Superman Ally Steel Debuts in Absolute Universe Continuity
By Published Apr 1, 2026, 10:12 AM EDT Robert Wood is a writer and editor based out of Cheshire, England. He is the author of 'The False Elephant: and 99 Other Unreasonably Short Stories' - 100 stories, each told in exactly 100 words.
Rob got into comics via Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man and the UK anthology 'The Mighty World of Marvel,' which was running Frank Miller's Daredevil, Classic Hulk and Contest of Champions II.
Prior to journalism, he worked in copywriting and copyedited for Oxford University Press. He is on X as @PinchTwigs and Instagram as roobwoodjourno. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
As DC's takes on a huge new threat, he'll be joined by an iconic Metropolis ally sporting a surprising redesign. Yes, John Henry Irons' 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 . 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 Peacemakers exclaim over what the hammer is made of, the new hero answers with one word, "Steel."
Steel Has a Dark New Role in Absolute Continuity
Steel takes out the assembled Peacemakers, showcasing an expert understanding of how to shut down their armor. He then reveals how he knew all their weaknesses - he's the person who built their armor in the first place.
Steel then moves on to attack Ra's al Ghul, making it clear he has a personal vendetta against the villain and showcasing his ability to recall his hammer to his hand like Thor's Mjolnir. Sadly, their clash - this dark universe's answer to Black Adam.
A lot of mystery still surrounds Absolute Steel, but a few things are clear. This version of the tech genius was forced to work for , building advanced armor that helped make it one of the most powerful companies in the world. Perhaps inspired by Superman - or perhaps for more personal reasons - he's now rebelling, taking revenge for how his tech has been used to harm the innocent.
The Absolute Universe is a new reality constructed on the bedrock of Darkseid's evil - one where heroes suffer and villains are triumphant. It makes sense that in a sick reality like this, Steel's genius was misused by Ra's al Ghul, turning the hero into a seeker of redemption and revenge.
What's Going on With Steel's New Costume?
Steel's new costume hides every aspect of their body, raising questions as to whether it's really John Henry Irons under the mask. John's niece Natasha has also used the Steel name in DC's mainstream canon, or a totally different character may be using the name in this continuity, as is the case for .
It's also notable that the new Steel doesn't wear Superman's logo. If Superman's struggle against Lazarus Corp had inspired this new Steel, it would make sense for him to wear the 'S' as he does in mainstream canon. The fact he's not suggests this version of Steel may have a different relationship with Superman going forwards.
Hopefully, Absolute Superman and Absolute Steel will end up as allies, especially because this version of Superman is far more tech-based. From his nanotech cape to his energy-gathering, AI-powered suit, Absolute Superman's powers are tied to Kryptonian tech - and if Steel is half the genius he appears, he could unlock a whole new level of powers for Superman if the two can strike up a partnership.
Absolute Superman #18 is available now from DC Comics.
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