REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #4

Superman Unlimited #4, “Look, Up in the Sky! It’s a Bat!” is the fourth issue in the ongoing DC Comics series created by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque. In this issue, Albuquerque is joined in art duties by Lucas Meyer, who has credits from Aquaman, Titans and DCeased.

 This has been a fascinating and interesting series since it began with each issue dealing with the aftermath of Superman nearly being killed by a massive asteroid made of Kryptonite, which has shattered down on the Earth. I’ve been waiting to see what next lies in store for Clark and a world in which Kryptonite is no longer in short supply.

The standard cover art is pure gothic power. Albuquerque transforms Superman into something primal and terrifying, merging him with the essence of the bat. The sharp wings slice through a blood-red sky crackling with lightning, while the gargoyle below reinforces the haunting Gotham-like aesthetic. Maiolo’s colors are striking—black shadows against crimson fury—capturing an Elseworlds nightmare where Superman is less savior and more predator, even Man-Bat would be terrified of this creature. It’s a bold visual twist that screams horror, instantly sparking curiosity: is this Clark corrupted, or a new creature altogether?

Mark Spears’ variant cover feels like a painted shrine to Superman. Rendered with painterly realism, Superman stands proud, bathed in radiant hues of golden sunlight that shine across his suit. The background clouds swirl like divine brushstrokes, giving him the aura of a modern myth. Spears captures the duality of strength and grace—this is Superman as the eternal ideal, both man and godlike figure. It’s a cover that feels timeless, almost like it belongs framed in a gallery.

Hayden Sherman and Matt Herms’ variant cover embraces classicism here, evoking Silver Age charm with a modern crispness. Superman flies confidently above Metropolis, his cape unfurling behind him as pigeons scatter in his wake. Herms’ coloring infuses the city with light and optimism, while Sherman’s clean, bold lines channel the essence of a Superman who is very cool, mellow, approachable, heroic, and joyfully in motion. It’s the kind of cover that instantly makes you smile—Superman as protector and friend, high above the Daily Planet globe.

There are also covers available by Robbi Rodriguez and Ryan Benjamin:

We’ve been treated to guest appearances and flashbacks throughout the previous three issues of Superman Unlimited and were formally introduced to Tee-Nah (of Gorilla City and goddaughter of King Solovar), who was recently hired as the Daily Planet’s Head of I.T. Department in Metropolis. Last issue, she mentioned she had to stop in Gotham City before making her way to her new home. Writer, Dan Slott keeps this series moving forward as we begin with Tee-Nah meeting up with Jimmy Olsen in Gotham. From there, the story feels like a Batman story, especially taking place mostly in his city, featuring something from his rogues gallery, and the fact that the entire issue takes place at night.

But it all works, because as shown in previous issues in this series is that Superman’s world has been turned completely upside down since he stopped the Kryptonite asteroid. As Batman said in an episode of the Animated Series, “Expect the unexpected!” We are also treated to guest stars from the Batman Family and a new, frighteningly smart and calculating accidental bad guy. This sets up the other characters of the story to show that you can be useful even if you can’t bend steel with your bare hands or shoot lasers out of your eyes.

The action throughout this issue is non-stop and Meyer and Albuquerque bring it to life and in vivid color throughout. Every punch, kick, hit and movement is translated to the page in great detail and the panels across giant splash pages keep every angle of the action in focus.  

(9/10) Superman Unlimited #4 adds to the rich, interesting storyline that Slott and Albuquerque have been crafting since issue one. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have in store for Superman, his friends, his enemies and his world in future issues.