We chat with the artist about the rage of Absolute Superman and a much darker DC timeline.
Welcome to Creator Corner, our recurring interview series in which we chat with the industry's coolest and most thought-provoking creators. In this entry, we're conversing about Absolute Superman with Rafa Sandoval.
This week, a significant chapter in DC's new Absolute Universe reaches its conclusion. Absolute Superman #5 by Rafa Sandoval and Jason Aaron finishes its first arc and reveals "The Rage of Superman." Those last four words concern us greatly, as we've never enjoyed seeing Kal-El hit ten. Although, if we don't like to experience Superman's rage, the Peacekeepers on the other end of it certainly hate it way more.
We've been lucky to talk with Jason Aaron about Absolute Superman a few times since October, and our last conversation touched on Kal-El's anger quite a bit. The circumstances surrounding the Absolute Kal-El drastically differ from the Man of Steel we usually hang out with in the comics. This Kal's Kryptonian pain is crystal clear and fresh. He remembers what he lost vividly, and it's not filtered through an infant's faint/non-existent memory. And with super-pain comes super-anger, and managing both creates a slightly different super-heroism.
With the fifth issue at hand, we bounced a few questions over to Rafa Sandoval via email, and he was kind enough to answer. We discuss his history with Superman, his new role as caretaker, and balancing the many Kal-Els we witness in Absolute Superman.
Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman, and the Two Kal-Els
Brad: Hi Rafa, thanks for taking the time to chat with us about Absolute Superman.
Rafa Sandoval: It's a pleasure for me to talk to you!
Brad: In reading the fifth issue, we were struck by the two Kal-Els you must depict in this series. There is the Kal-El on Krypton and the Kal-El on Earth. How did you approach managing these two eras, these two physicalities, and these two emotional spectrums?
Rafa Sandoval: We can see two differences. The first is the physical difference. This difference is obvious and necessary for us to understand that several years have passed since Kal-El suffered the destruction of his world. And number two: It was also necessary to show his original emotional state.
Kal-El was always somewhat introverted, but it was clear that he was very happy in his world with his parents. The Kal-El of Earth is much more introverted. On our planet, he has a somewhat more explosive and distrustful temperament. Since he arrived on Earth, he has not managed to be completely happy. I must confess that I am fascinated by this character. After everything he has been through, he has managed to overcome his pain and move forward. And that is admirable!
Rafa Sandoval, Absolute Superman, and The OG Hero
Brad: In Absolute Superman #5, Kal-El reaches a breaking point regarding his anger - his justifiable anger. What was your approach to depicting "The Rage of Superman," an emotional state we rarely see with Kal-El and one we frankly don't like to see. It's hard to see Superman mad, but it's necessary for the approach you and Jason are taking with the Absolute Universe.
Rafa Sandoval: I know it's strange to see Superman so angry, but in the Absolute Universe, we have a different Kal-El. He's not a bad person, but it's hard for him to calm his feelings. Kal's mind still needs to be put back together. Personally, I think it's good to see scenes of Kal-El trying to overcome difficult emotional situations. We'll see the character evolve. It's a challenge of personal growth that will bring us closer to the final version of the character.
Brad: What does it mean for you to work on Superman? He's the original superhero. THE Superhero. Does that come with added pressure for you, or is this just another gig?
Rafa Sandoval: I thank DC and Jason for letting me work on this project. Superman means a lot to me; he's the quintessential Superhero. I'm a huge fan of him and he's one of my favorite characters. For that reason, it's easy to understand that my work on this project isn't just a job.
On one hand, I'm very excited to draw a character I love. But I also have a lot of respect for his story. At first, I felt pressure because I didn't know if I would be able to live up to this character. But there came a time when I decided to enjoy this project. If I wanted to do it well, I had to put that pressure aside. I believe that if fate gives you an opportunity like this, you have to make the most of it!
Absolute Superman #5 arrives in comic shops on March 12th.
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