The Man of Steel gets a fresh coat of paint in Superman Unlimited #1, part of DC’s high-flying “Summer of Superman” initiative timed to soar alongside James Gunn’s cinematic relaunch this July. But this isn’t just synergy for synergy’s sake. With Marvel vet Dan Slott making his full-time DC debut and Rafael Albuquerque bringing his dynamic pencils to Metropolis, this first issue aims to blend blockbuster spectacle with grounded, character-driven storytelling. The results? A mix of genuine inspiration and some well-worn Kryptonite.
The premise is big, bold, and undeniably Superman: a massive meteor made entirely of Kryptonite crashes toward Earth. It’s a setup that should scream “epic,” and in some ways, it delivers. But while this radioactive asteroid feels like the center of the issue’s gravity, it’s actually the other plotline—the Daily Planet’s corporate takeover—that lands with more emotional weight.
Slott’s smartest move here is turning the spotlight on the soul of Superman’s world: journalism. The Daily Planet being bought by Imani Edge, the ex-wife of perennial nemesis Morgan Edge, immediately adds intrigue and stakes. It opens a thematic door to explore media manipulation, corporate interference, and the integrity of truth—everything Clark Kent fights for when he’s not in tights.
Better yet, it allows for a classic “day-in-the-life” montage that hits all the right beats. We see Superman doing what he does best: saving lives and inspiring people. Lions on the loose, robbers on the run, a plummeting airplane—each scene reminds us why he’s the gold standard of heroism. The real standout? A quiet moment between Superman and a young musician, whom he encourages with a few kind words. It’s small, sincere, and exactly the kind of beat that separates Superman from his cape-and-cowl peers.
But when the action shifts to the Kryptonite meteor, the narrative stumbles into cliché. As Superman faces the deadly green rock, he experiences a “life flashing before his eyes” sequence—a greatest-hits reel that feels more like a primer for new readers than a meaningful narrative beat. It’s not without merit (there’s a cool reinterpretation of some classic villains), but it reads more like a marketing pitch than character work. One can’t help but imagine a more naturalistic approach—perhaps hearing how the people of Metropolis describe their Superman stories—would’ve packed more heart.
Rafael Albuquerque absolutely delivers. From the first panel, his linework captures the essence of Superman’s world: hopeful, kinetic, and majestic. There’s an effortless grace in the way Superman moves, whether he’s floating midair or wrestling a plane from its nosedive. And when the camera zooms in on the faces of Metropolis’ citizens—especially that wide-eyed young musician—you feel that wonder firsthand.
Marcelo Maiolo’s colors elevate the visuals even further. The sun-drenched skyline of Metropolis radiates optimism, while the eerie glow of the Kryptonite meteor cuts through the void of space with a sense of creeping doom. Importantly, Superman’s red and blue costume acts as a visual anchor throughout the issue. No matter how dark things get, he remains a symbol of hope—exactly as he should.
Superman Unlimited #1 isn’t a perfect debut, but it does what any good #1 should: it makes you want to come back for more. Slott lays out the pieces of a larger story with potential for political drama, ethical dilemmas, and emotional depth. The meteor might be made of Kryptonite, but it’s the corporate shake-up at the Daily Planet that feels like the real ticking time bomb.
If future issues build more on the humanity of Superman—the way he interacts with the people he protects, the choices he makes as Clark Kent, the journalist—then Unlimited could become essential reading. For now, it’s a solid launch: heroic, heartfelt, and ready to take flight.
