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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

First appearances in Absolute Superman #24

Bloodsport

Chemo

Atomic Skull

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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