The Absolute Universe Crashes Head First into the DC Universe in DC KO #4

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A particularly well-known change to comic book history involves Jean Grey. For a long time, her death was considered one of the most significant in superhero comics – before her later death in X-Men #137, very few major heroes had permanently died, especially those still actively featured in comics. However, it was later revealed that Jean Grey had never truly become the Phoenix, meaning she hadn’t allowed herself to die to prevent transforming into the dangerous Dark Phoenix.

Jean Grey was dying when the powerful Phoenix Force appeared and offered to save the X-Men – but only if it could inhabit Jean’s body. The Phoenix Force was curious about the human experience, so it duplicated Jean’s memories and consciousness before encasing her body in a cocoon at the bottom of the harbor. This is where the X-Men’s ship, which Jean had been piloting, eventually crashed.

The Phoenix wasn’t a transformed Jean Grey, but a separate entity that mimicked her appearance. John Byrne points out that Jean Grey’s selfless sacrifice in X-Men #137 is even more remarkable if it wasn’t her making the choice, but a cosmic force simply imitating her heroism. This highlights just how incredibly heroic Jean was – even a copy of her would be willing to give its life to save the universe!

The story behind the original X-Men’s return has changed a lot over the years, but at the time of the first issue of X-Factor, the basic idea was that the five original members were back together, and Jean Grey had been brought back to life.

With the DC KO tournament nearing its end and the final battle for the title of “King Omega” approaching, we’re going to need a truly heroic figure to overcome the challenges ahead. It seems the remaining contenders are particularly dangerous, and the situation is looking grim!

Issue #4 of DC KO is written by Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson, with art by Javi Fernández and Xermánico, colors by Alejandro Sánchez, and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This issue features the exciting final four rounds of the tournament and marks the first appearance of heroes from the Absolute Universe within the main DC Universe!

How do the Absolute Universe crash into the DC Universe in this issue?

Last week I played this amazing crossover event where DC heroes fought characters from other comic universes. The biggest showdown was definitely seeing Superman go toe-to-toe with Homelander from The Boys – it was epic!

As a fan, I’ve noticed something about using characters from other comics in crossovers. If another creator is letting you use their character, you really don’t want to portray them badly! It’s simple: even though Superman would easily win against Homelander, you’re not going to get Homelander to show up in your book just so Superman can beat him up. It just wouldn’t happen!

While it’s fun to imagine the Absolute versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman battling their original selves, trying to definitively decide a winner feels pointless. If this ever happens in a future story – and it probably will – it should be treated as a separate, self-contained event.

Instead, Snyder avoids giving clear outcomes to the fights by using clever techniques, but still manages to include enjoyable moments, like Batman joking about the design on Absolute Batman’s chest.

How is “cheating” a central part of this issue?

Throughout the story, the competition is rigged with unfair advantages and unexpected turns. For example, the Joker suddenly abandons the tournament and shockingly sides with Darkseid, becoming a corrupted member of his army.

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2026-02-13 16:08