WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Superman #2!
Die-hard Superman fans and fanfic writers have reason to celebrate, as DC has officially revealed what the Man of Steel smells like. This isn’t just a quirky detail—it’s set to ignite creativity within the Superman fandom, inspiring everything from fanfictions to custom Superman-themed candles that capture the canon-accurate scent of the iconic hero.
Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola’s Absolute Superman #2 picks up right where issue #1 left off, with Lazarus Agent Lois Lane handcuffing herself to the Man of Steel in an attempt to detain him. Unsurprisingly, Superman isn’t exactly cooperative, dragging Lois along as he works to free himself while evading the relentless pursuit of the Lazarus Corps Force.
During this unexpected bout of forced proximity, Lois gets an up-close and personal experience with the Man of Steel, making several key observations—including the surprising detail that he smells like “oak barrels full of burgundy.” And that’s not where her description ends.
It’s Official: Superman Smells Like Burgundy-Filled Oak Barrels
Main Cover by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola for Absolute Superman #1 (2024)
After finding Lazarus’s automated reporting system unsatisfactory, Lois decides to handwrite her report on her encounter with Superman. While the report highlights several notable details about the Man of Steel, including her observations on his power levels, one detail stands out above the rest—her description of his scent. Lois writes, “He smelled like oak barrels full of burgundy. Stored for a thousand years in a musty basement. He smelled amazing.” This description leaves readers with a vivid and surprisingly intimate idea of what Superman smells like.
What makes this moment even more intriguing is that, despite Lois and Superman being on opposing sides in the Absolute Universe, it hints at Lois beginning to fall just a little in love with the Man of Steel. Her poetic depiction of his scent, paired with the way she looks at Kal-El in this issue, reveals cracks in her hardened exterior as Superman’s presence starts to affect her. After all, only someone catching feelings would describe another person’s scent in such striking detail—and then openly admit it “smelled amazing.” This moment is as entertaining as it is telling, adding emotional depth to the narrative on multiple levels.
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Superman’s Smell Reveal Is a Major Win for Merch Makers & Fanfic Writers
Main Cover by Rafa Sandoval for Absolute Superman #4 (2025)
Superman’s scent isn’t just intriguing from a narrative perspective—it’s also significant from a fandom standpoint. With explicit confirmation of what the Man of Steel smells like, fans can incorporate this detail into their own creations. For instance, writers can now include canon-accurate descriptions of Kal’s scent in their Superman fanfiction. Similarly, it’s common across fandoms to create candles inspired by beloved characters, and now candle makers can craft Superman-themed candles with an authentically accurate fragrance, should they choose to do so.
Absolute Superman #2 is available 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.
