Superman’s New Nickname Is a Dark New Identity for the Former ‘Man of Steel,’ As He Enters DC’s Absolute Universe
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1!
Forget “The Man of Steel”—Superman now has a dark, unsettling new nickname that not only strips him of his manhood status but also adds a mysterious edge to his character. The real question is whether this unique moniker is just a fleeting moment or will become a lasting label for Krypton’s Last Son.
This feat arguably makes Superman’s survival even more impressive, suggesting that the title
“The Boy Who Lived”
could apply to him more than to Harry Potter even.
From the Man of Steel to “The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers,” Superman’s latest nickname marks a stark departure from his usual titles. To clarify, this nickname applies specifically to the Absolute Universe’s Superman, not the Earth-Prime version.
However, it’s still significant, given that this alternate version of the Man of Steel is poised to play a major role in DC’s upcoming narratives alongside the original for years to come. This new moniker first appears in Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola, and Becca Carey, sparking the question of whether it will endure beyond this issue.
“The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers”: Absolute Superman Debuts New Nickname
What Does Superman’s New Nickname Tell Us About His Character?
“The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers” is a nickname given to Superman by a miner he previously encountered earlier in the issue. During their first interaction, Kal-El communicated only in whispers, making a peculiar impression on the miner. When the two meet again—this time with Kal-El saving the miner and other townspeople—the miner, in awe of their savior, recalls their first exchange and exclaims, “My God… The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers,” officially giving Superman this unsettling new alias.
Though “The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers” doesn’t carry the iconic weight of “The Man of Steel” or “Krypton’s Last Son,” it immediately stands out, injecting Kal-El’s character with an air of mystery. This soft-spoken demeanor hints at potential core traits for this version of Superman, such as a tendency to communicate in whispers. Furthermore, the miner’s reference to Kal-El as a “boy” suggests that this Superman may be far younger than usual—perhaps in his late teens or early adulthood. If this proves true, it would add a fresh, compelling complexity to the character.
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“The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers” Is Similar to 1 Other Iconic Pop Culture Nickname
Sorry, Harry Potter, But Superman Is the TRUE Boy Who Lived
Fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series are undoubtedly familiar with the iconic nickname “The Boy Who Lived,” a reference to Harry’s survival of Lord Voldemort’s Killing Curse—Avada Kedavra. With that in mind, readers of “The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers” may have instantly thought of Harry’s moniker when encountering Superman’s new title, as both begin the same way and reference a notable trait. This connection also highlights how the “The Boy Who Lived” nickname could apply to Superman, perhaps even more fittingly.
While Harry Potter survived the Killing Curse, Absolute Superman survived the destruction of his entire planet, an event that no other Kryptonian survived (at least, not that we know of). This feat arguably makes Kal-El’s survival even more impressive, suggesting that the title “The Boy Who Lived” could apply to him more than to Harry. However, in a way, Superman already carries a similar moniker with the Kryptonian-centric title “The Last Son of Krypton.” Ultimately, both titles suggest the same thing—remarkable survivor status. This is, of course, just a fun connection and should not be taken as an indication that Harry Potter lore will influence Superman’s story.
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Is “The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers” Nickname Here to Stay?
Jason Aaron Teases He May Have Future Plans For Superman’s Newest Alias
So far, only one miner has referred to Superman as “The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers,” leaving its longevity uncertain. However, it’s likely that this moniker will stick, at least in this small mining town. Kal-El never revealed his true name, claiming instead that he no longer had one. With no name to use, it makes sense that the townspeople would create their own nickname. Furthermore, the sentence structure of “The Boy Who Spoke in Whispers” mirrors “The Man of Steel,” and the bolding of “whispers” suggests that Jason Aaron may have plans to make this nickname a lasting element of Absolute Superman’s character.
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Original Designs for Absolute Superman Reveal Intended Logo & Costume Differences for New Man of Steel
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Absolute Superman #1 is available now from DC Comics!
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1 (2024) | |
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Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
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