Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #2
DC Comics just changed the superhero cape game with Absolute Superman, completely redefining the Man of Steel’s iconic red cape with an amazing redesign. Leaning into his alien origins as the Last Son of Krypton, Kal-El’s new cape features some pretty incredible applications as “The Last Dust of Krypton”. Debuting as far more than the original Superman’s cloth cape even could be, I’ve been floored by how cool this new cape adds to this new direction for Superman in DC’s new Absolute Universe.
As seen in Absolute Superman #2 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, Kal-El finds himself completely surrounded by the security agents and Peacemakers working for the corrupt Lazarus Corporation, whose operations he’s been actively fighting against across the globe. Despite being cuffed to Lazarus Agent Lois Lane, Absolute Superman’s living and sentient suit known as Sol deploys Kal’s cape, protecting both himself and Lane from a barrage of incoming fire. However, the cape itself is remarkably made from red dust which can be manipulated to great effect:
On the one hand, there have always been superhero capes with practical uses, such as Batman’s cape, which he uses to glide over the streets of Gotham, or Marvel’s Doctor Strange and his Cloak of Levitation. However, it’s hard to deny that Absolute Superman’s new cape made from the dust of Krypton isn’t taking things to the next level.
Absolute Superman’s New Cape Has All Kinds Of Abilities
It’s Far More Than An Iconic Fashion Piece
It’s easy to quickly see that Absolute Superman #2’s primary purpose is to show off Kal-El’s new alien cape, and it does so very well. After defending both himself and Lois (who was considered acceptable collateral damage by Lazarus), Superman takes to the sky with Lane still cuffed to his wrist. With heli-tanks in pursuit, Kal-El’s red dust cape expands and absorbs the blow of two missiles that had been fired.
“It’s become abundantly clear that Absolute Superman’s red dust cape easily trumps any other superhero cape seen before…”
Additionally, Superman then uses the cape to help a group of nearby civilians who otherwise would have been caught in the resulting crossfire. Incredibly, the cape reaches out to grab and protect multiple people at once before treating their minor wounds. To that end, it’s become abundantly clear that Absolute Superman’s red dust cape easily trumps any other superhero cape seen before. It’s way too unique, advantageous, and downright cool to rank any lower than at the very top of the list.
The New Cape Is Made From The Red Dust Of Krypton
It’s Both Powerful and Extremely Sentimental
In the main DC Universe, Superman’s traditional cloth cape is quite durable and does offer a means of protection. However, it’s a far cry from anything Absolute Superman’s cape can accomplish due to its sheer adaptability. Likewise, the fact that this new Superman cape is literally made from the dust of his lost home planet is heartbreaking, arguably surpassing the sentimental value of the original (the blanket Kal-El was wrapped in when he was sent to Earth). As such, I’m very much looking forward to seeing Superman’s new cape in action as Absolute Superman continues.
Absolute Superman #2 is on sale now from DC Comics.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
- Created By
- Joe Shuster , Jerry Siegel
- First Appearance
- Action Comics
- Alias
- Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent
- Alliance
- Justice League, Superman Family
- Race
- Kryptonian
Summary
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
