DC’s New Superman Just Got A Brutal New Mentor

DC’s New Superman Just Got A Brutal New Mentor Absolute Superman #8 Variant Cover

By Kevin Erdmann Published Feb 6, 2026, 10:02 PM EST Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero. With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention. Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Add Us On Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #16

DC's new Superman is getting a brutal new mentor in the Absolute Universe. A "hero" with some pretty dark secrets, Absolute Hawkman has just made a new appearance in Absolute Superman (though he might not be the Man of Steel's ally for long).

Following Superman's defeat of Director Ra's al Ghul of the Lazarus Corporation during the Battle of Smallville, Kal-El's status quo sees him struggling to meaningfully change the world. Currently, he's just answering every cry for help as he hears them with his super-hearing (meaning he never stops rushing from crisis to crisis).

However, Superman's unsustainable strategy was just interrupted by Absolute Hawkman in the pages of the new Absolute Superman #16.

Absolute Superman Just Met Absolute Hawkman, A Legacy "Hero"

Absolute Hawkman in Absolute Hawkman #16

In this new issue of Absolute Superman, Carter Hall presents himself as a legacy hero who fought Nazis during World War II, positioning his experience as wisdom The Man of Steel could learn from. On the surface, Absolute Hawkman looks like a mentor the younger Superman could benefit from in this darker version of the DC Universe.

While Absolute Hawkman insists he wants to help Superman and show him how to survive (unlike past heroes whom he's killed), it's clear that Kal-El is not fully buying what he's selling.

Hawkman Offers To Train Superman in Absolute Superman #16

What Superman doesn’t know is that Hawkman actually serves the House of Un-American Activities Committee and the Absolute Universe’s "Justice League", a shadowy cabal of villains who shape global events: Director of GATES Veronica Cale, Jack Grimm V's Joker, Ra's al Ghul of the Lazarus Corporation, Hector Hammond, and Doctor Elenore Thawne.

Hawkman's superiors were confirmed in last year's Absolute Evil #1, where it was also revealed that Hawkman has killed similarly idealistic heroes over the years on their orders, heroes like Oliver Queen's Green Arrow.

Will Hawkman Corrupt Superman, Or Will Superman Redeem Hawkman?

Hawkman and Superman Facing Absolute Parasite

Hawkman claims he wants to train Superman, insisting he wants to prevent him from repeating the mistakes of past heroes (whom he was ordered to kill). However, Hawkman's first piece of advice to work with an organization as corrupt and evil as Lazarus Corporation doesn't fly for Superman.

Screen Rant Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters

Dive into the world of movies and TV shows with Screen Rant, your source for news, reviews, and exclusive content. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

As such, their tense conversation inevitably turns into a brawl, only to be interrupted by the debut of Absolute Parasite. Superman’s stance is clear: helping people whenever they need it is the "only fight that matters." As a result, it's going to be fascinating to see if Superman manages to redeem Hawkman and turn him into a legitimate hero in the issues to come.

Absolute Superman #16 is available now from DC Comics.

Superman Deflecting Bullets in Comic Art by Jorge Jimenez

Superman Created By Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel First Appearance Action Comics Alias Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent Alliance Justice League, Superman Family Race Kryptonian Franchise D.C.

Expand Collapse