10 Best Absolute Superman Variant Covers, Ranked

[[{“value”:”

Absolute Superman introduces a new, reimagined version of The Man of Steel, with no real connections to the people of Earth beyond their similarities to Kryptonians. He’s a new take on a classic character, and there are several variant covers for each issue of his ongoing series. Having more covers gives more artists a chance to explore their new designs.

Some variants show off the new suit in fun and exciting ways, while others seek to portray other new aspects of his character. Absolute Kal-El is more alien than the Superman fans are used to, and he’s also more aggressive. Each alternate cover has something unique to say about Superman and how he fits into the Absolute Universe with all its problems.

10

Every Superman Needs A Logo Variant

Variant covers emblazoned with Superman’s trademark emblem are a rite of passage for each new version of DC’s greatest hero. Reign of the Supermen introduced four new variant covers for each new Superman, and the Absolute is carrying on the tradition. The subtle dark background, bright, simple red, and shiny gold convey the core aspects of the new Superman. His crest is paramount to his identity, and Absolute Superman kept that in mind with the new design.

Just as the Cyborg Superman’s logo cover glimpsed his cold metallic heart and Steel’s featured shining, riveted metal, the Absolute Superman’s emblem tells readers about Kal-El. His brand of hope is more subdued but just as powerful. The surrounding darkness shows his smallness compared to Darkseid’s corruption and his need to remain anonymous, but the brilliant gold is impossible to ignore. It looks much better in person, just like its predecessors, making this a fun addition to the Man of Steel legacy.

9

Clayton Crain’s Variant Is Dark And Scary

Clayton Crain’s variant cover for Absolute Superman #1 is downright scary. Hovering above the viewer, Kal-El peers out with glowing red eyes. His face and suit are partially obscured in heavy shadow against a sterile white background. The nature of Darkseid’s Absolute universe could lead readers to expect Superman to become more morally grey. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.

In truth, Crain’s cover is the first-person point of view of a corporate goon on Absolute Superman’s Earth. He’s far angrier than previous portrayals of Superman, and he seems to enjoy scaring those who seek to hurt and control others. Crain’s Superman looks strong and dangerous, and that’s an image he’s using to take down systemic corruption worldwide.

Guillem March’s variant cover for Absolute Superman #1 evokes the shading and moodiness of manga styles with Superman’s classic brightness and color palette. His angular and Stoic dimensions resemble those of classical heroes, and there’s a strong gentleness that is both very Superman and very fresh.

The Absolute Superman is a hero for everyone on Earth, so seeing him in new styles helps represent those broadening horizons. As he floats among the clouds, he carries an air of hope, and his partially glowing hands extend to the viewer, inviting them to be saved. It’s a different depiction than readers may expect, but it’s also accurate for Absolute Superman.

7

Christian Ward’s Superman Variant Looks Alien

Christian Ward’s cover C for Absolute Superman #3 has more of Superman’s classic primary colors than other variant covers, but its depiction of The Man of Steel is otherwise very alien. His glowing red eyes make him look incredibly menacing as he gazes out from a red cloud. It’s a fitting look for this particular version of Superman.

In the Absolute Universe, there is no Clark Kent. It’s only natural that Kal-El would behave and feel more like an extraterrestrial. Flashes of lightning and glimmers like stars around him make it seem like he’s approaching through the cosmos on some angry mission, which may not be too far off from his actual intention of saving the Absolute Earth from itself.

6

Sanford Greene Plays With Anonymity

Sanford Greene’s cover for Absolute Superman #2 highlights Superman’s lack of an alter ego. He has no secret identity to help him relate to humanity, only the memories of his Kryptonian upbringing and a desire to do better. Greene’s cover looks mostly like a familiar Superman cover, except his face is entirely obscured.

Greene shows Kal-El’s erratic flight path by trailing a bright red, ambling streak behind him. His posture and trajectory convey his youth, but the lack of recognizable facial features alludes to his anonymity. Cover D shows that Absolute Superman is a good man without roots, and he uses that to his advantage.

5

Sean Gordon Murphy’s Cover Has A Classic Superman Stunt

If Sean Gordon Murphy’s cover B for Absolute Superman #5 is any indication, Kal-El’s relationship with world militaries will get worse before it gets better. He has no loyalty to any nation on Earth, meaning he doesn’t grasp or consider the “nuances” of global politics before he acts. It’s only a matter of time before he compromises the wrong national interests.

Other covers feature the Man of Steel in flight or battling Peacemakers, but Murphy’s cover seems to pit him against more recognizable and standard military forces. Readers will have to wait to determine the relevance of Murphy’s variant until issue #5 is released, but the Absolute Universe is built around macrocosmic systemic issues. Militaries are probably an issue.

4

Rafael Sandoval Showcases Superman’s Edgy New Suit

Rafael Sandoval’s variant cover A for Absolute Superman #1 makes Kal-El look dangerous. The cover highlights new design features, like the stings of red on his hips (replacing his classic trunks) and his new and intimidating solar gauntlets. The red lines of his suit make him seem to blend into the background, and his glowing eyes make him fit the color scheme even more.

Rippling muscles are visible and clearly defined under his suit, and his hair hangs over one eye, partially obscuring his face. His emblem is proudly front and center; He’s an imposing figure, but everything else is a mystery. He looks lonely but well-composed, with a more youthful and frustrated vibe than the Superman readers are used to.

3

Keron Grant’s Cover Shows Superman’s Chaotic Side

When Keron Grant first shared his cover for Absolute Superman #4 on social media, he claimed it was for issue #3. In an issue promising to deliver the Omega Men – DC’s answer to the Guardians of the Galaxy – Grant delivers a powerful and menacing-looking portrayal of Superman, apparently storming a well-guarded facility of some kind.

As Superman punches through corporate Peacemakers, his eye beams glare out of the page. Armed personnel and chunks of stone fly all around him, and one guy’s screaming upper jaw is visible at the top of the frame, giving the viewer an inside look at the bad guys’ perspective when Absolute Superman stops holding back so much.

2

Matteo Scalera Brings Light And Darkness

Matteo Scalera’s cover F for Absolute Superman #1 has a lot to tell readers about Kal-El. The red behind him and the colors in the foreground show two of his new Kryptonian abilities, but they also symbolize his retooled journey to becoming Superman. He’s surrounded by color, but he looks dark, and that’s basically his whole vibe.

The Absolute Superman is a living martyr. He doesn’t allow himself to have a life and instead devotes all his time and resources to helping the inhabitants of a planet he barely knows. His gloomy red eyes look aggressive and cold, but he looks like he’s carrying a world of bright color in his wake. His new gauntlets and cape are great designs, and Scalera used them well.

1

David Talaski Makes Superman Look Dangerous

David Talaski’s cover B for Absolute Superman #4 makes the Man of Steel look like a target. Alone in a field of red, his posture is defensive and his boots and gauntlets are glowing. He looks very dangerous and prepared, but he doesn’t have Superman’s typical tranquility. His eyes, gauntlets, and boots are glowing, but the expression on his face is relatively calm.

Talaski’s cover makes this new and fantastical version of Kal-El seem more real. There’s a vulnerability to his wafting solar energy and charging stance, and the impenetrable red background focuses entirely on Kal-El. It highlights his new suit and its new abilities while employing a more realistic style that works for Absolute Superman.

“}]] DC’s Absolute Superman introduced a dark and powerful new take on the Last Son of Krypton, brought to life with a series of dynamic variant covers.  Read More