The DCU is seeing more green these days. When an asteroid of Kryptonite is on the way to Earth. Superman leads a charge to stop it. After stopping it, the Man of Steel is rendered unconscious. When he awakes, a new fear takes hold.
Access to the deadly element is very easy these days. Many wrong hands are in possession of Kryptonite. One of those hands is President Castilho of El Caldero. The state houses the most Kryptonite. When it’s attacked, Superman has to save the day, even if it might kill him.
SUPERMAN UNLIMITED #5 by Dan Slott, Rafael Albuquerque, Marcelo Maiolo and Dave Sharpe puts the Man of Tomorrow in a no-win situation.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest adventure.
SUPERMAN UNLIMITED #5 by Dan Slott, Rafael Albuquerque, Marcelo Maiolo and Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Slott takes Superman into dangerous grounds for this chapter. After opening at the ever expanding Daily Planet, Superman decides to go on his own to El Caldero. Readers watch as his arrival is met with a surprising result. The writing shows how he is celebrated in the Green Kingdom. Castilho comes across as a showman disguised as a leader. His dialogue is sharp as the issues with the kingdom are addressed.
It doesn’t take long for Superman to push forward with his plans. This allows for Castilho to dive into a version of backstory. The writing plays up the “sympathetic” nature of his character. It eludes to his saving of Superman after the asteroid. This leaves readers with a sense of uncertainty to truth.
As the conflict emerges, Castilho’s tone swings in a predictable manner. Readers watch as he shows what lengths he will go to protect his illusions. His viciousness unveils his true persona. This winds up unlocking a few secrets heading to close. One of which winds up in the final panel. This leaves the audience with a more complex tale than originally thought. It’s a steady cliffhanger until next issue drops along with being a fun read.
Albuquerque & Maiolo return for full duty with this issue. The Daily Planet intro gives an enjoyable spotlight on the supporting cast. Tee-Nah’s optimism shines on the panels. This allows Lois and Clark to have a brief segway before the Superman business begins. From here, the story takes on a more traditional superhero feel.
The two page splash of the El Caldero carnival carries high energy. It allows Sueprman to soak in the crowd reaction to his image. This provides a segway to stand-off between Supes and Castilho. Each show how they refuse to back down. As they move forward, the flashback sequences work extremely well. Maiolo’s coloring paints a noble view of events. This aura steps back as the conflict arrives. Events start picking up as Castilho sees what’s his in trouble. The rage pouring out takes over panels. It leads right into the dramatic close. The parting shot leaves more questions to ponder as the leader’s true intentions come to light.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.8
An impossible task leads Superman into deadly territory in this latest issue. Slott pens a very steady tale of power and control. Albuquerque & Maiolo throw many different looks at the readers via the art. How this will end is anyone’s guess but you won’t want to miss it.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Superman Unlimited #5. Thanks for reading!