It Took Ages, But Superman's Best Friend Just Got the Hero Makeover He Deserves

WARNING: Contains Potential spoilers for Absolute Superman #4!

Superman’s best friend, Jimmy Olsen, has always been the epitome of loyalty, but ‘cool’ was never a word that would come to mind when describing the nerdy, big-hearted photojournalist. That is, until now. In DC’s Absolute Universe, Jimmy has undergone a complete transformation—reimagined as a total badass with a bold new role, a striking costume, and a codename that commands respect.

While Elastic Lad remains a classic part of Jimmy Olsen's Superman-related legacy, Alpha Olsen offers a badass and compelling reinvention.

In Absolute Superman #4 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, Lois Lane continues her search for the elusive Man of Steel. But she’s not the only one on a mission—soon, it's revealed that none other than Jimmy Olsen has been tracking Lois.

While this Jimmy looks strikingly similar to the beloved photojournalist fans know from Earth-Prime, with his signature freckles, red hair, and green eyes, it’s clear that this version of the character is worlds apart from his original incarnation. This becomes evident when Jimmy activates his costume, revealing that he is now a member of the Omega Men.

Who Are the Omega Men of Earth-Prime & the Absolute Universe?

Comic Panel Comes From Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #4 (2025) – Art by Rafa Sandoval

The Omega Men of main continuity first debuted in Green Lantern Vol. 2 #141 (1981), created by Marv Wolfman and Joe Staton, and were a highly underrated, relatively unknown superhero group in the DC universe. Led by Primus and Tigorr, the team consisted of alien freedom fighters primarily operating within the Vega star system, a dangerous and notorious region of space. Alongside Primus and Tigorr, key members include Kalista (Primus’s wife), the invulnerable Broot, the godlike Nimbus, the sisters Harpis and Demonia, Felicity (the last of Tigorr’s species), the cyborg physician Doc, and Shlagen, the team's mechanic.

However, with the revelation that Jimmy Olsen is now a member of the Omega Men, it's clear that the Absolute Universe has significantly altered the core of this team. As fans of the Absolute titles know, the Absolute Universe was born from Darkseid’s death and infused with his energy, resulting in more hardcore versions of the DC characters we know and love—each with a darker origin story than their Earth-Prime counterparts. This has led to major changes, and in Jimmy Olsen’s case, he’s no longer a photojournalist for the Daily Planet; instead, he’s part of the Omega Men, which now seems to function as an Earth-based resistance group in this universe.

Jimmy Olsen Gets Epic Hero Makeover With New Codename & Costume

Comic Panel Comes From Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #4 (2025) – Art by Rafa Sandoval

Jimmy’s epic Omega Men costume is revealed when Lois pulls a gun on him, reacting to his stalking. Though Jimmy insists he comes in peace, assuring her he means no harm and only wants to talk, he still activates his futuristic Omega Men armor. With the press of a button on the silver mask covering the lower half of his face, Sandoval’s artwork brings the transformation to life in real-time—coating Jimmy’s exposed skin in sleek silver armor. The most striking feature of his ensemble is the full-face helmet, which prominently displays a glowing omega symbol on the front.

Readers get to see the suit in action when Jimmy and Lois engage in a tense standoff, both drawing their guns but hesitating to fire. However, their fight is abruptly interrupted by another member of the Omega Men—Omega Prime—who makes it clear she has no intention of talking and every intention of killing Lois. What makes this encounter even more intriguing is Omega Prime referring to Jimmy as “Alpha,” a field name later confirmed as his ranking within the Omega Men. This issue not only officially brings Jimmy Olsen into the Absolute Universe, but also solidifies his new and unexpected role within this darker reality.

Alpha Jimmy Olsen Is a MAJOR Upgrade from ‘Mr. Action’

Comic Panel Comes from Mark Waid’s Batman / Superman: World's Finest #34 (2024) – Art by Fran Galán

Batman Superman World's Finest #34 batgirl mr. action jimmy olsen

Jimmy’s debut as one of the Omega Men in Absolute Superman marks his rise to hero status. However, this isn’t his first time taking on such a role. He previously fought crime as Elastic Lad, a name reflecting his ability to stretch his body to incredible lengths. Created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan, Elastic Lad first appeared in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #31 (1958) and later evolved into Mr. Action as most recently seen in Mark Waid’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #34 (2024). While Elastic Lad remains a classic part of Jimmy Olsen's Superman-related legacy, Alpha Olsen offers a badass and compelling reinvention.

Absolute Superman #4 is available now from DC Comics!