REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #5

Superman Unlimited #5 “Into the Heart of the Kryptonite Kingdom: Part One of Two: Man of Gold” is the fifth issue in the ongoing DC Comics series created by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque. What an issue and what an ending.

This series continues to keep me hooked and excited for each issue as it continues to deal with the aftermath of Superman nearly being killed by a massive asteroid made of Kryptonite, which has shattered down on the Earth. Now being used by humans to power their cities and enhance their technologies and sought after by criminal organizations anxious to use the kryptonite to get the upper hand on all Kryptonians. Now Clark and the other superheroes with Kryptonian DNA are having to adapt to this new world filled with this deadly mineral.

Albuquerque and colorist Marcelo Maiolo unleash a visual explosion as Superman strides directly into Emerald City, the capital of El Caldero, purportedly teeming with Kryptonite. The silhouette of Superman walking headlong into his greatest weakness is both thrilling and symbolic: the Man of Steel doesn’t shy away from fear — he runs into it, trusting in his resilience and resolve. It’s bold, iconic, and instantly gripping, the kind of cover that makes readers want to open the issue immediately to see how he survives.

I love these variant covers across DC Comics that Mark Spears has been making. He continues to channel pure 1990s nostalgia, presenting Superman and Krypto as if they’ve been ripped straight from a premium collector’s trading card pack. Every detail, from the bold framing to the polished, almost hyper-realistic rendering of the Man of Steel and the Superdog, recalls an era when superhero art was designed to be both collectible and iconic.

Dan Mora delivers cinematic grandeur, giving us a classic Superman in a pose that radiates both strength and timeless myth as he breaks chains of Kryptonite. Mora’s clean lines and modern polish blend seamlessly with a sense of Golden and Silver Age reverence, reminding readers that Superman isn’t just a hero of today — he’s a legend of every era. This cover feels like the ultimate Superman movie poster: powerful, inspiring, and larger than life.

There are also variants available from Matteo Lolli & Tamra Bonvillain and Declan Shalvey.

Slott keeps this journey moving, with great action, moments of comedy, and high stakes. I love scenes with Tee-Nah and I enjoy learning more about how technologically advanced she is. This new world-wide Daily Planet and the technology they use to communicate between each office is reminiscent of the futuristic Metropolis of the 2000s with the Brainiac technology.

Slott continues to show us why they call Clark Superman and how resourceful he has been and has to be in this world of Kryptonite. I loved that this issue featured a classic and legendary superhero vehicle in all its glory. We also got more information about what happened to Superman when he valiantly slowed down a massive Kryptonite asteroid from slamming into the Earth in the first issue. I loved how lived-in this world is and even though we don’t see things, we are filled in on what’s been going on behind the scenes and between issues.

The art continues to be great, I love the way Albuquerque and Maiolo work together, giving each scene and action sequence powerful panels filled with emotion and urgency. With their artwork, along with Slott’s words and letters by Dave Sharpe, this series is like an action-packed adventure, with intrigue and danger around every corner.

(9/10) Superman Unlimited #5 “Into the Heart of the Kryptonite Kingdom: Part One of Two: Man of Gold” continues the fascinating tale Slott and Albuquerque have been crafting since issue one. I continue looking forward to seeing what they have in store for Superman, his friends, his enemies and his world in future issues, especially after the end of this issue.

While many people, like my wife, love Batman’s assertiveness and willingness to break in to get things away from people, I love that Superman is respectful and willing to ask and work with people to get what he needs. He’s a gentleman and a friendly superhero, which is why he’s the light of the DC Universe.