Absolute Superman #22. We’ve already seen Brainiac’s extreme level of evil back in Absolute Superman #17 and I anticipate more gruesomeness in this arc. Brainiac is the most terrifying villain Absolute Superman has faced. So far, he’s squared off with characters like Ra’s Al Ghul and Black Adam who are ultra powerful in the typical “bad guy” role, but they pale in comparison to this version of Brainiac in terms of sheer horror.
Absolute Superman #22 looks incredible due to Juan Ferreyra’s work on both illustrations and colors. I love his style of art and it’s part of the reason why this issue approaches 10 / 10 stars. It’s highly detailed and features some incredible linework. He doesn’t shy away from variety in his panelwork. Each page offers a different look that keeps the action fresh and exciting from beginning to end. There’s a spread toward the conclusion where Superman and Metallo are fighting, but all of the panels fall within silhouettes of the characters. It’s easily my favorite visual of the issue.
Final Thoughts
Absolute Superman #22 features gorgeous artwork while telling a thrilling story of good versus evil. If you’ve been putting off reading this title, do yourself a favor and pick up this issue. It’s worth it for the art alone. Have fun, comic lovers!
