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Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman is filled with characters from the Man of Steel’s mythos. From long-time Superman friends and enemies, to cameos from other series, it can be hard to keep up with which character was introduced when. The following is a guide to every Absolute Superman first appearance, including Absolute Lex Luthor and Absolute Jimmy Olsen, and in which issue.

You can read a similar guides to Absolute Batman first appearances and Absolute Wonder Woman first appearances. Be sure to check our guide to the Absolute Universe as well!

First appearances in Absolute Superman #1

Superman*

Krypton

Kandor

Lara-El

Jor-El

The Science League

Peacemakers

Lazarus Corps

Lois Lane

Brainiac

Sol

Krypto

*Absolute Superman’s first ever appearance was in DC All-In Special #1

First appearances in Absolute Superman #2

Peacemaker (Christopher Smith)

First appearances in Absolute Superman #3

Martha Kent

Smallville

First appearances in Absolute Superman #4

General Lane

The Omega Men

Primus/Omega Prime

Jimmy Olsen

First appearances in Absolute Superman #5

Jonathan Kent

First appearances in Absolute Superman #6

Ra’s al Ghul

First appearances in Absolute Superman #7

Brainiac Collective

First appearances in Absolute Superman #8

Daily Planet

Metropolis

Boom tubes

Kryptonite

A guide to the Absolute Universe 2026

First appearances in Absolute Superman #9

Fatherbox

First appearances in Absolute Superman #10

Talia revealed

First appearances in Absolute Superman #11

Kryptonite term used for first time

First appearances in Absolute Superman #12

Lana Lang

First appearances in Absolute Superman #13

Godbox

First appearances in Absolute Superman #14

Blue and red costume

First appearances in Absolute Superman #15

Hawkman*

Toyman

Lex Luthor teased

*Absolute Hawkman’s first ever appearance was in Absolute Evil #1

First appearances in Absolute Superman #16

Shazam teased

Perry White

Parasite

Lex Luthor*

Lena Luthor

Alex Luthor

All mentioned – Oliver Queen, Wesley Dodds, Iron Munroe, and Doctor Fate

*Absolute Lex Luthor’s first ever appearance was in Absolute Evil #1

First appearances in Absolute Superman #18

Phantom Stranger

Shazam

Steel

First appearances in Absolute Superman #19

Absolute Batman cameo

First appearances in Absolute Superman #20

The original Justice League cameo

First appearances in Absolute Superman #22

Metallo

Notable appearances outside Absolute Superman

Absolute Superman’s debut was not in his own series. It should be noted that Absolute Superman’s first appearance was in DC All-In Special; a one-shot issue that established the Absolute Universe. Kal-El has also appeared in one other Absolute series so far, specifically Absolute Martian Manhunter #12. A dark version of Kal-El also appears in DC K.O. #3.

This guide to every Absolute Superman first appearance will be updated as the series continues.

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