WARNING: Contains Spoilers for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #8 (2025)!
DC’s Absolute Universe has once again introduced a majorly cool twist to Superman’s character, as the Man of Steel’s already distinct, AI-infused suit reveals a battle mode that even Earth-Prime’s Superman would envy, especially since it helps him overcome the weakness of solar energy depletion caused by Kryptonite poisoning.
...Sol transforms Superman’s typical Kryptonian attire into a Hail Mary battle suit...
Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola’s Absolute Superman #8 sees Kal-El return to Smallville, Kansas, to visit an ailing Martha Kent. However, what was meant to be a quiet home visit quickly turns into dire straits when Lazarus Agent Lois Lane and the Omega Men’s Jimmy Olsen track the Man of Steel to the small town, with Lois unknowingly leading Brainiac’s Peacekeepers and the rest of the Lazarus Corps straight to Superman.
This results in the heavily modified Christopher “Peacekeeper” Smith sniping Kal-El with a Kryptonite bullet, courtesy of Brainiac’s recent discovery of the weakness in the previous issue. With Superman critically injured, his AI-infused suit, Sol, takes action, transforming into one of the Man of Steel’s coolest and most useful looks to date.
Superman’s New 'Low Solar Energy' Suit Is One of His Most Badass Yet
Cover C Brandon Peterson Variant for Absolute Superman #8 (2025)
Despite having a Kryptonite bullet lodged in his chest, Superman is forced to fight for his life as the recently Brainiac-enhanced Chris Smith attacks with devastating upgrades. Sol warns Superman that the solar energy in his cells is rapidly being depleted by the Kryptonite bullet’s radiation and that continuing the fight could kill him. Sol’s programming, designed to ensure Superman’s survival at all costs, then takes over. The AI determines it must end the fight as quickly as possible by disabling Peacekeeper’s implants. In a last-ditch effort, Sol transforms Superman’s typical Kryptonian attire into a Hail Mary battle suit that is nothing short of badass.
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The suit gives Kal-El full-body coverage, including a chrome full-face helmet. This chrome-like shell extends across his entire body, encasing him in a protective layer. The helmet and upper body feature spike-like extensions reminiscent of Earth-Prime’s Doomsday design. Lava-like veins run across the chrome surface, with some breaking away to form energy tendrils that swirl around Superman. The suit not only looks badass but also helps him survive Peacekeeper’s brutal attacks, as it unlocks his "solar reserves" and activates "tornado mode," allowing him to fight back with renewed strength.
Is Superman Faster with His Suit’s New Battle Mode?
Cover B Clayton Crain Variant for Absolute Superman #8 (2025)
The suit is perhaps one of the Man of Steel’s coolest upgrades across any continuity, as it effectively helps him battle severe Kryptonite poisoning, allowing him to keep fighting when he would typically be incapacitated. In addition to providing extra protection and lessening the effects of the poisoning, the suit also appears to boost Superman’s superhuman speed. The narrative emphasizes this, with Kal-El claiming that within 30 seconds, he managed to punch Chris one thousand times. It’s unclear whether this feat is due to Superman’s natural abilities or a part of the suit's tornado mode, so hopefully, fans will learn more about this mysterious yet badass upgrade and all its capabilities in future issues.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #8 is available now from DC Comics!
