Superman Unlimited #4: E for Echolocation

The summer of Superman is ready to transition to the fall with a haunting new issue of Superman Unlimited. Superman Unlimited #4 continues the bold new story where kryptonite takes over the world and is readily available for anyone to buy. The Super family struggles to find their place in this new world after Superman has saved Earth from a kryptonite asteroid. Thankfully, the Man of Steel has developed a new power to help him combat the effects of kryptonite, but with things like kryptonite makeup and jewelry being worn, will he survive? Superman takes on Gotham in this fun new issue full of bats, cameos, and gorilla puns!

This issue is so incredibly fun! Dan Slott manages to create an issue that is filler, yet still incorporates important moments into the wider story. This issue is action-packed and full of fun ideas and cameos. The dialogue is sharp and purposeful, balancing philosophical weight with classic Superman earnestness. I like how Slott integrated some of the feel of the new Superman movie, so new readers coming from that audience can feel connected. He still brings new ideas and a new spin to Superman. Superman has a new superpower (as if he needed more), but it’s so interesting to see how this new world changes the Man of Steel. My favorite part of this issue is the inclusion of some of the Bat Family and the Birds of Prey! All of these characters are well-written and feel true to themselves. I will say some of the writing felt a little flat and “matter-of-fact”. I am also not thrilled at the Tee-Nah storyline and am unsure how well it fits. This issue tries to explain too much instead of showing. However, it makes the issue accessible, and overall, the story is fun.  This issue screams “Superman,” and it’s the perfect read for those who want a new story.

Visually, the book shines. Rafael Albuquerque, Lucas Meyer, and Marcelo Maiolo strike a balance between the grounded and the grand: Metropolis and Gotham look like living cities, and Superman looks like a god who chooses to walk among us. This issue is action-packed, and the action sequences are dynamic but not overstuffed. The horror in this issue is fantastic and made me even more excited for the Fall. They deliver a stunning visual palette, clean, kinetic linework paired with bold colors that leap off the page. Overall, it’s a pretty issue.