Absolute Superman is Finally Gunning for His Classic Villains

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John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.

The following contains major spoilers for Absolute Superman #15, on sale January 7 from DC Comics.

DC Comics' Absolute Superman is finally taking the fight to his most iconic villains, and they don't even know it yet.

In a preview of Absolute Superman #15 (by Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra, and Becca Carey) from DC Comics, readers find the titular Man of Steel racing to keep up with every disaster he has a chance of stopping. When one of those disasters proves to be the latest in a string of factory fires owned by one Winslow Schott, however, Superman wastes no time in paying the Toyman a personal visit, nor in burning his office down around him.

Absolute Superman #15

Written by JASON AARON
Art by JUAN FERREYRA
Colors by JUAN FERREYRA
Letters by BECCA CAREY
Main cover art by RAFA SANDOVAL & ULISES ARREOLA
Variant covers by GERALD PERALTA; CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO; and JUAN FERREYRA

The official solicit synopsis for Absolute Superman #15 from DC Comics reads, "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN! In the shocking aftermath of the Battle of Kansas, Superman wrestles with profound changes to his life, his allies, and even his costume. But more importantly, there's work to be done, as we experience a day in the life of the world's busiest superhero — and welcome guest artist Juan Ferreyra (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) to the series!"

DC Comics' original Toyman, Winlsow Schott, was introduced all the way back in 1943 in the opening story from Action Comics #64, "The Terrible Toyman" by Don C. Cameron and Ed Dobrotka. Like most versions of the character, the Golden Age iteration of Toyman was a seemingly ordinary man with a knack for toys and machinery that slowly became twisted when he began using his inventions to commit a string of robberies.

Over the years, Toyman has been reimagined time and time again, though nearly every version of the character follows the same basic formula. Similarly, Toyman has consistently found himself facing off against Superman, usually as a member of the Man of Steel's personal rogues gallery. And, though he rarely poses the same kind of threat as the likes of Parasite or Brainiac, he has still proven to be a serious problem on plenty of occasions.

Currently, the Absolute Superman is at the highest point of his career yet, thanks to his recent victory over none other than Ra's al Ghul. After months of facing off against the Peacemaker soldiers and other military resources at the command of Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Corporation, Superman was able to come face-to-face with the villain in the epic conclusion to what is now known as the Battle of Kansas.

Of course, the Absolute Superman's victory over Ra's al Ghul doesn't mean he is anywhere near safe from the supervillains of his world. In fact, readers are still waiting for the Absolute Lex Luthor to receive a proper introduction after the latest version of the character made a brief cameo appearance during the final pages of Absolute Evil #1 back in October 2025.

Absolute Superman #15 goes on sale January 7 from DC Comics