Remember me
The latest issue of Absolute Superman is dedicated wholly to the debut of a brand-new Absolute continuity depiction of an iconic Superman supervillain, Metallo. This iteration is incredibly unique and far more horrific, rivaled only by how tragic the antagonist is. Indeed, this villain is not only a neat twist on Metallo’s DC lore, but also adds a fun wrinkle to another established Absolute Superman villain whom fans had every right to believe had died recently.
Metallo’s story is short-lived in Absolute Superman, with one issue-long fight depicted in Absolute Superman #22. By the end of issue #22, there’s reason to believe that Absolute Superman’s madman Brainiac could make as many Metallos as he wants, with this particular one now on a path to redemption. That redemption is only possible because of Superman, and the final blow delivered in their fight is one of compassion.
Superman and Metallo’s fight in Absolute Superman #22 is basically one-sided from the beginning since Absolute Superman’s Metallo has Kryptonite blood, but it’s not even really Metallo that Superman is fighting. Rather, while his punches keep Metallo busy, Superman’s words are helping the tortured Peacemaker Christopher Smith fight a psychological war.
Superman attempts to reach Christopher by appealing to his human nature and reminding him who he and his mother were. Losing badly yet persevering nonetheless, Superman is beaten so brutally that he must use x-ray vision to see through his swollen eyelids.
Defeating him in a way that only Kal-El of Krypton could, Superman hugs Christopher in a warm embrace, declaring, “You will not outrun the arms of Superman.” These words would be menacing and sinister coming from anybody other than Superman, especially in the nightmare-fueled Absolute universe these characters inhabit.
These words are also meant for Brainiac, not Christopher, but they’re perfect in both contexts due to Superman wrapping his arms around Christopher. Amusingly, it’s possible that there’s a secret third context, too, that could be meant to call out fans who’ve scoffed at Superman’s hugs in the past.
Superman’s Hugs May Be A Meme, But They’re Sincere
Comic fans can find virtually anything to have gripes over in terms of certain characterizations or actions, and it wasn’t all that long ago that Superman was apparently criticized for hugging his 17-year-old son like he was an “infant.” Moreover, some fans also had a problem with Jon Kent hugging Injustice’s Superman—a moral high ground of sorts.
Therefore, the hug and dialogue in Absolute Superman #22 appear to be a blatant callout to anyone who has ever had anything negative to say about Superman or his son expressing how loving and caring they are with this gesture. Absolute Superman could’ve 100% excused having its Kal-El be an indifferent or callous character for the sake of the Absolute universe being so topsy-turvy anyway. That said, if even the Absolute Superman will greet a foe with a hug after helping to free them from the brainwashing they endured—at the hands of Brainiac brainwashing, no less—then it’s debatable that hugs are one of Superman’s greatest superpowers in any continuity.
Absolute Superman #22 is out now.