Even in a corrupted universe, the core of DC Comics‘ heroes remains incorruptible. This is the key concept behind the Absolute Universe line. In the case of Superman, he remains a champion of the weak, though the circumstances of his arrival on Earth are changed. However, this idea is almost strained to the breaking point in Absolute Superman #4, where Jimmy Olsen is unmasked as a terrorist tasked with killing Lois Lane.
Written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman #4 centers around Lois Lane’s search for Superman. Previous issues revealed this Lois Lane was an elite soldier in the service of the sinister Lazarus Corp. The Man of Steel was wanted for his crimes against the company; all executed in defense of their abused workers. However, unlike her superiors, Lois didn’t view him as a threat on par with the group called the Omega Men. She thought he was an idiot who was more dangerous to himself and the people he was trying to protect than Lazarus Corp. profit margins.
(Image Source: DC / Rafa Sandoval)
Regardless, Lois found herself being shadowed by a redheaded man in a mask. He confirmed he was with the Omega Men, but claimed he did not want to kill her. The same could not be said of his superior officer, Primus, who had a grudge against Lois Lane’s father, General Sam Lane. The resulting firefight brought Absolute Superman into the open. It also established the redhead Omega Man as being this world’s Jimmy Olsen.
While nominally part of a terrorist organization, Jimmy Olsen seems to be as unchanged as the Absolute Superman. He is still an idealist, convinced he can win over Lois Lane if given a chance to talk to her. He is also a minor member of the Omega Men, an “alpha” whose prospects of promotion are limited despite his combat training.
(Image Source: DC / Rafa Sandoval)
It remains to be seen if this Jimmy Olsen might become the pal of Absolute Superman. Certainly Kal-El doesn’t seem interested in Primus’ offer of a partnership. Idealism aside, however, this Jimmy Olsen seems to be cut from the same cloth as his Earth-Prime counterpart. If nothing else, he has a good eye with a camera, though he’s employed as a surveillance agent rather than a newsman.
Absolute Superman #4 is now available at comic shops everywhere.