REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #6

‘Superman Unlimited #6’, “Side by Side with the Krypto-Knights,” is the sixth issue in the ongoing DC Comics series created by Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque—and it soars with the confidence of a hero who knows exactly who he is and what he stands for.

Rafael Albuquerque and Marcelo Maiolo’s standard cover is pure brilliance. It showcases a golden Superman standing front and center, glowing like a living sun beside the armored ranks of the Krypto-Knights. The composition radiates both unity and might—a visual hymn to leadership and legacy. The light emanating from Superman isn’t just literal; it’s symbolic of the hope he ignites in others. It’s a declaration that this Man of Tomorrow doesn’t fight solo—he leads by example, inspiring an army forged in hope rather than fear.

Guillem March’s variant cover takes a more intimate and cinematic approach. We see Clark Kent mid-transformation, removing his glasses as the iconic “S” symbol gleams beneath. The reflection in the lenses is a stroke of genius—one of those subtle, storytelling details that reminds readers that the act of becoming Superman is a choice, not a condition. March captures that eternal moment where humility meets heroism, and humanity meets destiny.

Tiago da Silva’s variant cover shifts tone beautifully, bringing lightness and joy to the skies. Superboy and Krypto soar together above Metropolis, their playful energy echoing the carefree days of childhood dreams. Da Silva’s work glows with nostalgia and motion—the sunlight bouncing off Krypto’s white fur and the city’s skyline creates a visual melody of hope. It’s the kind of cover that makes you smile, reminding us why Superman’s world has always been about family, loyalty, and love.

There are also variant covers available by Mark Spears, Denys Cowan & Chris Sotomayor.

The writing has been on the wall about the true motives of President Castilho, ruler of the “Emerald City”, the capital of El Caldero, since Superman stopped a giant Kryptonite asteroid from decimating Castilho’s country. But as this issue proves, you must always beware of people who come into power—whether through position, politics, or possession—because power can corrupt and often does. This series has continually amped up the action and has shown, issue after issue, what people will do with power that shouldn’t and doesn’t belong to them—and the lengths they will go to in order to hold on to it. Yet it’s also been a series that highlights Superman’s resilience, compassion, and unwavering belief in others. In every trial, one constant remains clear: Superman never truly stands alone. He has a support system, family, and friends that ground him. Those relationships are his real superpower.

Writer Dan Slott continues to prove why he’s one of the best storytellers in the industry. His grasp on Superman’s moral compass—his delicate balance between godlike strength and human compassion—is unmatched. Slott knows how to write action that thrills and emotion that resonates. In this issue, he delves deep into political manipulation, showing how power and paranoia can twist even the most well-intentioned leaders into something dangerous. President Castilho’s true motives finally come to light, and Slott handles it with the kind of nuance that makes the reveal satisfying rather than predictable. Superman’s confrontation with Castilho and his forces—the so-called Krypto-Knights—isn’t just another super-powered brawl; it’s a philosophical clash between control and compassion, fear and faith.

Sharing artistic duties with Albuquerque is the talented Mike Norton, an award-winning American comic book artist, writer, and creator. Norton brings his storytelling expertise and emotional depth to the page. His collaboration with Albuquerque is seamless—a perfect blend of dynamic action and quiet humanity. Albuquerque’s fluid linework captures Superman’s power and grace, while Norton’s attention to expression and body language grounds the story emotionally. Together, they create panels that breathe—each page bursting with cinematic motion and emotional weight. Marcelo Maiolo’s colors once again elevate the artwork to another level. His palette of golds, emeralds, and deep cosmic blues reflects both the wonder and danger of this Kryptonite-altered world. The glowing hues of Superman’s golden form practically hum off the page, while the cooler tones of Castilho’s Emerald City exude unease and corruption. Maiolo doesn’t just color scenes; he paints emotion.

It was fun seeing the Supermobile in action and witnessing the power of a powerless Superman who continues to fight against the odds. This entire series so far has been about revealing what truly makes Superman super—not his heat vision, not his flight, not even his strength, but his unshakable faith in truth, justice, and the enduring hope that light will always overcome darkness.

This issue delivers it all: tension, revelation, teamwork, and emotional stakes. The reappearance of the Supermobile was a nostalgic delight, a reminder that even stripped of godlike abilities, Superman finds a way to stand tall.

(9/10) ‘Superman Unlimited #6’ forges boldly ahead in this evolving, Kryptonite-filled landscape that has changed life for every Kryptonian—and every enemy of Kryptonians—across the globe. Superman’s golden transformation gives him a temporary edge, but it also makes him vulnerable once that immunity fades. The question is no longer if his enemies will strike, but when—and what happens when they use the remnants of his home planet against him.