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The following contains major spoilers for Absolute Superman #13, on sale November 5 from DC Comics.
The Absolute Superman just gave Smallville the extra piece of protection it needs with a whole new iteration of his home away from home.
In a preview of Absolute Superman #13 (by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola, and Becca Carey) from DC Comics, readers are dropped right into the middle of the Battle of Kansas, being fought between the Man of Steel and the Lazarus Corporation's sprawling army of Peacemakers. Despite their soldiers, tanks, and drones, there is one thing that the Lazarus Corporation can't keep up with, and that is the near-limitless power of Superman's suit and its sentient AI known as Sol. Not only does Sol help give Superman an edge in combat against Smallville's would-be oppressors, it gives him the power to reach deep into the ground beneath the town and erect a crimson Fortress of Solitude from it, literally drawing a crimson line that the Peacemakers alone cannot cross.
Absolute Superman #13
- Written by JASON AARON
- Art by RAFA SANDOVAL
- Colors by ULISES ARREOLA
- Letters by BECCA CAREY
- Main cover art by RAFA SANDOVAL & ULISES ARREOLA
- Variant covers by BENGAL; DAVID TALASKI; and MIKEL JANÍN
The Fortress of Solitude has long been a key part of Superman's world, with its first appearance taking place in Jerry Siegel and John Sikela's "Muscles for Sale" from the pages of 1942's Superman #17. First introduced as Superman's Secret Sanctuary, the Fortress of Solitude is a crystalline structure hidden away in the frozen Antarctic landscape. There, Superman is able to carry out his less explosive work in relative safety, usually toiling away at various Krytponian artifacts and dangerous or misunderstood technologies.
Created by Kale-El's mother, Lara-El, Sol is one of if not the single greatest asset the Absolute Superman has at his disposal. This sentient artificial intelligence resides within Superman's suit, and is able to assess any given situation far faster than the Man of Steel himself. Sol is also capable of unleashing the suit's supply of Sunstone Dust, which comprises Superman's flowing cape, as well as various constructs ranging from biting dust storms to Smallville's new Fortress of Solitude itself.
Smallville Is An Important Part Of Absolute Superman
Image via DC ComicsAlthough Smallville is very much the Absolute Superman's adoptive home, he isn't the only classic DC Comics character with a strong attachment to the town. Back in Absolute Evil #1, readers followed along as some of the most powerful and dangerous villains in the Absolute Universe came together to form their very own Justice League. At its heart, this twisted Justice League consists of Hector Hammond, Ra's al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Elenore Thawne, and the Joker, though the Absolute Brainiac was quick to note that there was one important part of the equation that the team was missing. With a single call, Brainiac reached out to none other than Lex Luthor himself, who just so happened to be relaxing at his picturesque farmhouse nestled in the heart of Smallville.
Absolute Superman #13 goes on sale Nov. 5., 2025 from DC Comics.
NAME Kal-El, Clark Kent
Alias Superman
FIRST APP Action Comics #1, 1938
Created By Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
POWERS Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, reflexes. Heat vision, X-ray Vision. Ice breath. Flight
English (US) · 