Black Suit of Superman: Absolute Power Symbol of Death
Returning dramatically in the DC Comics event "Absolute Power," Superman's famous black suit has a far more symbolic meaning than only an edgy fashion choice. This time, it reminds us poignantly of the death of the Man of Steel and is therefore very important for his path to recovery of strength.
Superman's powers in Absolute Power are permanently drained.
In "Absolute Power #1," Clark Kent loses his powers when the Last Son, inspired by Superman, saps them. This terrible incident renders him physically exhausted and vulnerable. The fact that he falls to the ground after being shot by a small-time burglar emphasizes even more Superman's extreme change in power dynamics. Following this event, Superman #16 picks up right away and shows Clark in a delicate state calling for life-saving surgery. The surgery leaves him in a weakened state even though he survives since it renders him without healing capacity.
Hope for a Powerless Superman, the Black Suit.
Clark must rely on the black suit, a familiar item from his past since his powers have run completely empty. Superman fans will remember the black suit he wore during his recuperation following his lethal fight with Doomsday. This suit is said to help him heal faster and better absorb solar energy. Hoping it will help him heal from his bullet wounds, Mister Terrific and Doctor Mid-Nite outfit him with is the same one.
In "Absolute Power," however, the power drain is specifically mentioned as permanent. Green Arrow says the depressing truth: "Your powers are never coming back." This complicates the goal of the black suit. Though it's doubtful that it will restore his ability, it still represents hope and his best choice in this terrible circumstances.
Black Suit, Black Roads: A Shadowy Route for Superman
The arrival of Zatanna Zatara links the black suit's return to death even more. On a quest to find the "Dark Roads," secret passageways enabling heroes to remain unseen, Zatanna assigns Superman. Zatanna makes shockingly clear links between death and the Dark Roads. The Dark Roads react to some things, she says. One of major concerns is death. And considering how you passed once before and were knocking on death's door not long ago...
Zatanna's comment links Superman's near-death experience in "Absolute Power" and his past meeting with Doomsday, both of which included him wearing the black suit, to death directly. This link supports the symbolic weight of the black suit and suggests a dark and difficult road for Superman.
Superman Challenges: The Dark Roads and the Missing Kents
It is yet unknown what risks Superman encounters on the Dark Roads. But the mission drifts him from his hunt for missing Superboy Conner Kent and his son, Jon Kent. According to the narrative, Waller is cyborging Jon, experimenting on him. This implies that Superman will have mental as well as physical obstacles.
Superman's Black Suit: An Interpretive Guide for Hope Against Death
Although the black suit is connected with death, it also offers some hope in face of Superman's terrible circumstances. It represents his tenacity and unflinching will to go beyond any challenge. The black suit reminds Superman of his past challenges and his capacity to rise above even the worst of conditions as he negotiates the perilous Dark Roads and searches for his missing sons.
Superman's path is going to get increasingly difficult and sinister. Still, the black suit continues to be a representation of his unflinching commitment to save the planet and his own strength. It reminds us that even the most strong heroes are vulnerable but even in their weakness they can find the will to keep on, so offering hope in the face of death.
