‘Absolute Superman’ #19 is packed with wall-to-wall action

May 6, 2026

The most recent arc of Absolute Superman drew eyeballs thanks to its introduction of “King Shazam”, or as DC fans know him, Black Adam. While that was a big draw, this new storyline also had a surprise appearance from John Henry Irons, aka Steel. Absolute Superman #19 takes place entirely from Steel’s point of view, as he bears witness to the battle between Kal-El and Black Adam. We also get a glimpse into Steel’s mindset and what drove him to seek vengeance against Ra’s al Ghul.

I say a “glimpse” because Steel’s backstory is only hinted at in a few pages. Apart from reminders of his immense intelligence and hints that he’s one of the many, many people who’ve been screwed over by Ra’s and Lazarus Corp, Absolute Superman #19 doesn’t really delve into the events that led Irons on his current path. It’s a shame because I’ve always felt that Steel is one of the more interesting characters within the Superman mythos, and Jason Aaron seems to at least get what makes him tick. Here’s hoping that future issues will dive deeper into Steel’s backstory.

Aaron does a great job of drawing parallels between Kal-El and Black Adam and showcasing what makes them different. Like Superman, Black Adam was gifted incredible power and wanted to use it to change the world. But while he does claim to want justice, Adam’s methods are extremely destructive. There’s also the fact that he made himself a pharaoh after he got his powers, and history’s shown that Pharoahs sought to be worshipped as gods. Adam has the power to actually back up that claim, which spells disaster for anyone who crosses him.

DC

It also leads to some of the biggest action sequences in Absolute Superman‘s run. Rafa Sandoval doesn’t hold back, illustrating superpowered smackdowns that match the intensity of Aaron’s script. A single punch from Black Adam sends Superman flying halfway around the world to crash land in Wyoming. A two-page spread features Superman and Black Adam smashing through a building, sending glass flying and steel bending in their wake. It’s but a mere prelude to another two-pager that literally takes them all across the world, their speed building and building until it reaches levels that are inhumanly possible. Eagle-eyed fans will also notice the appearance of another Absolute hero in this image, hinting at the possibility of another crossover.

What really stands out, beyond the sheer display of power on the page, is the way Ulises Arreola uses color to highlight similarities and differences between Black Adam and Superman. Much like the Man of Steel, Teth-Adam is wrapped in what looks like a living cape. However, Arreola renders it as jet-black, and the power crackling in Teth-Adam’s fists as a golden rain of lightning, serving as a sharp contrast to Superman’s classic red and blue uniform. It makes for a terrifying image, as if to show Superman what could lie in his future.

Absolute Superman #19 doesn’t hold back on the action as Superman and King Shazam come to blows, while Steel also enters the picture. Aaron and Sandoval definitely know how to make a hell of a fight scene, but it’s the deeper elements that will keep fans hooked for future issues.

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