WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10 (2025)!
In the latest issue of Absolute Superman, the Man of Steel indirectly delivers the strongest defense yet for Batman’s often-debated “No Kill Rule,” effectively silencing long-standing criticisms. His reasoning not only validates Batman’s stance but also supports every hero who refuses to take a life, regardless of the circumstances.
As fans of the Dark Knight know, Batman is often criticized by both in-universe characters and readers for his strict, no-exceptions, no-kill rule. His main reason is that once he crosses the line, he fears he will keep crossing it and won’t be able to stop. While this explanation has resonated with some, others feel it is weak at best.
However, Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Ulises Arreola’s Absolute Superman #10 presents an exceptionally valid reason for heroes like Superman and Batman to follow a no-kill rule, and it boils down to four powerful words: “I’m the last beast…”
Absolute Superman #10 Explores Kal-El’s Moral Code Through Past and Present
Main Cover by Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola for Absolute Superman #10 (2025)
Absolute Superman #10 offers a powerful look into the Man of Steel’s moral compass in the Absolute Universe, using a dual narrative that shifts between past and present. In the present-day storyline, Kal-El finally gets his long-awaited rematch with Peacemaker and this time emerges victorious, a stark contrast to their previous battle in issue #8.
The past-focused narrative takes readers back to Krypton before its destruction, following Kal’s father, Jor-El, during his time in the mines. When he and his crew are attacked by deadly magmoles, the miners are forced to kill the creatures in order to survive. Jor-El later recounts this event to a young Kal-El, offering it as a moral lesson.
At first, the connection between these two stories may seem unclear, but both ultimately reveal important truths about Kal-El’s evolving view on killing. Jor-El’s magmole story highlights the justification of self-defense, while the Peacemaker narrative shows Kal applying that lesson in a new way, choosing mercy instead, and interpreting the story’s meaning from a different, more self-aware perspective.
Jor-El’s Lesson on Killing Passed Down to Kal-El: “Sometimes We Have to be the Cruel Ones”
Comic Page Comes from Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #10 (2025) – Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Following the magmole attack in the mines, the story shifts to Jor-El walking through a field with Kal-El, explaining the incident. When Kal learns the miners killed the magmoles, he becomes visibly upset. Jor-El tells his son they had no other choice, as their lives were at stake, and it was the only way to survive.
Jor-El expresses regret over the killing, admitting he should have been better prepared and found a more peaceful solution. While he believes his actions were necessary, he also warns Kal about the danger of becoming cruel in the name of doing good. His message is clear: saving lives must not come at the cost of losing one’s compassion.
Before the flashback ends, Jor-El leaves Kal with one final lesson: “Sometimes we have to be the cruel ones if that’s what it takes to keep all of this from going away.” By “this,” Jor-El means Krypton, their way of life, and family. With such a lesson, it seems like Kal would be willing to kill, so why doesn’t he?
Superman Reinterprets Jor-El’s Lesson in a Defining Moment of Mercy
Comic Page Comes from Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #10 (2025) – Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Returning to the present-day narrative, Superman is faced with a major decision: whether or not to kill Peacemaker Chris Smith. Kal knows that if he lets Smith go, he will continue to hurt others. In this critical moment, Kal recalls the magmole story his father told him, where sometimes cruelty is necessary for the greater good.
Based on that lesson, it would seem Kal’s choice is simple. His father’s story suggests that killing Smith could be justified in the name of protecting others. However, in the moment, Superman chooses to interpret the story differently. Rather than follow it as a direct example, Kal takes a new perspective that ultimately leads him to show Smith mercy.
In his internal monologue, Kal says, “I’m not the miner with the lava gun. I’m the last beast in the mine.” By identifying as the magmole, Superman acknowledges that he is the more powerful and dangerous figure. Because of this, he decides it would be wrong to apply his father’s logic, since he is not the one under threat.
Why Superman and Batman’s Power/Skill Levels Justify Their No-Kill Rule
Comic Page Comes from Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #10 (2025) – Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Now the question becomes, how does Superman’s dad’s magmole story validate every hero who lives by a no-kill rule? It all comes down to power and responsibility. Killing in self-defense or to save others is absolutely valid for civilians. But that’s the key, Superman, and even the powerless Batman, are not just ordinary civilians.
Superman’s powers and Batman’s training and gadgets place them in a category where they are capable of achieving their goals and saving lives without killing. They are so skilled that they can never honestly claim to have “no other choice.” Their abilities ensure there is always another way, which is what sets them apart from the average person in a life-or-death situation.
Using the miner and magmole metaphor, Superman and Batman will almost always fall into the category of the beast, the apex predator. When facing their typical threats, they are rarely the ones cornered or desperate. That perspective helps justify why they follow a no-kill rule. Superman and Batman’s power demands greater responsibility, because for them, mercy is almost always an option and one they must choose.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #10 is available now from DC Comics!
- Created By
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Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel
- First Appearance
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Action Comics
