REVIEW: ‘Superman Unlimited’ Issue 5

Superman Unlimited Issue 5 is published by DC Comics and written by Dan Slott, art by Rafael Albuquerque, colors by Marcelo Maiolo, and letters by Dave Sharpe.

Superman pays a visit to Emerald City, a city made entirely out of Kryptonite.

This issue places Superman in a position where he is at his most vulnerable. The Kryptonian had already had his near invincibility ripped apart with the availability of Kryptonite now ramped up on Earth. But here’s a whole nation made out of the material, an island in the ocean that had become a Kingdom in its own right. Superman gets wind of a social crystal hidden within the depths of El Caldero.

There’s a terrific lead-in and pace to Superman Unlimited Issue 5. It’s always moving forward, dragging Superman towards a place where the peril gets increasingly more pressing. He is surrounded by Kryptonite, protected by a special suit that’s always at risk of being breached.

The danger is all around him, and yet Slott is telegraphing what’s going to happen. We’re waiting for the eruption of action that is bound to come, with Superman tipped off about the attack. But the others around him are also unpredictable, causing more harm than good. The final section of Superman Unlimited Issue 5 feels very much like a classic comic, with a melodramatic yet enigmatic villain that complicates the story.

There’s a superb mix of both old and new characters in Superman Unlimited Issue 5. Dan Slott is excellent at creating a lively and vibrant supporting cast. Lois, Jimmy, and other members of the Daily Planet are all present at the beginning, creating a hub of reporters. But there are also new figures, such as the intern from Gorilla City, Tee-Nah. These fights are great at generating energy in the early stages of the issue, whilst also providing information for Superman to act on.

The head of state in El Caldero is an arrogant dictator, a secondary villain throughout the series. He’s extremely power hungry, balancing between being welcoming and approachable and defensive. He is explored more within this chapter, showing consideration and even concern for Superman, but that does not outweigh his addiction to power, like a dragon on a bed of coins.

Superman is brilliantly written in Superman Unlimited Issue 5 as well. He’s forceful, determined to retrieve what he wants from the heart of the Kryptonite nation, but is also respectful and understanding of the workers around him.

The art is fantastic. Albuquerque had built a whole new country within the DC world. The capital of the new nation is called Emerald City, and it genuinely looks like an homage to The Wizard of Oz. There are tall buildings built into the crystalline structures. President Castilho resembles an exaggerated military leader, with a mustache, tall posture, and a regal military uniform. His soldiers are futuristic knights. The whole landscape is a selection of inventive and intriguing designs.

To even set foot on those green streets, Superman needs protection. His entire body is covered in a space suit, and yet it’s still easy to pick him out in the crowd. It’s not just the emblem on his chest, but the sheer size and strength of the hero, that sets him aside from those around him. All of the men involved, including the villains, appear to be normal, hardworking individuals. But with the poison coating everything, Superman is vulnerable to anything.

The colors are stunning. There is a glorious glow around El Caldero. The green is dazzling, but in the world of Superman, it represents danger and poison. The light used by Maiolo is incredible. The amount of white is staggering, and it’s so bright that it makes the page intensely striking. This bright light can be seen in the sky, as well as in the energy trails of aircraft, and even on the faceplate of Superman’s helmet. It adds majesty to the scenes whilst making it look more surreal. The lettering remains legible despite the intense brightness of the colors.

Superman Unlimited Issue 5 submerges Superman in danger. The extreme nature of the issue is staggering. Superman has been raised to avoid Kryptonite because it’s the one thing that can kill him. Now he’s surrounded on an island made of the stuff, actually venturing into a mine. It’s about as far out of his comfort zone as possible. It’s amazing how much Dan Slott has not only leveled the playing field but tilted it against Kal-El. Because now, suddenly, the Man of Steel looks fragile.

Superman Unlimited Issue 5 is available where comics are sold.