REVIEW: Superman Unlimited #13
Superman Unlimited #13, “Primal Fears” sets up more mystery behind young Jon Kent’s existence while establishing the new Beppo even further. We also get reintroduced to a familiar character from Superman’s past as Tomorrow Man continues to make a name for himself in Metropolis.
The standard cover is by Taurin Clarke. Focusing more on Beppo, Young Jon and Tomorrow Man make an appearance in the reflection of the bars Beppo’s bending. It really is an appropriate piece for what’s in store as this issue shifts a bit to Beppo’s perspective of events.
Karen S. Darboe’s variant is a fantastic piece of art. Superboy and Tomorrow Man are beautifully drawn as they appear to clash. The swirling colors and shadowed faces may have some foreshadowy meanings, but the piece is absolutely gorgeous regardless.
The variant by Anthony Marques, J. Bone, and Dave Stewart is a great contribution the the Reign of The Superboys event. Featuring all those considered a “Superboy” throughout the past several years convening at Jon’s Treehouse of Solitude with Krypto also making an appearance. It’s a fun grouping of how many characters the name has touched and how different each one has contributed to that legacy.
Two other great variants to look out for are by Guillem March and Salvador Larroca respectively:
Lucas Meyer and Colorist Giuliano Peratelli continue their exceptional work for the interior art. There’s some instant recognition with a character that’s seen little use in nearly 30 years for those that remember them. They also coordinate some great flashback sequences for both Beppo and Young Jon that really put their traumas into perspective. These characters have been through a lot and you start to feel for them as though it were real. To round out the dramatical side of the the issue, Krypto’s continual suspicions of Young Jon keeps the uneasiness of his existence in the forefront. Along with the emotional side of the story, there’s some great action sequences that really make this a well rounded issue based on art alone.
Dan Slott, lettered by Dave Sharpe, weaves a fantastic tale bringing the events of Beppo’s return to continuity and the mystery that encapsulates Young Jon together in a seamless way. The comparison of trauma between Beppo and Young Jon shines a light on their struggles adjusting to their newfound freedoms and makes their confrontation make sense as they react in a triggered state. If not for the level heads of Lois and Tomorrow Man, things could’ve gotten way out of hand. This issue pushes the question of Young Jon’s authenticity with Krypto’s more aggressive responses and Tomorrow Man beginning to wonder why Jon is reacting contrary to his own memory. Beppo’s fate also remains uncertain as ‘Superman Unlimited’ #13 ends with more compelling questions to explore.
(9/10) All in all, Superman Unlimited#13 was a great issue to read. A lot of the imposter syndrome Jon had as Superman is being laid bare as he tries to navigate, what he feels, is the end of his life alone. The growth he’s shown as Tomorrow Man really lets him shine as his own character and I hope both this identity and the new Beppo end up sticking around. It may feel like some predictable events are on the horizon, but Slott is orchestrating things to have them play out in an organic and entertaining way.
