Should Superman Embrace His Dark Side? DC Fans Pray for the Man of Steel’s Rage

Warning! This article contains significant SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #4.

Dark Times for DC’s New Man of Steel

Absolute Superman positions DC’s latest incarnation of the iconic hero at a crossroads, grappling with the darker aspects of his character. Faced with the formidable Lazarus Corporation, Superman is waging a one-man war aimed at rescuing those victimized by its exploitation while striving to prevent Earth from mirroring Krypton’s tragic fate. However, even the individuals Kal-El has saved recognize that he is suppressing his true potential, a realization that both troubles and motivates them.

Throughout the earlier installments of Absolute Superman, it has been established that Krypton met an agonizing end in this new universe, plagued by over-extraction of its resources and rampant pollution. This environmental decline revealed the long-lasting repercussions of corporate greed, laying the groundwork for Superman’s fight against the oppressive Lazarus Corporation, which operates on a global scale and employs formidable paramilitary forces.Now, Lois Lane, working as an agent for Lazarus, is determined to uncover the full extent of Superman’s abilities.

Lois Lane’s Investigative Pursuit of Superman

In the gripping Absolute Superman #4 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, Lois Lane embarks on a mission to interview individuals whom Superman has rescued. Many of these survivors bear witness to the Lazarus Corporation’s brutal business tactics and the harsh treatment meted out by its enforcers, known as The Peacemakers. As Lois interacts with these victims, she discovers that they share a powerful sentiment: they, too, attempted to locate the elusive Superman but often found him already engaged in another battle against Lazarus.

Interestingly, these individuals reveal a nuanced truth about Superman—while he fears not the might of the Lazarus Corporation, he is terrified of what might happen when his rage boils over. They express a desperate hope that he may one day unleash his full power, praying for a day when the Man of Steel will obliterate their oppressors without hesitation.

The Call for Superman’s Dark Side

Embracing the Rage

Superman’s dilemma of holding back his immense strength recurs throughout DC lore. This concept underlines the inherent power of the Man of Steel, showcasing his restraint in choosing not to annihilate those who challenge him, thereby emphasizing his commitment to justice and the sanctity of life. However, as depicted in the latest issue, Superman’s struggle becomes far more complicated when his would-be saviors yearn for him to unleash his full potential against their oppressors.

The pervasive influence of the Lazarus Corporation, with its sprawling global operations, places Superman in a precarious situation. Despite his best efforts to practice restraint, the pressure from those he rescues may push him toward a more radical course. As the narrative unfolds, Superman wrestles with the urgency to act decisively while grappling with the moral implications of his potential wrath.

Will Superman Succumb to Vengeance?

The Question of Vengeance

For DC’s Absolute Superman, it might seem simpler to invoke a scorched earth approach against the Lazarus Corporation. Such an extreme measure, while undoubtedly effective in preventing future abuses, raises questions about the nature of justice and the role of Superman in the world. Many fans are sympathetic to the view that the corporation must be eradicated entirely, especially with numerous victims calling for Superman’s vengeance to protect their communities.

Yet addressing the instability of Superman’s solar powers is the cornerstone of his continued restraint. As the narrative progresses, it appears he will persist in tempering his response—not merely out of mercy but to shield the innocent from unintended consequences of his might.

Through this lens, Absolute Superman #4 significantly redefines the hero’s message of hope, casting it in a darker light. The ongoing evolution of Superman’s character, as he comes to terms with both the weight of his powers and the expectations placed upon him, captivates readers and invites deeper reflection on themes of justice and mercy.

Absolute Superman #4 is available now from DC Comics.

Source & Images