REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #10

Superman Unlimited #10, “Die Laughing, Part Two,” picks up where the last issue left off as the new Prankster declares that Clark Kent must die. This is another strong chapter in a world now filled with an overabundance of Kryptonite (thanks to a giant meteor). It’s a fun, energetic issue featuring the classic Prankster alongside his nephew — a new, far more psychotic version who lacks his uncle’s restraint.

Before going further, let’s talk about the covers. The main cover is by Dave Johnson and features Superman performing his best Houdini impression. His arms are bound, wrists chained, and a Kryptonite chunk hangs from a chain around his neck — reminiscent of the one Lex Luthor placed on him in the 1978 movie. He floats inside a clear pipe filled with acid. The banner reads, “The Prankster is Triumphant,” yet Superman looks calm, even giving a subtle side-eye to the Kryptonite necklace. The composition feels like a loving homage to a classic Silver Age cover.

Mike Choi’s variant is warm and enduring. Superman and Krypto hover against a bright yellow backdrop as Superman pats Krypto on the head with his left hand while holding a round black stone in his right. Krypto eagerly waits for it to be thrown. It beautifully captures the friendship between a man and his dog — reminding readers that even Superman has quiet, human moments.

Fernando Blanco’s variant strikes a chord with the journalist in me. It features a head-on profile of Clark Kent lowering his glasses with his right hand as he peers directly at the reader. His signature S-curl rests across his forehead. Most of Clark’s profile is transparent, revealing sky and sunlight beneath the surface. It’s as if Clark is seconds away from loosening his tie and revealing the “S” beneath his shirt. This image practically says, “The new Prankster has no idea who he’s dealing with — but he’s about to find out.”

There are also variant covers available by Guillem March and Don Aguillo.

Inside the issue, we get more artwork from Mike Norton, he continues delivering a classic aesthetic that fits perfectly with The Prankster’s Silver Age roots. Colorist Marcelo Maiolo complements Norton’s linework beautifully, and the action leaps off the page without losing clarity.

Dan Slott continues crafting a sharp contrast between old-school and modern villainy. The original Prankster wants to teach his nephew how things were done “back in the day,” but the younger Prankster lacks patience, discipline, and decorum. He wants results immediately, and he believes Clark Kent has ruined everything for him. Once again, we spend significant time with Clark as a reporter, which is fantastic. It’s always great to see how Clark interacts with others, uses his journalistic instincts, and gives Batman a run for his money in the detective department. Because of the dynamic between the classic villain and this new, dangerous successor, this issue feels reminiscent of the George Reeves-era Superman — the kind who might wink at the audience at the end of an episode after outsmarting the bad guy.

The new Prankster’s rage and impatience evoke the overzealous younger heroes in Kingdom Come. Because he has power, he assumes he is unstoppable and accountable to no one. Unfortunately for him, sentencing Clark Kent to death guarantees a confrontation with Superman. One of the strongest elements of the issue is how Slott showcases Clark’s deductive reasoning. We see him methodically work through the mystery surrounding the hit placed on Mayor Perry White while carefully protecting his secret identity under pressure. The issue also includes meaningful moments with Jon Kent and Mxy, clearly setting the stage for the next arc.

(10/10) Superman Unlimited #10 delivers a confident, character-driven conclusion to an entertaining two-parter. By centering Clark Kent’s intellect as much as Superman’s power, this creative team reminds readers why the character has endured for generations. The balance of classic villainy, modern intensity, heartfelt character moments, and clean storytelling makes this issue stand out.

What makes this chapter especially strong is its refusal to rush. Slott, Norton, and Maiolo take their time showing a day in the life of Clark Kent — reporter and hero — and allow the tension to build naturally. Even when Clark appears trapped between a rock and a hard place (and a Kryptonite rock at that), he never panics. He thinks. He plans. He endures.