DC
The current story arc of Superman Unlimitedhas been about Jon Kent discovering his own identity beyond being Superman and Lois Lane’s son. While he’s managed to potentially find that identity as Tomorrow Man, he has another problem on his hands. The younger version of himself he thought he’d saved on Earth-3 is nothis younger self but rather Jon Kent, the son of the Crime Syndicate’s Ultraman and Superwoman… or “Ultraboy,” as Damian Wayne dismissively calls him. Jon now has to figure out how to stop Ultraboy’s wrath, especially when Damian is on the warpath.
I freely admit I wasn’t expecting the Ultraboy twist, yet it fits with the larger point Dan Slott is trying to make. The legacy we leave behind isn’t defined just by our families but also by the choices we make; as I’ve pointed out in previous reviews, the singular difference between a hero and a villain lies in their choices. It’s rather fitting that Jon is willing to give his younger, more violent self a chance to change, and it leads to one of the more heart-wrenching endings I’ve seen in a comic book this year.
Where Slott’s script stumbles is when Batman and Damian enter the picture. As fun as it is to see Damian and Ultraboy do battle (which adds another layer of emotion, given that Damian and the prime Jon are friends), Batman’s presence leads to what I’ve dubbed the “Batman Factor”, where the Dark Knight has an answer for every problem. This is an issue that’s plagued DC books ever since the infamous “Tower of Babel” storyline in JLA, and could be worth a write up of its own, but it once again leads to Steel and Superwoman being given the shaft. Considering that the former is one of the smartest men in the DC Universe, and the latter just experienced a shift in her powers that’s set to play into the upcoming “Kingdom of Zod” storyline, it would have been nice for them to get a focus.
That quibble aside, Superman Unlimited #15 does look gorgeous, and it’s all thanks to Lucas Meyer’s artwork. Meyer doesn’t let up on the action for a minute, opening on a massive splash page of Ultraboy charging at Tomorrow Man with Steel’s hammer. It’s a frightening image, made even more frightening by Guiliano Peratelli’s use of colors, which highlight Ultraboy’s glowing red eyes and the massive emerald mounds of Kryptonite surrounding everyone. Topping things off is Dave Sharpe, whose lettering grows bigger and bolder as characters raise their voices… and trust me, that happens a lot in this issue.
Perhaps the best moments in Superman Unlimited #15 aren’t the ones that involve fighting, but emotional conversations. It gives Meyer the chance to display a wide range of emotions across characters’ faces, especially Jon’s. There’s shock, there’s uncertainty, but the moment that’s writ large across his face is sincerity. While he might be trying to be his own man, that’s the most important trait he shares with his father – and a trait that anyone who writes Superman should remember.
Superman Unlimited #15 brings a close to its latest story arc with an installment that packs plenty of emotion and action into its pages. Here’s hoping this book can maintain its momentum as it enters the next big Superman crossover
‘Superman Unlimited’ #15 delivers a poignant, if abrupt, ending
Superman Unlimited #15
Superman Unlimited #15 brings a close to its latest story arc with an installment that packs plenty of emotion and action into its pages. Here’s hoping this book can maintain its momentum as it enters the next big Superman crossover.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Slott makes the most of the Ultraboy twist, resulting in a emotionally charged issue.
Meyer’s artwork is a joy to behold, especially when it comes to facial expressions; the coloring also helps make it pop.
Some of the setup for “Kingdom of Zod” gets in the way of a solid conclusion.
Batman’s appearance leads to some of the more annoying tropes that comes with modern Batman stories.
8
Good
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