It's Official: DC Is Reinventing Batman's Greatest Villain With Help From an Unlikely Hero

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Absolute Superman #6

Despite being one of Batman's greatest villains, DC is completely reinventing Ra's al Ghul as an arch-foe to a completely different hero. Thanks to the new Absolute Universe created by Darkseid, DC heroes and villains are receiving dark new origins and designs in a world that's largely without hope. As such, Ra's al Ghul has finally debuted in the Absolute Universe, and this version is revealed to be more powerful than he ever was in the main DC timeline as a major rival to Superman.

As seen in the new Absolute Superman #6 by Jason Aaron and Carmine Di Giandomenico, it's finally confirmed who's running the world's biggest and most corrupt company known as the Lazarus Corporation. While it shouldn't come as that big of a shock, Absolute Ra's al Ghul is indeed behind Lazarus, grossly exploiting the planet's resources and its people across the globe on an unrivaled level, all while backed by a huge paramilitary force armed with advanced technology and legions of Peacemakers. Likewise, Ra's al Ghul looks very different in the Absolute Universe compared to what DC fans are used to:

Absolute Ra's Al Ghul Debuts in Absolute Superman #6

Exiting what could only be a new kind of Lazarus Pit while surrounded by several robots clad in red robes (and sporting some dope ink), it seems as though the Absolute Ra's al Ghul is far more technology-focused than his main universe counterpart, which does make sense considering his chief ally.

The Absolute Ra's Al Ghul Is Here (And Working With Brainiac)

Running The Lazarus Corporation

Having made his debut in prior issues of Absolute Superman, it's been known for some time that a new version of Brainiac has a big role within the Lazarus Corporation. Now, this new issue confirms Brainiac indeed serves Ra's, having been promised "a place in the world to come." However, this is only so long as Absolute Brainiac can deliver what he has promised Lazarus, which is likely connected to the many shrunken cities already in his possession.

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As for Ra's al Ghul himself, he certainly seems far more zealous in his personality, presenting himself almost like a cult leader compared to the OG Batman villain. Promising salvation for billions and working towards some sort of higher cause, it does appear as though the Lazarus Corporation's goals go beyond mere greed and profit. Likewise, Ra's al Ghul refers to himself as Superman's "holy father", intending to make the Man of Steel kneel at his feet.

Ra's Al Ghul Has Been Absolute Superman's Enemy From Day One

Forcing Him To Leave The Kents

Lazarus Corporation Forces Absolute Superman To Leave Kents

While he might not have been revealed until Absolute Superman #6, it's clear that Ra's al Ghul has been the Absolute Superman's archnemesis since the very first day he came to Earth. After all, this issue confirms that while Absolute Superman did land at the Kent Farm as a young man, his time with Ma and Pa Kent was extremely limited. This was because Lazarus quickly identified the Man of Steel as a threat and tried to arrest him.

"It seems like it's only a matter of time before the Absolute Superman and Ra's al Ghul finally meet face-to-face as this new DC series continues..."

Thanks to Ra's al Ghul and Lazarus, Kal has been forced to spend his days as a fugitive, fighting the corporation and their various global operations ever since, constantly moving and always on the run. As such, it seems like it's only a matter of time before the Absolute Superman and Ra's al Ghul finally meet face-to-face as this new DC series continues.

Absolute Superman #6 is on sale now from DC Comics.