Superman Unlimited #16 Review

 

Superman Unlimited #16 Review

Writers: Dan Slott & Joe Casey

Artists: Rachael Stott & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Giuliano Peratelli & David Baron

Letterers: Dave Sharpe & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Aco & Taurin Clark

Foil Variant Cover Artist: Mark Spears

Editors: Jillian Grant & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US Card Stock

Release Date: August 19, 2026

 

No one can choose where they come from. But they can decide who they want to be. Ultraboy didn't realize he belonged on Earth-3. Still, when given a choice of the person he could become, he opted to emulate Jon Kent, rather than his biological parents.

 

Young Superboy may be gone now, but mentoring him has changed Jon Kent. He realizes new possibilities await him as Tomorrow Man. But first, Jon must tackle the weaponized Green-K that threatened Smallville. How will Tomorrow Man aid Supergirl, his mother, and the Super Force in El Caldero? And can Steel and his family protect their world from General Zod? Let's find a phone booth, leap into Superman Unlimited #16, and see!

 

Story

While Lois, Jonathan, and Martha found the proliferation of Superboys concerning, Dru-Zod finds it positively offensive. So, after hurling Superboy-Prime and Conner Kent from his Kryptonian Castle, Zod pursues them to trim their numbers. But as Zod attacks two members of the House of El, Superman and Superboy battle the Kryptonite infection. While Booster Gold regards Kryptonite as an essential part of young Clark Kent’s education, Mary Marvel objects to both his insensitivity and spilling potentially future-altering insights. Still, Eradicatrix is around to ensure Booster doesn’t reveal too many spoilers.

 

Supergirl’s Super Force traveled to El Caldero to claim the Kryptonian Sun Crystal and prevent her people’s technology from getting into the wrong hands. Booster Gold intended to reach the Justice League Watchtower. Once again, the currents in the timestream took him elsewhere. But for General Zod, all these unexpected arrivals are a Rao-sent opportunity. In Superman Unlimited #16, fate gives Dru-Zod what he wants most: the chance to destroy the House of El.

 

Events from Joe Casey's Kneel Before Zod series introduce the story. Then, Dan Slott frequently shifts perspective to keep tabs on all the heroes. Although Zod has created the perfect trap, he must also take measures to protect himself against a city designed to kill him.

 

In Dru-Zod's absence, heroes battle the forces of El Caldero or flee for shelter from the infection-laden air. Heroes meet each other for the first time or seek to reverse Green-K’s devastating effects. After losing his divine powers and nearly losing himself in the timestream, Superman seems more susceptible to El Calderan Green-K. Still, he must demonstrate why he is Earth's foremost protector and the preeminent member of the House of El in Superman Unlimited #16.

 

Art

As Dan McDaid shows Zod adrift in space, the surviving Kryptonian enters an irising portal. The circle of white evokes the destruction of his adoptive planet. Then, Rachael Stott's overhead shot shows another globe. As El Caldero's inhabitants gaze up at the figure defying a plummeting meteor, the spikes jutting from their heads suggest demons gathering before the god. Then streaks of light race toward them, shattering the symbol of a planetoid that reshaped their world and allowed them to dream of a better life.

 

Following New Kandor’s destruction, Zod enters the yellow-and-brown spaceship. David Baron applies faint shades of blue, red, yellow, and green to Zod's new beginning. Then, Giuliano Peratelli employs bright hues as green-clad Zod battles the Superboys in their blue, red, and yellow costumes. Ironically, Martian Manhunter's green skin and blue apparel emulate the green buildings rising beneath a blue sky in Superman Unlimited #16. Yet both J’onn and the Emerald City struggle for willpower and hope as Zod’s weaponized Kryptonite attacks everyone.

 

After Troy Peteri uses white uppercase letters to convey events from the Eradicator Archives, Dave Sharpe shows Eradicatrix’s dialogue using white uppercase letters in black balloons. While black uppercase letters in white balloons convey most of the dialogue in El Caldero, Red Tornado utters red words in the Justice League Watchtower. The letters grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices. Both letters and balloons grow shaky as characters fight the effects of Kal-El's devastated homeworld. Sound effects enhance the battle for Earth, while yellow letters with red outlines celebrate places, words, and people of power. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.  

 

Final Thoughts

Until now, readers have viewed El Caldero through the lens of its Human leader. When Presidente Eduardo Castilho expelled Superman to profit from Kryptonian technology, the people were silent. But after their charismatic leader vanishes, an interloper usurps the throne, and Kryptonite poisoning runs rampant, the inhabitants of the Emerald City make their voices heard in Superman Unlimited #16.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Superman Unlimited #16. 

