After 60 years, a classic Superman villain is getting a nightmare-fuel new design, with 2026 reinterpreting their abilities and appearance like never before. Here's everything you need to know.
Absolute Superman Transforms Parasite into Pure Nightmare Fuel
In recently released solicit information, DC has revealed that 2026's Absolute Superman #17 will reinvent classic Superman villain Parasite. Rather than a powerful individual, Rafa Sandoval's cover depicts Parasite as a gigantic mass of gaping maws, trapping Absolute Superman and Hawkman within its writhing form.
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Absolute Superman #17 |
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absolute superman and hawkman fighting parasite-1 |
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Release Date: |
March 4, 2026 |
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Writer: |
Jason Aaron |
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Artists: |
Juan Ferreyra |
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Cover Artist: |
Rafa Sandoval |
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PARASITE INVADES METROPOLIS! Superman must save Metropolis from being devoured by his most terrifying enemy yet, the all-consuming Parasite – while the happiest man in the Absolute Universe, a simple family man named Lex Luthor, receives a fateful visitor… |
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Parasite is a classic villain who absorbs the powers of superhumans in its vicinity, making it all but unbeatable whenever Superman is anywhere near. But despite this incredible power level, Parasite is still generally depicted as a single being, whereas in the new Absolute Universe, it's a swarm that may devour Metropolis whole.
The issue will also include the return of the non-villainous Lex Luthor, who debuted in late 2025 in Absolute Evil, seemingly having lived a peaceful life where he never clashed with Superman – a major twist in a whole reality corrupted by Darkseid's evil.
Our Take on Parasite's New Look
Parasite is one of Superman's most underestimated rogues, so it's awesome to see him manifest such a powerful form as Supes' "most terrifying enemy yet." Over 2025, comic fans have been losing it over how Absolute Batman has turned every Gotham rogue into a demonic monster, with the crowning achievement being the monstrous new Joker.
However, Absolute Superman has been just as ambitious, presenting extreme new twists on Brainiac, Peacemaker, Ra's al Ghul and more. Now, it's Parasite's turn, and a superstrong villain becomes Metropolis' answer to The Blob. Sandoval depicts the villain as a wall of biting fangs, with Superman literally sinking into the purple morass as he attempts to fight.
It's clear 2026 will continue the outrageous inventiveness of DC's Absolute Universe, as Superman's most underrated villain becomes a terrifying threat who might literally eat the Man of Steel alive.
Absolute Superman #17 is coming March 4, 2026 from DC Comics.
