Superman’s legacy extends far beyond the Man of Steel himself. Over the decades, his stories have served as the launching point for some of DC’s most iconic heroes and villains. Now, one of the characters born from Superman’s mythos has received what may be his coolest redesign of all time.
In October 2024, DC Comics launched the Darkseid-created Absolute Universe, the setting for the publisher’s bestselling titles, including Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, and Absolute Superman. While each series tells its own unique story, they all share one defining trait: reimagining DC’s heroes and villains in ways never before explored, with darker, more hardcore origins, narratives, and designs than their main-universe counterparts.
Among the heroes beyond DC’s Big Seven to join the Absolute Universe is John Henry Irons. He made his debut in Absolute Superman #18, appearing as the mysterious armored figure introduced near the end of the issue. It wasn’t until Absolute Superman #19, however, that DC confirmed the armored hero was this universe’s version of Steel.
While Irons’ debut and initial design were already impressive, it has now been confirmed that his first appearance was only the beginning. The recently released solicitation for writer Jason Aaron and artist Juan Ferreyra’s Absolute Superman #24, arriving October 7, 2026, reveals a brand-new look for Steel, one that not only elevates his Absolute Universe design but also stands as his coolest redesign of all time.
Absolute Superman Teases Major Armor Upgrade for Steel Ahead of Next Appearance
Main Cover by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola for Absolute Superman #24 (2026)
Absolute Superman #24 main cover
Absolute Superman #19 first introduced John Henry Irons as a man who had previously worked for and been exploited by Lazarus Corp, with that exploitation becoming his motivation to become Steel. DC’s most recent issues of Absolute Superman have also firmly established Irons as one of Superman’s allies, with the hero helping the Man of Steel battle the villainous and catastrophically powerful Black Adam.
During these confrontations with Black Adam, Steel wore a full-body armored suit with a welder-esque aesthetic. While the armor looked relatively utilitarian, the fact that it was able to withstand Black Adam’s assault for as long as it did speaks to Irons’ brilliance as an engineer. Even so, Irons, alongside Superman and Hawkman, was eventually overwhelmed by Adam, leaving Steel’s armor in shambles.
However, the preview for Absolute Superman #24 not only confirms that Irons makes a full recovery from his brutal encounter with Black Adam, but also reveals a brand-new suit that is easily Steel’s boldest redesign to date. The new look is featured on Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola’s main cover for the issue, which shows Superman leading the charge while a newly armored Steel follows close behind, letting out a battle cry.
This new Steel suit is absolutely massive, almost resembling the main universe Lex Luthor’s Warsuit. However, instead of the garish green that defines Luthor’s armor, Steel’s new suit retains the character’s signature metallic aesthetic while incorporating Superman’s iconic red-and-yellow “S” shield. Additionally, what appear to be Kryptonian Sun Crystals protrude from the armor, suggesting they may serve as its power source. And, of course, the cherry on top is Steel’s massive war hammer.
The official synopsis for Absolute Superman #24 also teases both the Steel and Superman team-up, as well as the new armor: “ABSOLUTE STEEL SUITS UP! ‘Get Brainiac’ continues as Superman enlists a new ally in his search for his most fiendish foe. But if the man known as Steel is going to join the fight, he’s going to need a new suit of armor…” The new suit mentioned in the solicitation is almost certainly the one featured on the cover. With that in mind, it’s clear the Absolute Universe has big plans in store for one of Superman’s greatest allies.
Bold Reimagining · Alternate DC Universe Test Your DC Comics Absolute Universe Knowledge
♆️SupermanReimagined
🦇BatmanNo billions
⚔️Wonder WomanReforged
⚡FlashSpeed
🌐UniverseAbsolute
01
DC’s Absolute Universe is a new line of comics launched in late 2024 that reimagines iconic DC heroes in a world without the legacy advantages they traditionally have. Which DC event/storyline set up the creation of the Absolute Universe?
✓ Correct! The Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid rewriting reality in the current DC continuity. This cosmic act of villainy created a parallel world where DC’s greatest heroes exist without the advantages and support systems they traditionally rely on.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Darkseid’s rewriting of the DC Multiverse. While Dark Crisis, Infinite Frontier, and Flashpoint Beyond are all significant DC events, it was Darkseid’s manipulation of reality that gave birth to the Absolute Universe.
02
In Absolute Superman, Kal-El’s origin is dramatically different from the main universe. Instead of being raised by the Kents in Smallville, how does Absolute Superman grow up?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Kal-El lands not with the Kents but in an immigrant community, growing up without wealth or privilege. This reimagining strips away Superman’s traditional support system while keeping his core values of hope and justice intact.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is that he’s raised in an immigrant community with no wealth or privilege. The Absolute line is built on the concept of heroes without their traditional advantages, and Superman’s new upbringing reflects this perfectly.
03
Absolute Batman reimagines Bruce Wayne without his billionaire status. In this version, Bruce Wayne has a very different civilian occupation. What is Absolute Batman’s day job?
✓ Correct! In the Absolute Universe, Bruce Wayne works as an engineer and construction worker. Without the Wayne fortune or Wayne Enterprises, this Bruce builds his gear and gadgets with his own hands and working-class ingenuity, making him a truly self-made Batman.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is engineer / construction worker. Absolute Batman strips Bruce Wayne of his billionaire status entirely. This Bruce is a massive, imposing figure who uses his engineering skills and physical labor background to craft his own Batman arsenal.
04
Absolute Batman’s costume and physique are dramatically different from the traditional Batman. This version of Bruce Wayne is much larger and more imposing. Who is the writer of Absolute Batman?
✓ Correct! Scott Snyder, who previously wrote the acclaimed New 52 Batman run, is the writer of Absolute Batman. His bold reimagining of Bruce Wayne as a working-class hero without billions has been one of the breakout hits of the Absolute Universe line.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Scott Snyder. Known for his legendary Batman run featuring the Court of Owls and other iconic storylines, Snyder returned to the Dark Knight with Absolute Batman, completely reinventing Bruce Wayne for this new universe.
05
Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana in a significantly different setting. In this version, the character’s mythology and origin pull from different cultural influences. Who is the writer of Absolute Wonder Woman?
✓ Correct! Kelly Thompson writes Absolute Wonder Woman, bringing a fresh take on Diana’s mythology and origin. This version reimagines Wonder Woman’s world with different cultural influences while maintaining the warrior spirit at the core of the character.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Kelly Thompson. While all four writers are acclaimed in the comics industry, it’s Thompson who helms Absolute Wonder Woman, crafting a bold new vision for Diana in the Absolute Universe.
06
The Absolute Universe was created as a result of Darkseid altering reality. A key difference is that in this universe, heroes don’t have the traditional advantages and support systems. What concept describes this — that these heroes exist without their usual “safety nets”?
✓ Correct! “Heroes without legacy” is the core concept of the Absolute Universe. These versions of DC’s iconic characters exist without the inherited advantages, mentors, wealth, and support networks that traditionally define them — forcing them to become heroes purely on their own terms.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is “Heroes without legacy.” The Absolute Universe is built on the idea that Darkseid stripped these heroes of their legacies — Batman has no fortune, Superman has no Kents, Wonder Woman has no Themyscira as we know it.
07
Absolute Flash reimagines Wally West in the Absolute Universe. In this version, the Flash’s connection to the Speed Force is portrayed differently. Who is the writer of Absolute Flash?
✓ Correct! Jeff Lemire, known for his deeply human storytelling in titles like Sweet Tooth and Animal Man, writes Absolute Flash. His take on Wally West reimagines the speedster’s relationship with the Speed Force in the context of the Absolute Universe’s stripped-down heroic landscape.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jeff Lemire. While Williamson, Waid, and Adams have all written excellent Flash stories in the main continuity, it’s Lemire who brings his unique storytelling vision to Absolute Flash.
08
Absolute Superman is written and drawn by a critically acclaimed creator who handles both the writing and art duties on the series. Who is this creator?
✓ Correct! Absolute Superman is written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval. Together they’ve crafted a powerful reimagining of Kal-El, placing him in an immigrant community without the Kent family’s support, creating one of the most compelling new takes on the character in years.
✗ That answer didn’t make it through the Absolute reboot! The answer is Jason Aaron (writer) with Rafa Sandoval (art). While Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, and Jorge Jiménez are all legendary DC creators, it’s the Aaron and Sandoval team that brings Absolute Superman to life.
Analysis Complete Your Absolute Knowledge
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Are you an Absolute expert — or still in the main continuity?
Absolute Superman #24 from DC Comics will be available to read on October 7, 2026!
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