When an asteroid the size of Metropolis hurtles toward collision with planet Earth, the Justice League dispatches Superman to avert the crisis–but a sinister threat lurks within that will change the world like never before, and this danger glows green. The Last Son of Krypton must risk everything to save his adopted home, the very home which now tries to kill him, from complete destruction! Superman Unlimited #1 is a highlight from the “Summer of Superman,” and while it’s fun, it also feels like we’ve seen this before.

Writer Dan Slott coming on to a Superman title is something I’m going to check out. I generally enjoy his writing and his “Superior Spider-Man” run was fun, entertaining, and a little different. So, I was excited to dive into Superman Unlimited #1 and it shows potential but also doesn’t quite feel so super.

Superman Unlimited #1 keeps things focused really setting up, and then shifting, the status-quo for Superman. We see what the Daily Planet is up to and it’s not too long before Superman is off to save the day darting around Metropolis. But, a large threat looms in an asteroid heading towards Earth. This is one that’d devastate a city and also holds a deadly secret that could kill Superman. It would be an interesting sequence and a nice twist of an ending if the comic didn’t drag on. And the ending, while there’s potential, feels like a mix of Slott’s “Superior” run and the Blue/Red time of Superman.

Slott takes it just beyond stopping an asteroid and as Superman struggles to stop it he replays his life from the escape from Krypton to his current situation. His life flashes before his eyes recounting his origin and catching up readers who might not know every detail. While it’s an interesting way to do that, it goes on for twelve pages. Drawn out and overall not needed, it hints at what Slott might be focusing on during his run. But, most of the information doesn’t add anything to the series and story and most can be picked up in other ways. What should be a dramatic moment feels like a really bad version of “This is your life.”

The art by Rafael Albuquerque is solid. With color by Marcelo Maiolo and lettering by Dave Sharpe, Albuquerque brings his unique style and flair to the character design and action. It all looks great and he does hit the emotional aspects of it really highlight facial expressions and body language to nail the moment. Albuquerque does have his quirks though and some characters look a lot like previous characters from other series at times. Still, it should be interesting to see how this style plays out further as the comic progresses and the team overall really makes the visuals pop.

Superman Unlimited #1 isn’t a bad debut but it gets a little plodding and tedious at times. A faster pacing and a bit more focus on the emotional aspects at times would have punched up the enjoyment a bit more. But, not a bad start and a debut where we’re looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Story: Dan Slott Art: Rafael Albuquerque
Color: Marcelo Maiolo Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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