Absolute Superman #16 Ending Explained: Does Brainiac Convince Lex Luthor Into an Alliance Against Superman?

With the release of Absolute Superman #16, the issue reveals the true intentions of Hawkman, and Brainiac's knowledge of the Absolute Universe.

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With the release of issue 16 of Absolute Superman, the actions of Absolute Hawkman in Absolute Evil #1 are finally starting to come to light, and they are nothing like what we were led to believe. According to his origin story, his true identity is Dr. Carter Hall, a man who possesses alien tech from the planet Thanagar, who has been fighting Nazis and Commies for eight decades.

And with the surprise reveal of his intentions of helping and working with Superman, the entire narrative is starting to shift in the Absolute Universe. But an even bigger surprise revelation came towards the end, where we witnessed Absolute Brainiac showing his actual motives in his interactions with DC‘s Absolute Lex Luthor.

Absolute Superman #16: Brainiac Will Make Luthor Comply at Any Cost

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With the aftermath of the fall of Ra’s al Ghul in the previous issue, we saw Brainiac setting off on his own adventure to Missouri, where he approached the residence of Luthor in this DC continuity. And as we see in the latest issue, all the fans’ expectations of Lex being a secret evil genius are leading to being proven wrong.

After their conversation on Lex’s front porch, we see Brainiac failing to convince him to join his ranks and go against Superman, a being Lex has no idea about. And later, despite his constant push to get Lex on his side, even on his birthday celebration, the original Superman villain doesn’t seem to have any interest in what this man has to offer him.

At last, out of frustration, Brainiac reveals his true, hideous form to Lex, revealing that he knows about the latent potential in Luthor to challenge the gods and bring Superman to his knees. Undoubtedly, this is a clear indication that he knows a part of, or the complete truth of, the Absolute Universe created by Darkseid.

And to bring the traditional evil genius version of Luthor in this universe, in the last panel of the issue, we see Brainiac manifesting a giant sword in his hands, claiming he knows how to motivate people exceptionally well. Thus, it seems as if he is willing to pay any cost and suffer any casualty to achieve Luthor’s alliance, or even subservience if it comes down to it.

Absolute Parasite Invades Metropolis in Absolute Superman #17

While fans can’t wait to see what atrocities Brainiac wishes to commit in the future to achieve his ultimate goal, the latest issue also reveals that both Superman and Hawkman are now facing an abominable foe.

With their last standoff and subsequent scuffle in the heart of Metropolis, we see the duo together, staring in awe at the giant gelatinous monster in front of them, who we come to know is none other than Absolute Parasite. Escaping from Lazarus containment by the schemes of Talia al Ghul, this being is now on a rampage across the streets of the city.

Thus, in the next issue, we will see Clark go against a new enemy, witness the aftermath of Brianiac’s visit to Lex Luthor, and see whether Hawkman’s claims of being a good guy are true or not (via League of Comic Geeks).

Here’s a quick overview of the upcoming Absolute Superman #17.

What are your predictions for the next issue? Tell us in the comments below.

Absolute Superman is now available on DC Universe Infinite.

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