WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1!
Superman’s“Man of Steel”nickname has been a cornerstone of his identity since his earliest days, symbolizing his unmatched strength and resilience. However,Absolute Supermanhas given this legendary title a dark twist, now directly connected to Kal-El’s new, gritty, blue-collar roots. This reimagining not only makes the moniker even more badass but also redefines what it truly means to be a"Man of Steel."
…Superman’s new identity is rooted in the strength and dignity of those who form the foundation and backbone of any civilization.
Absolute Superman#1sees creatives Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, and Ulises Arreola fully embracing the Darkseid-created universe as they put unique spins on some of Superman’s most iconic lore, leading to major changes in Kal-El’s origin, character design, and identity.
Among the most notable alterations are the erasure of Superman’s Clark Kent identity and a dramatic reimagining of the El family and their role in Kryptonian society.This latter shift in Superman lore results in an epic twist on the iconic “The Man of Steel” moniker, redefined by the phrase"The People of Steel."
A Brief History of Superman’s"The Man of Steel"Nickname
Panel FromAction Comics#6 (1938) Featuring Daily Star Newspapers
Before exploring the lore change surrounding the"Man of Steel"nickname, it’s important to understand its origins, as many fans will recognize the moniker as nearly as old as Superman himself but may not recall its very first appearance.The nickname first appeared inAction Comics#6 (1938), where a Daily Star headline reads,“Mystery Man of Steel Re-Appears.“However, it wasn’t untilAction Comics #13 (1939) that the nickname was used in the comic’s narration, officially cementing its place in Superman’s identity.
These two pivotal moments mark the birth of Superman’s most iconic nickname, one that would shape his character and legacy for over 84 years. The"Man of Steel"alias—a homage to Doc Savage, the pulp adventure hero who partially inspired Superman—was initially used to highlight his invulnerability and superhuman strength, traits that set him apart from other superheroes. Over time, however,the meaning of the nickname expanded to symbolize not just physical power, but also Superman’s unwavering resolve and the strength of his moral integrity.This deeper connection solidified the"Man of Steel"as a defining symbol of Superman’s essence.
Doc Savage was often referred to as“The Man of Bronze.”
“We Were The People of Steel”:Superman’s Most Iconic Moniker Is Now Tied to His Blue-Collar Origins
2nd Printing Cover by Rafa Sandoval forAbsolute Superman#1 (2024)
As mentioned earlier, one of the major changes that Absolute Superman introduces to Superman’s lore is the reimagining of theroles of Jor-El and Lara-El in Kryptonian society. In the mainstream Earth-Prime continuity, Kal-El’s parents were part of the prestigious Science Guild. However, in the Absolute Universe, their progressive political views led to their exclusion from the Science Guild and their placement in the Labor Guild—the lowest-ranking guild on Krypton. The Labor Guild was seen as home to the"poor and unskilled,“despite the fact that its members provided vital services essential to the functioning of Kryptonian society.
The immense skill and value of the laborers is further underscored by Lara and Jor-El, who were respectively a mechanic and an engineer, both of whom proudly wore the Laborer Crest. As Superman’s internal narrative notes, laborers were"those who made their way with their own two hands.“This framing emphasizes that, despite Kryptonian society’s perception, being a laborer was both noble and of great value.Kal-El reinforces this idea of pride in his laborer origins when he says,“We were the People of Steel.”
In the Absolute Universe, the legacy and meaning of the"Man of Steel"take on a new depth, as the title is now directly tied to Kal-El’s blue-collar origins. This shift adds a significant layer to his family’s legacy,transforming the nickname into a symbol not just of his invulnerability and moral strength, but of the people he represents.Hence, in this new context, the title underscores Kal-El’s connection to the working class, making it clear that Superman’s new identity is rooted in the strength and dignity of those who form the foundation and backbone of any civilization.
Superman’s New Nickname Is a Dark Identity Shift for the Former ‘Man of Steel,’ As He Enters DC’s Absolute Universe
Forget “The Man of Steel”—Superman now has a dark new nickname that strips him of his manhood status and adds a mysterious edge to his character.
Absolute Superman#1 Grounds Superman’s Story in Real-World Issues
Panel of Kal-El Fighting Peacemakers inAbsolute Superman#1 (2024)
The evolution of the"Man of Steel"moniker to the"People of Steel"solidifies this version of Superman as a champion of the working class.This is further emphasized in the narrative when Kal-El’s heroics focus on helping Earth’s laborers,specifically miners being exploited by the Lazarus Corporation—a ruthless entity that preys on the world’s most vulnerable. While Superman may not have fully embraced the"People of Steel"identity on Krypton due to his young age at the time, on Earth, he is continuing his parents' legacy by standing up for those who work tirelessly to sustain society.
This narrative choice strengthens Superman’s character and enhances his relevance to modern readers by tackling pressing, real-world issuessuch as worker exploitation and corporate greed. By connecting his most iconic moniker—The Man of Steel—to a struggle that resonates with many, this version of Superman takes on a deeper, more complex role. It transcends the traditional hero archetype, grounding him in a cause that feels personal and vital, making his journey all the more engaging and relatable to fans.
Goodbye, Kansas: DC’s New Superman Calls A Different Country Home in Its Absolute Universe
Absolute Superman’s new origin is particularly noteworthy as it aligns with DC’s ongoing effort to distance Superman from his American roots.
Panel of Lazarus Agent Lois Lane Apprehending Superman inAbsolute Superman#1 (2024)
While the narrative introduces the group nickname"The People of Steel,“implying that Superman is part of this collective, Kal-El has yet to be directly called the"Man of Steel.“So far, the only names used to refer to him are"Kal-El,“a sarcastic use of"Superman"from a villainized Lois Lane, and"The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers.“Hence, while Aaron’s reference to"The People of Steel"hints at the eventual debut of the"Man of Steel"moniker in the Absolute Universe, it remains unclear when or howSupermanwill fully claim this iconic title.
Absolute Lois Lane Debuts as Superman’s Newest Villain, Redefining DC’s Most Iconic Romance
Alongside Absolute Superman, Lois Lane makes her debut—but the two are far from lovebirds, as DC introduces Lane as Superman’s latest villain.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1 (2024)
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.
