If you thought Absolute Superman was unpowered, this fight proves that the threats in this new universe are escalating to a terrifying degree.
Here is what went down in the massive battle that ushers in the "Reign of the Superman."
The Awakening of King Shazam
The story, written by Jason Aaron, opens with a monologue from John Henry Irons (Steel), who has spent years planning to kill Ra's al Ghul. However, as Rob explains, all plans go to hell when Ra's unleashes his secret weapon in the basement: Teth Adam.
Awakened by a Father Box, Teth Adam appears for the first time in eons, speaking middle Egyptian from 4,000 years ago. While Ra's believed he could control Superman, he quickly realizes there is no controlling King Shazam.
Thrust from a quiet, ancient world into the noisy modern era, Black Adam is immediately overwhelmed by the sensory input. Despite Superman’s attempts to use diplomacy to calm him down, Black Adam responds with violence.
The Punch Heard ‘Round the Continent
In one of the most stunning displays of power in the Absolute Universe so far, Black Adam punches Superman.
According to John Henry Irons’ observation, Superman’s senses operate at speeds beyond thought, yet he never saw the punch coming. Seconds later, Superman lands somewhere in Wyoming—1,100 miles away from Metropolis. This establishes that Absolute Black Adam is not only incredibly strong but terrifyingly fast.
A Brutal Murder Broadcast Worldwide
While Superman rushes back from Wyoming, Black Adam confronts Ra's al Ghul, Steel, Lois Lane, and Talia al Ghul.
Ra's steps forward, revealing he ordered Teth Adam's imprisonment to protect the world. In a surprising twist for this hard-edged universe, Ra's al Ghul attempts to repent for his past misdeeds, telling Black Adam that there is now "hope" for this dark world.
However, utilizing the Wisdom of King Solomon, Black Adam declares he knows a lie when he hears it. In a horrifying moment broadcast to the entire world, Black Adam seizes Ra's al Ghul and tears him into pieces, killing him instantly.
Prophecy and Misunderstanding
When Superman returns to confront him, Black Adam realizes this is the figure from the Phantom Stranger’s ancient prophecy: a being with eyes of fire and the dust of his home upon his back.
In a twisted bit of irony, Black Adam believes the prophecy was speaking about himself, viewing Superman merely as a "cheap copy" and a slave to the new world's rulers.
Teth Adam claims that during his ancient 8-day reign, he ended war and was building a paradise. From his perspective, he is the liberator, and Superman is part of the violent institution that rules the modern world.
The Reign of the Superman Begins
The ensuing battle spans continents. John Henry Irons narrates the action, describing punches flying every millisecond, fists crackling with billions of joules of power, and the air heating to temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. As their sand and dust cloaks intertwine, they create a literal tornado of energy moving across the planet.
As they pass through Gotham City, Batman is shown watching, narrating that this fight officially begins the "Reign of the Superman." As Rob from Comic Explained analyzes, this statement implies a new era where Superman faces his equals (metahuman vs. metahuman), meaning threats will be greater, and collateral damage harder to minimize.
Steel and Hawkman Tag In
Desperate to help, John Henry Irons (utilizing a new origin in this universe as a min-wage worker betrayed by Lazarus Corp) lunges into the fight. He manage to crack Black Adam across the face with his hammer, sending him flying.
However, Black Adam recovers and begins pummeling Superman within an inch of his life over the water. Despite firing off heat vision, Superman appears to be no match for King Shazam's absolute brutality.
Just as the end looks near, Hawkman arrives, telling Steel to stay down. Hawkman creates a momentary reprieve, bringing a temporary end to the fight with the weary observation: "Is it just me or has this superhero thing gotten kind of out of hand?"
For the full, energetic breakdown of this issue, be sure to check out the original video on the Comic Explained YouTube channel.