Absolute Superman #18
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/18.webp "Absolute Superman #18")
| Writer | Jason Aaron |
| Artist | Rafa Sandoval |
| Cover Price | $4.99 |
“Reign of the Superman” kicks off here with the debut of not one but two Absolute Universe reinventions! The Battle of Kansas may have put the Lazarus Corporation into retreat, but it’s left behind some terrifying surprises in its hidden caches of weapons and world-ending secrets. The most dangerous of all? The sarcophagus of the legendary King Shazam! Don’t miss the start of a new epic that will change the hierarchy of power in the Absolute Universe!
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Apr 01, 2026In the aftermath of the war for Smallville, Superman’s world is getting bigger – and he’s about to face the first villain in this world who might eclipse him in power, the mysterious King Shazam. Read Full Review
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10
But Why Tho? - William Tucker
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman Issue 18 is an example of how to have fun with familiarity. Aaron uses recognizable features before shuffling the pack and adapting the elements into something different. Read Full Review
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10
Comic Watch - Christian Laspada
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman #18 is an absolute gem and an essential read. A mix of real-world parallels and Superman’s fight for freedom is the refreshing take we needed. The narrative is strong, emotional, and filled with timely, relevant themes. If you’re not reading Absolute Superman, you are missing out. Read Full Review
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10
Nerd Initiative - Matthew Roth
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman #18 is kick ass and extremely thought-provoking. They aren’t holding back with this new arc, and bringing Black Adam to life in this Absolute World has me hooked. Read Full Review
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10
The Aspiring Kryptonian - Tyrone Tony Reed Jr
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman #18 is a solid, strong issue that effectively sets the stage for a new chapter in the lives of Clark and Lois. Lois remains the same relentless, determined force she has always been—whether as a journalist or as the daughter of a general. We also begin to see the profound impact Superman has had on Ra’s al Ghul, and how that influence is shaping his relationship with Talia. There are also exciting teases here—a glimpse at the rise of King Shazam, what appears to be the presence of a Teen Titan, and possibly even a member of the Superman family as we know them in the main continuity. Read Full Review
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10
ComicBook.com - Matthew Aguilar
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman grows and evolves while also utilizing all of those new elements and characters to move its central character forward, and as long as that continues to be the case, Absolute Superman will continue to soar. Read Full Review
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9.5
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Apr 01, 2026The Absolute Universe had better be ready for what was unleashed in this issue. Arron delivers a thrilling debut to this new arc, filled with heavy drama and action. Sandoval and Arreola return with a vengeance as the emotional art is on full display. Can even Hope overcome the power of Pure Anger unleashed? Only one way to find out. Read Full Review
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9.3
The Comic Book Spot - Jeremy Bonnette
Apr 02, 2026Absolute Superman #18 introduces not one, but two, new Absolute universe characters who both have many details yet to be revealed. This exciting start to a new story arc is a good jumping on point for fans who have somehow been skipping on this title. Read Full Review
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9.0
KPB Comics - Stan West
Apr 03, 2026Absolute Superman #18 knows what makes Superman special. It’s how he inspires the world. Ra’s became a better man because of him, while his contrast against Black Adam shows us a better way to overcome our past. If you’re ever in doubt just ask yourself one thing. What would Superman do? Read Full Review
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9.0
Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills
Apr 04, 2026An excellent start to a new story, with some really great character introductions, to say nothing of some quality character development. Read Full Review
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8.6
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Apr 01, 2026Sandoval creates beautiful art throughout the issue. Everything from the characters to the action looks amazing. Read Full Review
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8.5
AIPT - David Brooke
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman #18 is a confident start to a new arc that leans hard into mythology, reinvention, and long-game storytelling. The issue thrives on its bold reimagining of familiar DC elements and a dense narrative that rewards attention, even if it occasionally pushes Superman into the background. With strong visuals and intriguing new pieces on the board, this chapter sets the stage for something much bigger to come. Read Full Review
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8.0
Get Your Comic On - Luke Deckard
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman #18 is a solid entry from Aaron. Though I do think more risks could be taken with some of the iconic characters, like Lois Lane, the script is strong with plenty of nail-biting moments. Rafa Sandoval’s art is visceral and pulls you into the frantic, chaotic action, beautifully coloured by Ulises Arreola. Read Full Review
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8.0
Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez
Apr 01, 2026Absolute Superman #18 earns its place because it moves with purpose, looks sharp doing it, and actually advances the long game instead of stalling for applause. The best stuff is the mythic confidence, the nasty family tension, and the clean visual control, while the weaker spots are the occasional speechifying and the crowded ending, but those flaws do not sink the book. This is a comic that deserves a look from readers who want momentum, spectacle, and a story that knows how to hit hard without wasting the page.8/10We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media: Read Full Review
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8.0
COMICON - Olly MacNamee
Apr 02, 2026Absolute Superman #18 is a comic of two halves. Much like a game of soccer. On the one hand, we get a dramatic recount of the birth of Teth-Adam in ancient Egypt, but on the other, we have the never-ending Ra’s Al Ghul saga that simply won’t be kept down. Where that one will end, I really don’t care, but I do care for the entrance of Teth-Adam into the Absolute Universe and what that could mean for Superman. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
A fresh new starting point, and a welcome return of regular artist Sandoval, who perfectly captures the action in this issue. Aaron and co. introduce not one, not two, but three familiar faces in epic ways.
As always, Aaron manages to keep the Absolute reinvention of Superman pure and true to the character, while still delivering exciting and unexpected twists.+ Like • Comment -
9.0
this was a very solid issue. I like seeing Jason Aaron's re-invention of Teth Adam, and the art here is super amazingly fantastic. The colors really pop out, and I feel attached to these characters.
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9.0
Lot going on in this issue.
I thought the visual storytelling around the father box and what was going on could have been stronger. Still my favorite current title. -
9.0
Story and art was pretty darn good however why did this cover get slapped with a ‘new story starts here’ advertisement? We had that three issues back..
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9.5
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9.5
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9.0
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9.0
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9.0
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9.0
2025 In Review:
