Superman Ally Steel Debuts in Absolute Universe Continuity

As DC’s Superman takes on a huge new threat, he’ll be joined by an iconic Metropolis ally sporting a surprising redesign. Yes, John Henry Irons’ Steel is receiving a major revamp, but thankfully for fans, his gigantic hammer is intact.

Debuting in 1993, Steel is a tech-based hero who took over for Superman when the Man of Steel seemingly died. Once Superman returned, Steel became one of his closest allies, retaining the Man of Steel’s gigantic ‘S’ symbol.

The character received his own movie in 1997, with Shaquille O’Neal starring as the titular Steel. Now, the hero is shedding his Superman-inspired look for something drastically different…

Absolute Superman Introduces the New Steel

In today’s Absolute Superman #18 – from Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola and Becca Carey – fans meet the Absolute Universe’s version of Steel.

As Superman attacks the villainous Lazarus Corp, its enforcers the Peacemakers assemble to fight back. However, they’re waylaid by the appearance of a new opponent – a mysterious figure wielding a gigantic hammer and wearing a welding mask.

When the Peacemakers open fire, this new hero stops their bullets in midair, revealing the hammer is hiding some serious tech. When the Peacemaker exclaim over what the hammer is made of, the new hero answers with one sword, “Steel.”

This is a developing story, more will be added shortly…