DC Officially Releases Parasite Design for Superman’s New Appearance

If you’ve been keeping up with DC lately, then you know the past two years have been defined by the publisher reimagining its classic villains, whether in comics or in James Gunn’s new DCU, specifically 2025’s Superman movie. Now, yet another classic Man of Steel villain has received a major redesign: Parasite.

While James Gunn’s introduction of Lex Luthor into the DCU was a more than faithful live-action adaptation of the character, many fans know that the Ultraman featured in the film was a complete reimagining. It was an original take from Gunn, combining elements of Earth-3’s Ultraman with origin elements of Superman’s clone, Kon-El.

However, it isn’t only the DCU that has delivered major reimaginings of Superman’s most iconic villains. DC’s Darkseid-created Absolute Universe has introduced a swathe of hardcore and radical reinventions as well, with the latest being Parasite.

Parasite Debuts Horrifying Absolute Universe Redesign

Preview for Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman #17 (2026) – Art by Juan Ferreyra

Parasite is a major Superman villain known for his ability to absorb energy, powers, and even memories through physical contact. He is arguably one of the Man of Steel’s most dangerous enemies, because the stronger Superman is, the stronger Parasite becomes. First debuting in Action Comics #340 in 1966, Parasite now makes his Absolute Universe debut in Absolute Superman #17.

Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra’s Absolute Superman #17 officially releases on March 4, 2026. Until then, DC has provided a four-page preview that gives fans their first in-narrative look at Parasite, and he is nothing short of monstrous. While Parasite has taken some wild forms in the past, he is typically portrayed as a somewhat deformed humanoid.

However, Absolute Superman #17 strips Parasite of every humanoid aspect of his design, leaving only the monster behind. This first look reveals a gigantic, six-limbed creature with a four-hinged jaw and a multitude of tendrils tipped with mouths that shoot from its main body, seeking lifeforms to absorb into its own form.

The look is nothing short of nightmarish, a fact made explicitly clear when Lois finds Jimmy trapped within a ball of human and Parasite flesh, with Jimmy begging her to kill him. The power level of this version of the villain is equally immense, as Superman calculates that within the hour, Parasite will have absorbed every lifeform in Metropolis.

When Will Parasite Debut in James Gunn’s DCU?

Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2027) Could See Parasite’s Official Live-Action Debut

Parasite’s debut in the Absolute Universe is unforgettable, and it raises the question of when this iconic villain will finally make his debut in James Gunn’s DCU. At present, it is widely expected that Brainiac will serve as the main antagonist in the 2027 film Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

However, Gunn proved with Superman (2025) that he is willing to use more than one major villain per movie. This opens the door for Parasite to make a surprise debut in the 2027 film, much like Ultraman’s unexpected inclusion in the 2025 movie. Even if Parasite doesn’t appear in the upcoming 2027 Superman film, there is always a chance for him to debut in future installments.

Absolute Superman #17 from DC Comics is available March 4, 2026!