REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #11

Superman Unlimited #11, “Fallen Son,” (the third issue in the “Reign of the Superboys” event) begins a couple of weeks before DC K.O. #5 ends, as readers are finally treated to the first appearance of Superman’s (Jon Kent’s) future greatest archenemy, the 4th-dimensional demon Master Txyz.

Mister Mxyzptlk was very serious, very worried, and very scared when it came to his professional courtesy of warning Jon that Master Txyz was on his way to kill him. Mxy relayed this message first in Superman Unlimited #9 and then fully in Superman Unlimited #10. Just as a time pocket engulfed Jon, Mxy, and Smallville—signaling the imminent arrival of Master Txyz—Mxy high-tailed it out of the time pocket by saying his name backward.

Boy, oh boy, this was a fun and exciting issue. But before we dive in, let’s check out these super covers. The main cover is another fantastic piece by Dan Mora, featuring the original teenaged Super Son, Jon Kent a.k.a. Superboy, followed closely behind by the superhero The Tomorrow Man. It’s a cover reminiscent of a Batman and Robin dynamic, down to the nearly Batman/Nightwing-style symbol on Tomorrow Man’s chest. It’s a powerful action cover, as this new duo charges into battle together.

The Tomorrow Man stands guard over the Metropolis skyline in the variant cover by Bruno Redondo. He looks powerful, unmovable, and a little sinister, with glowing eyes and a dark face mask. Yet, he stands over the city ready to defend it—and he looks super doing it.

The ACO “Reign of the Superboys” connecting variant features the Super Son, teenage Jon Kent as Superboy, hovering in the air above The Tomorrow Man as fire or lava—and chunks of what appears to be Kryptonite—surround the duo. Both heroes seem unfazed by the mineral that brings Kryptonians to their knees.

There are also variants available by Rachta Lin, Lucio Parrillo and Skylar Patridge.

Artist Lucas Meyer and colorist Giuliano Peratelli do a great job of giving readers a beautiful, panel-by-panel recap of the history of one of the greatest superheroes and DC characters. With it being narrated by the superhero’s greatest enemy, it also serves as a great jumping-on point for anyone who wants to learn more about the character. The art team does a great job conveying emotion, action, sorrow, pain, and defiance.

Dan Slott, whose writing I fell in love with during his run on Spider-Man, has woven together a Jon Kent tale that will be spoken about for years to come. Sure, we get some recaps of Jon Kent’s life, but we also get a new perspective on how his greatest enemy sees him, how that enemy tries to destroy him, and how Jon sees himself. He does a great job of giving new readers a chance to understand Jon’s history, present, and future. The dialogue between Jon and Master Txyz reminded me of the great exchanges between Superman and Lex Luthor, as well as those with Darkseid. Both of Clark’s villains have tried to make him feel like his never-ending battle against evil is all for nothing, with the goal of making him give up. But just like his father continues to fight for truth and justice—regardless of applause or praise—Jon does the same and proves he’s every bit as super as his father.

(10/10) Superman Unlimited #11 is a must-read for anyone who has been a fan of Jonathan Kent since he arrived during the 2015 Convergence event and the Superman: Lois & Clark (2016) miniseries. For anyone who wants to get to know him without reading 10 years of comics to catch up, this is the issue for you. This issue shows you all that Jon Kent has been, is, and will be—and it continues this exciting new event in the Super-Family books.

Jon Kent really comes into his own here, even more so than before. Just as he was beginning his new career in journalism and planting himself in his dad’s hometown of Smallville, Jon has to once again grow up and become a super man of his own making. And if his dad were there with him, I’m sure he would be very proud of his son.