PREVIEW: Superman Unlimited #18
Superman Unlimited #18, “The Family Business” is a great jumping on point coming off the “Kingdom of Zod” event. Both Jon Kent and Natasha Irons are looking for a way out from under Superman and Steel’s shadow which organically leads into a new direction for this series. There’s lots of story hooks getting set up this issue and several leftover elements from the recent crossover getting addressed making the possibilities of this new arc truly unlimited.
The standard cover is by Lucas Meyer and not only debuts the new title art, but also debuts Jon’s updated look as Tomorrow Man. It’s a really great piece featuring Superman and Tomorrow Man together and gives a hopeful feel to the future of this series.
Marcial Toledano Vargas’s variant is the perfect compliment to Lucas Meyer’s cover. Here Clark and Jon switch places and get a starker background which makes the colorful outfits of our favorite superheroes really stand out.
The variant by Rafael Perez is a very serene look at Superman atop the Daily Planet globe. Seen here interacting with some birds, Clark looks as though he’s in deep contemplation against the quiet feeling background.
It’s hard to believe ‘Kingdom Come’ was released 30 years ago, but Gerald Parel’s variant commemorates that epic Elseworlds story with his take on Wonder Woman. Most of the time KC Wonder Woman is remembered for wearing her golden armor, but here we see her looking a bit more traditional confronting a missle strike. Definitely a cover to look for if you’re a ‘Kingdom Come’ fan.
Ā Lucas Meyer also handles interior art alongside Colorist Giuliano Peratelli. This issue starts with some gorgeous visuals and never lets up. ‘Superman Unlimited’ #18 may be light on the action sequences, but the montages and character interactions really help move the story along. The layouts are dynamic enough to keep your interest without downplaying the aimlessness Jon is feeling. This art team has always put out quality work for this series and this issue is no exception.
Dan Slott gets lettered by Dave Sharpe for this epilogue/ prologue style story. The first few pages mainly deal with the aftermath of the current crossover and gives Superman a bit of a breather from being gone so long. As things with Jon and Steelworks get a bit of a wrap up, we discover some staff changes are in order as Nat has decided to head up her own branch if Steelworks and encourages Jon to came with her. This leads Jon on a mission of self discovery as he continues to deal with the idea of what it means to be the Son of Superman. Honestly it’s nice to see Jon take a moment to self reflect as so much has happened to him since ‘Absolute Power’. There’s a great relatable father & son moment between Clark and Jon as they both come to terms to Jon needing to be his own man. From here this new arc could literally go in any direction.
(7/10) Overall ‘Superman Unlimited’ #18 is a nice solid issue full of exciting new story threads. It is bittersweet to have Jon leave the Steelworks crew, but John Henry Irons needs room for his own upcoming series. Here’s hoping this new direction continues to remain as promising.