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Superman Unlimited #15. 

For what happened before that, see my review of Superman Unlimited #14.

For what happened even before that, see my review of Superman Unlimited #13. 

For what happened even before that, see my preview of Superman Unlimited #12.

For how the era of Tomorrow Man began, see my preview of Superman Unlimited #11. 

 

For General Zod's rise to power, see Action Comics #1100: End Of Reign Review. 

For the mission to El Caldero, see Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review. 

For the battle in El Caldero, see Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review. 

 

Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review

 

Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review

Writers: Mark Waid & Joe Casey

Artists: Montos & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Ivan Plascencia & David Baron

Letterers: Steve Wands & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Ariel Olivetti & Mike Choi

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Years ago, while trying to kill Superboy, Epoch unleashed a paradox that threatened to erase Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold from time. Young Clark Kent survived the attack, helping his friends from the future return from oblivion. Then, despite Martian Manhunter and Mary Marvel's better judgment, Booster Gold showed Superboy glimpses of the future that could destroy it all over again. And when they achieved their fondest dream and rescued Clark, even Superman shrugged off concerns about unleashing another paradox on his world.

 

Now, Clark, his younger self, Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter travel back toward the present. An old villain has returned to menace Superman's world again. How will General Zod seek to destroy everything Clark loves? And how might Clark's decision to bring his younger self to the present change his future? Let's grab our K-Shields, leap into Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2, and see what happens!

 

Story

In his desire to strengthen El Caldero and protect it against aggressors, Presidente Eduardo Castilho distributed pieces of the Kryptonite meteor around the world. Now, the same thing that happened at John Henry Irons’ Steelworks campus in Smallville is occurring around the world. And where the alien crystals grow, sickness, injury, and death follow.

 

Superboy, Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter have rescued Superman from the timestream. As Mary plays backseat driver, young Clark marvels at the wonders Booster Gold steers them around. Not wanting to worry the others, Superman engages in psychic communication with Martian Manhunter. Both heroes wonder if more paradoxes await them in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

After events from Joe Casey’s Kneel Before Zod series introduce the story, Mark Waid interweaves Booster Gold's timestream journey with the battle in El Caldero. Supergirl brought her Super Force to reclaim the Sun Crystal and any other Kryptonian artifacts that might endanger Earth. But Zod anticipated their arrival, and the airborne attack he unleashed hampers them in unexpected ways. Another aspect of Kara’s planning may yield more positive results. Yet as Zod drains Lois Lane of the superpowers she never wanted, the journalist keeps a cool head. Her line of inquiry could prove the key to Earth’s survival in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

Art

Crystals defile monuments to history in exotic locales. Instead of impaling researchers at Steelworks in Smallville, they burst from patients in hospital beds. And in Metropolis, massive Kryptonite crystals sprout from the ground and buildings, hurling vehicles into the air and cultural artifacts to the ground as a photographer watches. As luminous currents swirl, arc, and stream past Booster Gold’s bubble-shaped craft, young Clark helps Superman stand. But when Mary Marvel alerts Booster to obstructions in the timestream, Montos shows young Clark’s awe of his surroundings.

 

As Dan McDaid provides a glimpse of the past, David Baron portrays Zod’s dead wife in white. Yellow flames from a brazier illuminate nearby indigo instruments and equipment. While yellow adorns Eraditrix’s present form, her violet gloves and cape turn indigo in shadow. Ivan Plascencia uses her violet to link her with the Krypto-Knights and Lois Lane. Yet while one character retains a recent costume change, John Henry Irons’ coloring evokes Ursa upon a crystalline pyre in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

After Troy Peteri’s white uppercase letters in black boxes bring readers up to speed, Steve Wands' yellow boxes introduce current events, characters, and locales. Cloudy balloons and bubbles convey Superman and Martian Manhunter's cause for concern, while Eradicatrix addresses Supergirl via white letters in black boxes and balloons. Black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons grow bold with intonation and swell for raised voices as heroes defy overwhelming pain. Sound effects enhance clashing weapons, bursts of heat vision, and a breath (or two) of fresh air as characters set their differences aside to focus on the battle at hand. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Dru-Zod may have his reasons for harming Kal-El's new home. But whether the former Kryptonian General understands why he is unleashing a Green-K attack on Earth, or if anger and grief are driving his actions, remains in doubt in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

For Kara, Lois, and the Super Force's arrival in El Caldero, see Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review. 

 

 

For Superboy's battle to regain his superpowers, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Mission Failure. 

For Booster Gold's search for his friend, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy. 

