REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #12

Superman Unlimited #12, “Besides Myself” continues Jon Kent’s “Reign of The Superboys” arc. Now wearing a mask and going by Tomorrow Man, Jon tries to mentor his younger self. Also we pick back up with what’s going on in El Cadero which could spell trouble for the entire El family.

The standard cover is by Taurin Clarke. Entitled “Homecoming”, Lois appears to be talking down a frightened young Jon as Steel, Krypto, and Tomorrow Man observe from the background. This may be our first indication that things aren’t quite right with the situation the two Jon’s have been placed, but it’s too soon to really know.

Guillem March’s variant gets a bit chilling as young Jon hovers within a thunderstorm, his eyes ready to burn. There’s definitely a sinister feeling to this cover that’s reminiscent to that of the movie “Brightburn”. Still, it’s really cool how March uses the storm to almost make a black & white piece rendering Jon’s outfit all the more striking.

The “Things To Come” variant is by Lucas Meyer and hints that we haven’t seen the last of the fourth dimensional demon, Master Txyz. It also hints at the All-In introduction of a new, old character that could leave a fascinating impact for future stories.

Karen S. Darboe and Salvador Larroca each have their own excellent variant works to keep an eye out for.

Lucas Meyer and Colorist Giuliano Peratelli take on interior art responsibilities. The look of this book is simply fantastic. El Cadero is presented with such an impressive use of colors and shading. Besides that, the panel work really helps move this issue along. Things get a bit quieter after last months action packed edition, but that just means the detail work and character’s body language becomes that much more relevant. Meyer and Peratelli do an excellent job keeping the pacing dynamic without rushing the moments that should linger with us a more.

Dan Slott, lettered by Dave Sharpe, has really built an intriguing time paradox story for Jon Kent in ‘Superman Unlimited’ #12. What could easily be seen as a have-our-cake-and-eat-it-too attempt with having both versions of Jon flying around is properly addressed with the elder Jon’s internal thoughts. He fully realizes he could be erased by helping his younger self, but the importance of a second chance supersedes his fears. Suspicions that things may not be all they seem get raised when Batman & Robin show up to check in on Lois and an awkward lack of exchange is shared between young Jon and Damien. Meanwhile, El Cadero continues their exploration and exploitation of green kryptonite energies and Kryptonian technologies which leads us to a development of the most unlikely sort. That being an actual in story reintroduction of a long lost, and possibly forgotten, Silver Aged character made all the more sweet with Bibbo’s involvement.

(9/10) Superman Unlimited #12 continues a story that really has potential to be one of the best featuring Jon and a great way to utilize the divisiveness of his premature aging. There’s more than one story element I hope sticks from this arc, but even if they don’t, I’m enjoying them being developed.