Get ready for a shocking twist in the world of DC Comics: Superman’s new mentor is a hero with a dark, controversial past—and his true intentions might just tear the Man of Steel apart. Published on February 6, 2026, this bombshell revelation comes straight from the pages of Absolute Superman #16, and it’s a game-changer for fans of the iconic hero. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Absolute Hawkman genuinely trying to guide Superman, or is he secretly setting him up for failure? Let’s dive in.
Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann, one of Screen Rant’s Senior Staff Writers, has been dissecting superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theories, and breaking news. A die-hard fan of Star Wars, the MCU, and—of course—Batman (because who isn’t?), Kevin also champions Nightwing as DC’s greatest hero. With eight years of experience in entertainment journalism, he’s interviewed top creatives, attended major events like Disney’s D23, and earned a degree in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the University of Oregon. When he’s not writing, Kevin enjoys life in Oregon with his wife, their adorable dog, and a cat whose sinister plotting is likely aimed at world domination—or at least his favorite chair.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Absolute Superman #16!
In the Absolute Universe, Superman’s latest challenge isn’t a supervillain—it’s his own mentor. Absolute Hawkman, a legacy hero with a WWII-era backstory, positions himself as a wise guide for the younger Kal-El. On the surface, it seems like a perfect match: a seasoned hero teaching the Man of Steel how to navigate a darker, more complex DC Universe. But this is the part most people miss: Hawkman’s past is stained with the blood of idealistic heroes he’s killed on the orders of a shadowy cabal known as the Absolute Universe’s "Justice League." This group, which includes villains like Veronica Cale and Ra's al Ghul, pulls the strings of global events, and Hawkman is their enforcer.
Superman, however, isn’t easily fooled. While Hawkman claims he wants to prevent Kal-El from repeating the mistakes of past heroes, his advice to collaborate with the corrupt Lazarus Corporation raises red flags. Their tense exchange quickly escalates into a brawl, interrupted only by the sudden appearance of Absolute Parasite. Superman’s stance is clear: helping people is his only mission. But the real question lingers: Will Superman redeem Hawkman, or will Hawkman corrupt the Man of Steel?
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing. Hawkman’s history of eliminating heroes like Green Arrow suggests he’s not someone to trust. Yet, his insistence that he wants to save Superman from a similar fate adds a layer of complexity. Is he genuinely seeking redemption, or is this just another manipulation? And this is the part that sparks debate: Can a hero with such a brutal past ever truly change, or is Hawkman doomed to repeat his cycle of violence?
As fans, we’re left wondering: Will Superman’s unwavering morality inspire Hawkman to turn over a new leaf, or will Hawkman’s dark influence push Superman toward compromises he’ll later regret? The stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome could redefine both characters in the Absolute Universe.
Absolute Superman #16 is available now from DC Comics, and it’s a must-read for anyone invested in the future of the Man of Steel. Created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Superman (aka Kal-El, Clark Kent, or Jonathan Kent) has always stood for hope and justice. But with Hawkman in the picture, those ideals are about to be tested like never before. What do you think? Can Superman redeem Hawkman, or is this mentorship doomed from the start? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
