Beloved Absolute Superman Ally Gets Major Redesign by DC

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The heroes in the new Absolute Universe generally fight crime and injustice on their own. Superman, while aided by Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane, hasn’t yet teamed up with any other superheroes. That all changes with Absolute Superman #18, which brings a well-known ally of Superman into this grim world created by Darkseid.

The first issue of Absolute Superman, written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Rafa Sandoval, focuses on a clash between four characters. The story begins with Talia al Ghul trying to bring her father, Ra’s al Ghul, to the last remaining Lazarus Pit. However, Superman’s impact has led Ra’s to regret his previous deeds and now view the Pit as harmful to his mental state.

Lois Lane seeks revenge on Talia for her father’s death, but Superman intervenes, determined to prevent her from taking a life and losing herself to vengeance. Their confrontation turns into a four-way battle when a mysterious masked figure appears, also with a personal vendetta against Ra’s al Ghul.

The mysterious figure wears bulky metal armor and wields a huge warhammer. But this hammer isn’t just brute force – it’s equipped with advanced technology that disables the weapons of the Lazarus Corp soldiers Talia is wary of. As he effortlessly moves past the soldiers, the armored man reveals he actually designed their armor, and the hammer can neutralize it as well.

What hero does Absolute Superman #18 introduce?

Although the hero’s armored suit looks different, it’s obvious he’s meant to be Superman’s ally, Steel. When asked about the materials used to create his incredible armor and hammer, he simply states, “Steel.” Beyond that, two other details strongly suggest this is the DC Universe version of the character Steel.

Steel emerged as a hero after Superman seemingly died battling Doomsday. John Henry Irons, a gifted engineer, had gone into hiding when he learned his employers were selling weapons to criminals. While working construction, he was saved from a fall by Superman himself. Inspired by Superman’s sacrifice, Irons built a powerful armored suit and a high-tech hammer to become the hero Metropolis deserved, initially known as a new ‘Man of Steel’ but eventually simply as Steel.

Although it’s not explicitly stated, the new Steel is strongly implied to be John Henry Irons from the Absolute Universe. His advanced hammer and mention of creating Peacemaker’s armor leave little doubt about his identity. The story leaves us wondering what exactly motivates his conflict with Ra’s al Ghul.

Absolute Superman #18 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2026-04-01 21:37