(Image Source: DC Comics / Elizabeth Torque)
The Absolute Universe has killed off a surprising number of DC Comics mainstays in its first year. Absolute Superman has been no exception to this, despite having a lower body count that most books in the line. However, the latest issue did see an important character in the Man of Steel’s mythology die tragically.
Written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman #14 was the final chapter of the ‘Battle of Kansas’ storyline. Most of the issue was devoted to a fight between Kal-El and Ra’s Al Ghul, who thought the young hero would be his ideal heir. At the same time, Al Ghul’s Peacemakers fought with the people of Smallville, who had taken Kal-El in as one of their own.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Rafa Sandoval)
It spoils little to reveal that Superman ultimately won the fight. He also turned Ra’s Al Ghul into the authorities of Pakistan, where he was wanted for murder. With that done, Kal-El set out to take a trip he’d been forced to put off too long. This led to a bittersweet coda for the Battle of Kansas and the revelation of an off-panel death.
What DC character just died in Absolute Superman?
After several weeks of lying low, Superman risked a visit to Martha Kent in a Smallville nursing home. While he had not been raised by the Kents in the Absolute Universe, they still cared for him after he crash-landed on Earth. Had it not been for the untimely arrival of the Peacemakers, they might have adopted him.
Kal-El had kept his distance from Martha for five years while on the run. Despite this, he secretly checked in on her after her husband died and she was diagnosed with dementia. He hoped to see her openly now that it was safe. Sadly, one of the nurses informed Kal-El that Martha had died in her sleep the night before.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Rafa Sandoval)
To drive home what might have been, the nurse informed Kal-El that Martha spoke of her “son” in her lucid moments. Martha had also begun making something she asked the nurse to hold for him. The issue ended as Kal-El cried, while holding the classic Superman suit that Martha had not quite finished.
Absolute Superman #14 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