For the Kryptonite eruption at Steelworks in Smallville, see Superman Unlimited #15 Review. 

 

For Kara's rough start at team-building, see Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review.

For what happened to Presidente Eduardo Castilho, see Action Comics #1100: End Of Reign Review. 

For Kara & Lesla's battle in Kandor, and the forging of her Super Force, see Supergirl #15 Review. 

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell & Joe Casey

Artists: Joe Quinones, Paolo Villanelli & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Joe Quinones, Arif Prianto & David Baron

Letterers: Josh Reed, Becca Carey & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Noobovich, Stephanie Hans & Joe Quinones

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Despite her best efforts to shine in Midvale, Kara Zor-El has struggled. But after the Science Council’s repressive rule sparked civil war in Kandor, Kara realizes she cannot leave the House of El to fend for itself in Superman's absence. As Lesla-Lar oversees the rebuilding of her miniaturized Kryptonian city, Kara knows her friends on Earth have her back. But will Kara's relatives follow where she leads? And is Kara's Super Force ready for what awaits them in El Caldero? Let’s leap into Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 and see!

 

Story

Kara recognizes the importance of leading her friends in a worthy cause. But when she tries to include her Kryptonian relations, Conner Kent objects to Superboy-Prime’s inclusion. Recently, Conner has seen Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel ram their Villain Amnesty program down the Justice League’s throats. He objects to protecting the world alongside former criminals and killers. But Conner refuses to have anything to do with the man who killed him, even if that will strengthen the House of El. And especially if that includes the murderer currently filling Superman's shoes.

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 begins with a glimpse of past events on New Kandor, as originally told by Joe Casey in Kneel Before Zod. Like Kara Zor-El, Dru-Zod once tried to rebuild the majesty of his House. Instead, his Kryptonian dreams slipped through his fingers again. Then Sophie Campbell transports readers to the present as Kara travels to El Caldero. She senses the battle ahead. Yet the closer she gets, her connection to the Sun Crystal grows. Kara recognizes her responsibility to her team and her Kryptonian heritage. Yet she also recognizes that if she is going to interfere with events in another country, she has a responsibility to its inhabitants.

 

As Sophie Campbell interweaves the events that prompted the mission to El Caldero, Kara also grapples with the demands of leadership. Not everyone on her team is accompanying her. Among those who are, Kara wants to exude confidence and caring, while being forceful when needed to keep everyone in line. One team member tries once again to make amends for a friendship-shattering error in judgment while helping her team survive the dangers of the Kryptonite Kingdom.

 

As Kara Zor-El travels to El Caldero, she also brings with her someone who needs her protection. Superman may currently be missing. But when her cousin returns, Kara knows Kal-El won’t be happy if she allows anyone to harm Lois Lane in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Art

As Kara stares out the window at the clouds floating over the Pacific Ocean, she imagines recent events through transparent green crystals. A splash page of Kara in Earth’s orbit, with the sun’s rays glowing around her, suggests the leader she wishes to be. As a star forms near the smoke rising from Lois’ apartment, Tomorrow Man and Thundergirl shield people on the streets from falling debris. Then Kara attempts to intervene as Conner and Superboy-Prime tear through the atmosphere.

 

As Dan McDaid conjures a light-blue city rising beneath a red sky, David Baron clothes a white leader in red and black. But yellow and orange invade his world as his civilization collapses. While Joe Quinones and Arif Prianto adorn Joe Quinones and Paolo Villanelli’s art with bright colors in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1, they also leave room for darkness. As Conner and Superboy-Prime fight, their red emblems glow, while their blue fades to dark gray. The yellow stars surrounding them evoke Zod's fight in New Kandor, and his inability to bring peace to his troubled world. Greens and blues link Kara's willing and hopeful team. Yet while Lois Lane wears a violet blouse, Zod's Krypto-Knights wear violet armor.

 

Troy Peteri relays the destruction of New Kandor via large white letters in black boxes. Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Kara's thoughts fill cloudy balloons as she ponders what may lie ahead, while white letters in red boxes convey off-panel thoughts. Lois frowns as an orange holographic projection conjures a white balloon with a lightning-bolt arrow, while Kara's sensitive ears pick up transmissions inside white balloons with yellow borders. Sound effects enhance battles in Metropolis and El Caldero as Zod proves he is his own worst enemy. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El has a responsibility to the House of El. But she also has responsibilities to Midvale, Kandor, and the Earth. When she uses Lois Lane's invitation to enter El Caldero, Kara risks an international incident, warfare between the Houses of El and Zod, and being unable to protect the world from Dru-Zod’s master plan in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.