REVIEW: ‘Superman Unlimited’ Issue 3

Superman Unlimited Issue 3 is published by DC Comics. Written by Dan Slott, art by Rafael Albuquerque, colors by Marcelo Maiolo, and letters by Dave Sharpe.

Krypto’s walk with Jon Kent gets derailed when the Toymaker appears. This issue moves at a terrific pace, introducing Krypto for the first time in this series. It’s chaotic fun, utilizing immense energy that matches a dog’s excitement and personality.

Krypto is the central character, leading the story from the past into the present. So much of the plot is about Krypto’s adaptation to Earth and how getting used to his powers was so different due to him being a dog, compared with the other Kryptonians who have reached the planet. The comic then hurtles into a super dog walk.

Many plot threads are introduced alongside Krypto’s adventure. New elements of the world have changed now that Kryptonite is so readily available. Clark isn’t the only one in danger, and he has a power that can help him resist the green rock from space. So much of the comic is happy, friendly, and funny, following Krypto’s lead. He bounds from one location to the other, including the final battle. But then things get solemn as the new world rears its ugly head once again. The comic gets very emotional and sincere, delivering a big surprise.

The characters in Superman Unlimited Issue 3 spend the comic reacting to one who can’t talk. There’s a focus on Krypto, from his days as a pup to the present. It’s a fascinating start to the comic, exploring how difficult it was for the dog to suddenly develop powers, with such an inability to understand or communicate.

This version of the super dog is chaotic, boisterous, energetic, and spirited. The captions are still from Superman’s perspective, and it’s filled with so much kindness and understanding. The dialogue during the global dog walk is funny, but there’s a lot of important information in there too.

There’s an intriguing new take on the Toymaker, with a hint of Pinocchio. The end of the chapter gets very sad when a life is threatened. It shows a vulnerability around Superman, especially when those close to him are in danger. Perhaps as he’s gotten older, that closeness between Clark and Krypto hasn’t been shown in the comics. But a man will always love his dog.

The art is fascinating as the design of Krypto changes from the usual. Krypto is usually illustrated as a Labrador-type dog, but Albuquerque chooses to turn him into more of a terrier. He’s got more wiry fur on his face, bedraggled and raggedy. This is more in line with the Superman movie, creating a synergy with the screen. The movement and body language of Krypto are fantastic.

The ears and his face in general are very expressive, flapping around in the breeze. He can look excited, determined, or defensive, and he zooms around the planet with a purpose. Each panel is a delight as Krypto chases planes, birds, and potential supervillains. The quiet moments, when the little dog looks frightened, sad, or alone, are impactful and meaningful without a word being said.

There is an excellent, intense brightness to Superman Unlimited Issue 3. The sun is out, leaving a lot of yellow and white across the sky. This creates a sense of endless, limitless space for Krypto to fly into, an unfinished playground for the dog. Things glow in this series, especially the green of Kryptonite. The lettering is clear and easy to read.

Superman Unlimited Issue 3 leans on the love of dogs. It’s an energetic comic that wears its heart on its sleeve. It shows Superman’s best friend as a cheeky, emotional creature, and the pacing reflects his approach to life. Perhaps the redesign is a bit awkward, considering there’s another Krypto comic where he looks completely different, but that’s not the responsibility of the individual creators. It makes the series approachable to those stepping out of the Superman movie and into the Superman comics, using a lovable figure that’s present in both formats.

Superman Unlimited Issue 3 is available where comics are sold.