Early buzz about Absolute Superman #18 focused on a new version of Black Adam. But a preview of the issue also showed a lesser-known Justice League member—and in this Absolute Universe, that character is portrayed as a woman instead of a man.
Absolute Superman #18, written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Rafa Sanoval, begins in Ancient Egypt. We meet Teth-Adam, a young slave suffering under a harsh pharaoh – a story many comic book readers and fans of the DC Extended Universe will recognize. However, this version introduces a magical woman who inspires Teth-Adam’s ambitions, a character who is typically portrayed as a male member of the Justice League in the core DC Universe.
The main cover and first four pages of Absolute Superman #18 may be viewed below.
What Justice League member did DC gender swap?
The mysterious woman doesn’t reveal her name, instead calling herself a Stranger who moves like a ghost. This strongly hints she’s the Phantom Stranger. She’s also described with glowing eyes and unique gold medallions on her cloak – details that also match the Phantom Stranger’s appearance.
I’ve been a fan of The Phantom Stranger for years, and it’s amazing to see how the character’s changed! He first showed up in his own comic back in 1952 as a kind of detective – he’d expose people faking supernatural stuff to rip others off. But things quickly got interesting! He didn’t just investigate the supernatural, he actually developed supernatural powers himself to fight real magical dangers. It’s been a cool journey watching him evolve!
The Phantom Stranger has existed for a long time in comics, but his origins have never been definitively explained. Instead, there are multiple, often contradictory, stories about who he is. Many of these stories connect him to the Bible. For example, some believe he was an angel who remained neutral during the conflict between Heaven and Hell. Others suggest he’s actually Judas Iscariot, trying to earn forgiveness by helping others avoid eternal punishment.
The Phantom Stranger is generally seen as a hero who fights for good and order, and the Justice League even asked him to join their team. It’s unclear if he officially became a member, but he didn’t hesitate to act like one when he needed their help. Now, with this new version of the Phantom Stranger in the Absolute Universe, it’s still unknown if he will have a similar relationship with the League.
Absolute Superman #18 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 1, 2026.
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2026-03-30 23:27