Absolute Superman #1 is coming to comic book shops on November 6th. The final character of the Trinity, that includes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, to have his Absolute version revealed to fans, he is arguably the most important of the three. Absolute Batman, while having significant differences from the Batman of the main universe is still based in Gotham and still feels very much like a street level hero. Similarly, Wonder Woman, although raised in hell, is still a magic based character and stil an Amazon, much is the same as her main universe counterpart. Superman, however, as the first of his kind, is once again poised to forge a new path.

We know from our chats with Jason Aaron that Kal-El’s story will start neither in Metropolis nor Smallville. Also, do not expect to see any of his familiar villains such as Lex Luthor, Doomsday or Mxyzptlk. The story actually starts in Brazil with a Superman who is old enough to remember Krypton before it exploded and will, at least metaphorically, be carrying the weight of that dead world on his shoulders according to Jason Aaron. The long-time comic book writer told us at SDCC 2024 that the cape that Superman wears will be comprised of the dust of Krypton.

That isn’t the only change to Superman’s look, however. The artist on the project, Rafa Sandoval has a lot to say about the design of Absolute Superman when we asked for him to reflect on his involvement on the project. He also mentioned the responsibility and excitement he feels as the artist that is visually reinterpreting the character

This interview has been edited for clarity

Can you tell us how long ago you heard about the project and how you came onboard?

At the beginning of last summer, I discovered that this project existed while I was working on the last pages of House of Brainiac. I remember thinking that the project seemed very interesting, but that the chances of my participating were quite remote. After finishing House of Brainiac, I was considering the possibility of continuing with different titles. Then came the surprise: I received the proposal to draw Absolute Superman. I’m sure it didn’t take me more than two seconds to respond with a resounding yes! The opportunity to create an entire universe around one of my favorite characters had just opened up before me, and I couldn’t miss that incredible chance.

When you first joined the project what were you most excited for and has that changed? Have there been surprises?

I remember starting this project in mid-July. It’s hard to say what had me the most excited as the entire project had me excited! I had to design many new elements, creating a whole new universe, but above all, I was tasked with designing a new costume for a beloved character. That was my favorite part. Not only did I enjoy it, but it was also the most fun. During this process, it’s impossible not to let the fan within me—who admires Superman—shine through. I worked with all the love in the world, knowing that fans were eagerly waiting to see the results. It was incredibly exciting—one of the best moments of my career.

Throughout the development, I didn’t need to make any changes. The project was born with a solid foundation, which meant that as I drew more pages, it became increasingly rich and interesting. Then comes that magical moment when the project feels like a part of you, and you enjoy every single panel.

You asked me if there have been any surprises, and the answer is yes—there have been pleasant surprises. Although I knew from the beginning what would happen, I experienced firsthand how each character’s challenges evolved step by step. You get to know them so deeply that you genuinely care about their feelings. You understand their emotional struggles to the point that it feels like the magic of storytelling emerges from the pages, allowing you to truly engage with them.

Was it an easy decision to come onboard this version of Superman? In many ways it is reimagining the most iconic superhero of all-time, the one who was first. That has its own type of pressure.

My response to the project was an immediate yes, as I mentioned before. However, you’re right about one thing: there is pressure and responsibility. I was very excited, but as soon as everything was laid out before me and it was time to begin, I became acutely aware of the great responsibility involved. Superman is not just a character; he’s an icon in the minds of all readers. Creating a different version can yield two outcomes. If you don’t do it with the soul of a fan who knows
the original Superman, there is a risk that readers will reject it. That is why it is important to get into the minds of readers and know that Superman has some concepts that must be respected.

This was one of the main rules I imposed on myself while designing the new version. The new Superman needed to retain the essential qualities of the original. I love Superman too much to break that rule, that is more typical of a fan than a designer. Whenever I have an opportunity like this, I’m committed to honoring that responsibility.

What has the collaboration been like with Jason Aaron? Has it just been an exchange of idea regarding visuals or story also?

This is my first time working with Jason. He is a very well-known writer, and I admire him very much. I admit that that made me a little nervous because I wanted to be at the level equal to his work. I have to thank Jason, when we first talked about this project, he gave me a lot of confidence. He gave me a lot of creative freedom. Thanks to that, I worked without pressure. I worked without rigid
impositions and was able to be creative at a high level. Jason made me feel like I was actively involved in the creation process and that is something I am very grateful to him for.

The project was very advanced in many aspects when I started working. It was a project with a very well-defined structure, so my contribution consisted of graphically capturing and creating images that arose from that foundation. Also, I it was important to not only create the new design, but the challenge was also to
achieve an effective graphic narrative.

Do you enjoy the ability to focus on one character and work in the details more than the projects with many characters?

Absolutely. Every project has its positive aspects, and I have really enjoyed working on superhero group projects. On this occasion though, I get to focus on a single main character. This has been a new experience for me and I have enjoyed it very much. It’s like having a baby and he becomes the focus of all my attention.

What has the experience of redesigning Superman been like? We see some classic elements like the S shield, but the cape and the hair look different.

Is there anything more incredible than designing your favorite character? In the new design you can see that I keep several elements very similar to the original. The intention is for the reader to perceive that familiarity with the character, but we have modified things. The hair matches Kal’s personality and Superman’s cape is closely tied to the suit he wears. It is not a suit made with a simple fabric, and its composition impacts the design in a sense. That something that fans will have to discover while reading.

What are you most excited for fans to discover visually in Absolute Superman?

The most exciting aspect is the Superman suit. I’m not going to reveal the reason, but it is something very special. Also, I’m not referring to the design or the suit’s capabilities; there’s a sentimental element that I won’t explain. The reader will have to discover it in the story. It’s a sentimental detail related to the story of this new Superman. We will discover that this Superman has a different personality, and as a Superman fan I can anticipate that it will be a positive development.

Absolute Superman will be available in comic shops starting November 6th.

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