Absolute Superman # 14 Cover C Torque Variant First Printing 2025 BN

Absolute Superman #14, released on December 24, 2025, marks the catastrophic conclusion to the "Battle of Kansas" story arc. Written by Jason Aaron with art by Rafa Sandoval, this issue serves as the definitive finale to the first major saga of the Absolute Superman series. 

Story Summary: The Battle of Kansas Finale 

The issue centers on the brutal final showdown between Kal-El and Ra's al Ghul (the leader of Lazarus Corp) for the fate of Smallville and the hero's soul. 

• The Duel: Ra's al Ghul dominates much of the fight using a Kryptonite sword forged from the remains of Krypton, nearly killing Kal-El.
• The Defiance: Despite the torture and pressure to become Ra's' "son" and a weapon of destruction, Kal-El refuses to break.
• Sol’s Sacrifice: The AI ally Sol is corrupted by Brainiac. To prevent himself from being used as a weapon against the citizens of Smallville, Sol deletes his own operating system, sacrificing himself for his "brother" Kal-El.
• Smallville Rises: Led by Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, the townspeople of Smallville take a stand against the Lazarus Peacemakers. This act of bravery causes many soldiers to defect, refusing to fire on civilians.
• The Conclusion: Kal-El defeats Ra's in a mid-air battle, shattering the Kryptonite sword. Instead of killing him, he delivers Ra's to victims in Orangi Town, Pakistan, to stand trial for his global atrocities. 

The Birth of "Clark Kent" 

The issue concludes with a significant emotional turning point for the character's identity: 

• Martha Kent’s Legacy: After the battle, Kal-El visits Martha Kent's retirement home only to find she passed away peacefully the night before.
• The New Suit: Martha left him a box containing a handmade blue costume featuring the Labor Guild crest. In her final note, she officially names him Clark Kent, giving him a sense of home and identity he previously lacked.

Collector's Information 

• Retail Price: Typically $4.99 for standard and $5.99 for cardstock variants.
• Notable Variants:
• Cover A: Rafa Sandoval (Main).
• Cover B: Gerald Parel.
• Cover C: Elizabeth Torque.
• Cover D: Nikolas Draper-Ivey.