DC’s newest Superman installment introduces a brand-new version of an iconic hero and villain, both at the same time. DC Comics has been reimagining some of the biggest and most popular characters in the Absolute Universe, where characters lack or gain key parts of their traditional lore. Some are luckier than others, but most Absolute characters tend to become monstrous versions of their regular counterparts, one way or another.
Even civilian roles are flipped, as Lois Lane appears as a corporate soldier while Jimmy Olsen is reimagined as a rogue activist. Every time a new Absolute character is announced, it’s difficult to predict how drastically different they’ll look and whether they’ll be more heroic or more villainous than they’re used to being. After all, Absolute Harley Quinn and Absolute Killer Croc are Batman’s allies, while Absolute Peacemaker is a thorn in Superman’s side and Absolute Zatanna is Wonder Woman’s enemy.
There are several top-tier names that haven’t shown their faces in the Absolute Universe yet, including Absolute Robin and Absolute Aquaman. DC is gradually covering these unexplored figures, starting with a character who’s traditionally on par with Superman.
Teth-Adam Is Officially DC’s Absolute Shazam
Absolute Superman #18; Written by Jason Aaron; Art by Rafa Sandoval
Superman’s latest challenge in the Absolute Universe has been one of the most gruesome in his short career, as Absolute Parasite almost eats him alive and does unspeakable psychological damage to people around him. Now, with an age of heroes kicking into overdrive and a growing list of world-ending threats, Clark Kent finds himself facing an immensely dangerous, ancient enemy. Absolute Superman #18 officially introduces the Absolute Universe’s very own Teth-Adam, better known as Black Adam, who’s destined to become King Shazam.
Compared to other character reinventions in DC’s Absolute Universe, Teth-Adam’s origin seems to be quite similar to his Prime counterpart’s. Only this time, Teth-Adam’s transformation into a champion appears to be streamlined. A young Teth-Adam loses his family and is tortured by the Pharaoh, and he’s chosen by a mysterious female sorcerer to be a future warrior, “with eyes of fire and strength beyond imagining.” The sorcerer appears to know about “the Omega at the beginning,” teasing Adam’s connection to Darkseid.
Black Adam Deserves To Regain His Status As A Recurring DC Powerhouse
Teth-Adam’s Popularity Took A Hit In 2022
Teth-Adam’s debut in Absolute Superman #18 marks a critical turning point for a character that has spent the last few years navigating a complicated cultural legacy. The 2022 Black Adam movie’s shadow still looms large over Teth-Adam’s comic book trajectory, as the DCEU’s attempt to depict him as a foundational pillar of the DC Universe felt disconnected from the source material. This disconnect was further exacerbated by a flurry of tie-in events across comics and animation that forced Black Adam into the spotlight and ultimately backfired.
However, Black Adam is far too significant a figure to be relegated to the sidelines simply because of a single era’s missteps. As the ruler of Kahndaq and a mirror to the Wizard Shazam’s chosen champions, Adam is one of the most iconic DC villains and anti-heroes. Black Adam’s best comic book stories, like Black Reign, The Dark Age, and Black Adam: Year Of The Villain, prove that when written with a focus on his tragic roots and ruthless pragmatism, Shazam’s archnemesis can be a top-tier DC villain.
New Images Offer Fresh Look At Superman’s New Costume And Superhero Identity
The new identity of DC’s second Superman seems to be a permanent change, and his transformation may mark a historical change for the Super-Family.
The Absolute Universe could be the perfect laboratory for Teth-Adam to reclaim his reputation and undergo a total narrative rebirth. Given the Absolute imprint’s track record for stripping characters down to their most compelling essentials, this new version of Teth-Adam in Absolute Superman has the opportunity to shed the baggage of his 2022 era entirely. Free from the constraints of main-continuity synergy, this Absolute Teth-Adam can be reimagined as the terrifying, regal, and ancient force of nature he was always meant to be.
How do you think Teth-Adam’s story will evolve in DC’s Absolute Universe?
Absolute Superman #18 is available now from DC Comics.
- Created By
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Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
- First Appearance
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Action Comics
- Alias
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Kal-El, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent
- Alliance
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Justice League, Superman Family
- Race
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Kryptonian
- Franchise
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D.C.