Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Mike Norton
Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Cover Artists: Dave Johnson; Guillem March; Kris Anka; Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz & Elmer Santos; Clayton Henry & Arif Prianto; Mike Allred & Laura Allred
Editors: Jillian Grant & Paul Kaminski
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock
Release Date: January 21, 2026
The mountain of Kryptonite that fell on El Cordero continues to make life more challenging for Superman. All he wants to do is protect his adoptive planet. Yet women adopt Kryptonite jewelry and lipstick. Criminals shoot Kryptonite bullets at him. Even new allies like the Toyman harness the power of Kryptonite to fuel their inventions. After teaming up with Guy Gardner to rescue Lois and her fellow astronauts from aliens prejudiced against meddlesome metahumans, what challenges will Superman confront next? Let’s stop by a phone booth, leap into Superman Unlimited #9, and see!
Story
When reporters from the Daily Planet need an office break, they gather at the Bronze Swan. Today, the bar boasts a visitor from Gotham. Vicki Vale has followed a recent rash of DWDA's to Metropolis. Like the Darwin Awards, discussing these Dumb Ways To Die lightens the tone of the conversation.
Unlike his colleagues, Clark Kent finds no humor in tragic deaths. He believes they should be celebrating how the victims used their wealth to contribute to society. But Clark can't sit around and drink his Gin and Tonic (hold the Gin) all day. He needs to cover Mayor White’s news conference.
While Minnie Mannheim’s decision drives events in Superman Unlimited #9, Clark Kent does his best to guard Metropolis. Once again, the availability of Kryptonite makes this task more difficult. Amid the attacks, Clark tries to identify the perpetrator. But as Vicki Vale points out, he is a reporter, not a Dark Knight detective.
Dan Slott’s story tackles the tension between social classes. It also highlights how the desire for showmanship can tempt good people to belittle others. But while introducing a new villain, Superman Unlimited #9 focuses on the danger of practical jokes. Steve's joking ways may not faze Clark. But as the Creeper, the actions of his colleague, Jack Ryder, alerted the world to Superman's vulnerability. That's a weakness that the Prankster can exploit. And Superman can't protect people after he's become Super (Booster) Gold.
Art
Sunlight pours through the windows of the wood-paneled bar, filling the air with a golden hue. As the reporters imbibe golden drinks, they share stories cast in limited tones. Like Jack Ryder’s suit, green dominates Mike Norton's retellings while heralding future dangers. Yet a splash of pink highlights the violent deaths that provoke smiles among the reporters in Superman Unlimited #9.
As Clark stands amid a crowd, Mayor White addresses them from behind a wooden podium. While weapons weigh down the table before him, columns and grand architecture remind the crowd of his ability to withstand any crisis. Marcelo Maiolo lavishes a loaded palette on these scenes as Perry White smiles when Clark raises his hand. A shadow may hang over most of the reporters. But gold-edged clouds seem to touch the heads of these long-time friends.
Dave Sharpe places uppercase black letters in white dialogue balloons and colored narrative boxes. Superman's stylized S shines from beside his white thoughts in blue boxes. Words grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices, while broken balloon borders signal lowered voices. The sounds of technology prompt sound effects, as practical jokes award Superman the starring role in "Gone in 200 Seconds." Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
Clark Kent's life is changing in Superman Unlimited #9. Lois Lane is taking on more responsibility. Jon is overseeing the Smallville Daily Planet office and assisting at the Steelworks family. As Clark navigates these developments in his domestic life, villains threaten him, his family, and the world in part one of Dan Slott's story "Die Laughing."
Rating 9.8/10
To look inside see my review of Superman Unlimited #9.
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