REVIEW: ‘Superman: Unlimited’ Issue 2

Superman Unlimited Issue 2 is published by DC Comics. Written by Dan Slott, art by Rafael Albuquerque, colors by Marcelo Maiolo, and letters by Dave Sharpe.

Superman tries to keep fighting crime in Metropolis, but now Kryptonite is in rich supply.

This second chapter of this series shows just how much the playing field has been leveled. Everyone has access to Kryptonite now, from supervillains to regular goons. Superman has always been too powerful for his world, but now the odds have turned in favor of the villains. They all have something under their sleeves that can hurt him or even kill him. So, Slott introduces something new —a superpower that gives Superman a brief but essential edge that could save his life.

It’s a power-up with a ticking time bomb that starts when it activates, energizing Superman Unlimited Issue 2. The pace is already quick, but this new element electrifies it completely. The introduction of Kryptonite adds tension and danger to every single encounter Superman has. And whilst this new power offers a beacon of safety, it has limits that mean Superman isn’t entirely invulnerable.

Superman must come to grips with having to change how he fights for the first time. In the beginning, Superman acts as he always does. He’s a brick wall, using his immense strength and invincibility to protect others around him. But that can’t work anymore. The narration is brilliant, highlighting how rapidly the introduction of Kryptonite affects his body.

There is another big info dump of exposition, as Batman and the others in the Justice League Watchtower explain the changes in Clark’s physiology. It slows the comic down, but it’s essential for the plot, and the dialogue is hilarious.

It’s here that the comparisons to video games are made, which makes the new power easier to understand. The other important character in Superman Unlimited Issue 2 is the Creeper. Both the monstrous creature and his manic human form appear. He is energetic and unpredictable, off to the side and observing the action. He offers commentary but quickly becomes more than just a spectator, putting Superman in even more danger.

The art is excellent. Superman enters the fray looking imposing and strong. He towers over other humans with rippling muscles and a serious expression. The first flashes of action show what usually happens, with a gulf in class between the Kryptonian and the others. But none of that matters once the Kryptonite is added to the picture. Superman shrinks, becoming weak and vulnerable. The weapons are menacing and dangerous.

When Superman’s new power activates, speed becomes pivotal to the action. Albuquerque conveys movement perfectly, placing the hero in multiple locations simultaneously. There is also a close-up reveal of El Caldero, a new nation formed from the Kryptonite meteor that landed in the ocean. It’s a mixture of futuristic designs with influences from Camelot. Around each corner is something new and exciting.

The colors are fascinating. Superman’s signature look constantly instills a feeling of hope and victory. When he flies, Clark becomes a steal of red, blue, and gold. The bright, radioactive green of Kryptonite has always been a familiar and iconic sight in Superman comics. However, what has changed is the abundance of it. It’s everywhere, with each weapon glowing with that famous emerald. It increases the hostility that Superman faces in this series. The lettering is comfortable and easy to read.

Superman Unlimited Issue 2 exposes a newfound fragility. The world that Superman once felt so comfortable in is now a dangerous and potentially lethal place. Anyone can lay a glove on him or stick a knife into him. This completely opens up the unpredictability of the series, especially with the manic Creeper added to the story. The new powers, balloons, and parameters have meant that there has been some cumbersome exposition, but that will hopefully lessen as the series progresses and the additions are bedded in.

Superman Unlimited Issue 2 is available where comics are sold.