DC Comics Unveils Superman’s Official Threat Level: Is the Warning Justified?

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Superman #2!

DC Comics has officially evaluated Absolute Superman, assigning him a threat ranking of 8 out of 10. But does this rating truly encapsulate the full spectrum of his extraordinary powers? The new ranking inevitably invites a comparison with the original Superman, particularly regarding their capabilities in a hypothetical showdown.

If the two versions of Superman were to clash today, the original Superman would most likely dominate the encounter decisively.

In Absolute Superman #2, crafted by the talented team of Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola, the story picks up seamlessly from the previous issue. It begins with Lazarus Agent Lois Lane binding herself to the Man of Steel, attempting to take him into custody. However, complications arise as Kal-El pulls Lois along in his bid to evade the pursuing Lazarus Corps, providing her with an up-close experience of his remarkable heroism and powers.

Eventually, Superman breaks free from Lois’s handcuffs, and they part ways, with Lois returning to the Lazarus headquarters to document her observations of Superman. This documentation ultimately leads to Superman’s newly assigned threat level of 8 out of 10.

DC Assigns Absolute Superman a Level 8 Threat Ranking (Out of 10)

Main Cover by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola for Absolute Superman #2 (2024)

Interestingly, it’s Brainiac who assigns this threat level to Superman, despite Lois being the lone eyewitness to his valor. Using a system believed to be an automated AI, Lois recounts her encounter, unwittingly providing Brainiac with the information he needs. During their interrogation, Brainiac inquires about the perceived danger of Superman on a scale of one to ten. Although Lois, having recognized Superman’s benevolence, ranks him low on this scale, Brainiac manipulates her input to assign Superman a misleading score of eight.

Despite Lois’s efforts to clarify her position, Brainiac continues his line of questioning, distorting her comments and hinting at extreme recommendations like the termination of Superman—suggestions that were never part of Lois’s narrative.

Is Level 8 an Accurate Reflection of Absolute Superman’s Threat Level?

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Mahmud Asrar for Absolute Superman #2 (2024)

Although Superman’s threat ranking stems from misconceptions fueled by Brainiac’s influence, it still holds significant implications, reflecting what Brainiac gleaned from Lois about Superman’s abilities. Surprisingly, considering Brainiac’s status as a formidable supervillain, the rating might actually be fitting for Absolute Superman. There are substantial reasons for the rating of eight, along with some factors explaining why he does not yet reach a nine or ten.

Firstly, Absolute Superman possesses powers equivalent to his Earth-Prime counterpart, without any indications of inferiority. Additionally, his somewhat sentient costume, equipped with an AI named Sol, adds to his code of power levels. However, Kal-El’s lack of experience precludes him from achieving a nine or ten status. With time and training, he may well ascend to those higher echelons of power.

How Does Absolute Superman’s Power Level Compare to the Original Superman?

Earth-Prime Superman Wins in a Landslide for One Key Reason

Absolute Superman faces off against DC Universe Superman.

When evaluating the formidable roster of Earth’s heroes and villains—excluding cosmic threats such as Darkseid—Earth-Prime Superman deserves his perfect ten ranking. His vast array of powers significantly contributes to this status, but it is ultimately his extensive experience that distinguishes him from Absolute Superman. While Kal-El of the Absolute Universe is still on a journey of self-discovery and growth regarding his powers, the established Superman possesses both remarkable abilities and invaluable experience. In a direct confrontation today, the original Superman would most certainly prevail decisively.

Absolute Superman #2 is currently available from DC Comics!

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