(Image Source: DC / Rafa Sandoval)
DC Comics‘ new Absolute Universe has reinvented many aspects of their iconic heroes. This is particularly true in Absolute Superman, which presents a Kal-El who came to Earth as a teenager rather than as a baby. It has also offered commentary on many aspects of modern life, such as artificial intelligence (AI). All these things come into play revamping a classic Superman location for this new setting.
Written by Jason Aaron, with art by Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman #12 presents a flashback to Kal-El’s earliest days on Earth. To say the young man suffered culture shock would be understating things. While he and his parents were rebels against the fascist government of Krypton, he finds that things on Earth are even worse. He immediately comes into conflict with the Lazarus Corporation, which is taking over large stretches of the world.
(Image Source: DC / Rafa Sandoval)
After his first efforts to reach out end in the kindly Kent family suffering, the young Superman grows determined to live apart from humanity. His AI companion Sol advises against this, saying that while he may not need to eat or sleep, he still requires social interaction. However, Sol does agree to give Kal-El the peace he desires, if only so he can have a moment’s rest. To that end, Sol creates a virtual Fortress of Solitude for his young charge.
Absolute Superman Fortress of Solitude Explained
The Absolute Universe Fortress of Solitude is not the familiar building of crystal in the Arctic Circle or Antarctica. It is made of crystal, but is much smaller in scale. Indeed, it might be more accurate to call it the Sensory Deprivation Chamber of Solitude.
(Image Source: DC / Rafa Sandoval)
Whenever Kal-El feels the need to be alone, Sol reforms his nanites into a crystal cocoon around Absolute Superman. This hides him from the outside world, preventing him from being detected while he rests. With Sol living within his clothing, this version of Kal-El carries his Fortress of Solitude with him like a turtle and its shell.
Absolute Superman #12 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
