Superman Unlimited #17 Review

 

Superman Unlimited #17 Review

Writer: Dan Slott

Artist: Montos

Colorist: Ivan Plascensia

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artists: Lucas Meyer & Giuliano Peratelli

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears; V Ken Marion & Veronica Gandini; Vincenzo Riccardi

Editors: Jillian Grant & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US Card Stock

Release Date: September 16, 2026

 

Dru-Zod may be dead. Yet despite Power Girl’s efforts to contain it, Zod’s Kryptonite infection spreads across the Earth. In El Caldero, Mary Marvel, Martian Manhunter, and Kara’s Super Force are in prison. Kal-El's Super Family is struggling. Even after studying how Zod weaponized Kryptonite, John Henry Irons and his niece Natasha don't know how to reverse the deadly infection.

 

Can anyone save the world from Zod's attempt to rebuild Earth into a New Krypton? And will Ursa destroy the timeline by preventing Krypton's destruction? Let's find a phone booth, leap into Superman Unlimited #17, and see!

 

Story

On Krypton, Kara tried to warn Zod of Krypton's impending doom. Yet her admission that Jor-El was right about their ailing planet infuriated Zod. Still, his discovery of their time bubble lends credence to her story. So, Zod forms a plan. But the general specializes in destruction.

 

While Superman Unlimited #17 begins on Krypton, the story then shifts to Earth. Like the Humans of his adoptive planet, Superman is in pain. Shielded by the lead-lined tunnels, the pain doesn't drive him out of his mind. Instead, he looks back at the origins of his dilemma. Superman thought he had prevented an extinction event. Even though it hampered his efforts to protect the Earth, Superman thought the Green-K meteorite could benefit Humanity. Yet despite temporarily gifting people a better life, he only delayed Earth's destruction.

 

While Dan Slott’s story follows Superman, it also shows how El Calderan Green-K affected people worldwide. As Superman attempts to do what Steel could not, people from all walks of life realize how much he sacrifices for them. Just as working on a difficult task brings a sense of empowerment, Clark’s belief that he can save the Earth fills him with a sense that a greater destiny awaits him. Yet as Clark acts to counteract Zod’s poisoning of his planet, some people will lose, and others will have to adjust to new lives in Superman Unlimited #17.

 

Art

Dru-Zod and Batman may be worlds apart. Still, he uses grapplers to capture the people who threaten his world. A one-page collage rewinds the clock to reveal the events that led to the spread of weaponized El Calderan Green-K. But when he realizes how to protect the Earth, an upshot shows Superman standing apart from his group, while his son, as Tomorrow Man, stands at the center of those nearby.

 

As Montos uses double-page layouts to portray Superman’s efforts to save communities, and single-page layouts to intervene with individuals, Ivan Plascensia adorns Superman Unlimited #17 with a vibrant palette. On Krypton, red fills the air as Zod advances on those bearing his enemy's family crest. Yellow fills the background as Kara reacts to prevent his interference in the timeline. Zod's grapplers link his captives with the gleaming city of Kryptonopolis. Yet on Earth, another color attacks green.

 

Dave Sharpe shows Eradicatrix’s white uppercase dialogue in black balloons, while black narrative boxes reveal another character's thoughts and follow Superman's attempt to save Earth. As Krypton saps his super-abilities, the symbols < and > highlight young Clark's inability to interact with its citizens. Broken balloon borders reveal lowered voices, while a character with a big intellect speaks with lowercase letters. Sound effects enhance a desperate flight, sizzling energy, and destructive impacts as the heroes fight over the future of two planets. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.  

 

Final Thoughts

The world can be a scary place. People in small towns and big cities all over the world are suffering and dying from unprovoked chemical warfare. In El Caldero, a populist president has vanished. Soldiers in unfamiliar armor stalk their streets. The Kryptonite that elevated them to a world power is killing them. Yet after Zod and Ursa tried to stamp out weakness while preserving the purity of the Kryptonian race, Superman (and his younger self) strive to safeguard everyone in Superman Unlimited #17.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To look inside see Superman Unlimited #17 Preview. 

 

For more in the Kingdom Of Zod storyline:

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. 

For how Superman takes the fight to Zod, see Superman Unlimited #16 Review.

For Zod's revival of Ursa see Superman #41: Kingdom Of Zod Part Four Review 

For Ursa, Kara, and young Clark's arrival on Krypton, see Supergirl #17: Kingdom Of Zod Part 5 Preview 

For what happens when Ursa, Kara, and young Clark meet Zod on Krypton, see Action Comics #1102: Kingdom Of Zod Part 6 Preview. 

 

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. 

 

Absolute Green Lantern #13 Review

 

Absolute Green Lantern #13 Review

Writer: Al Ewing

Artist: Eleonora Carlini

Colorist: Ivan Plascencia

Letterer: Lucas Gattoni

Cover Artists: Jahnoy Lindsay; Ejikure; Karl Kerschl; Rickie Yagawa & Alex Sinclair

Editors: Ash Padilla, Andrew Marino, Katie Kubert & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: April 8, 2026

 

Jo Mullein lost the wedding ring that reminds her of all her failures amid Hector Hammond's assault on Ding-Dong Daddy’s Auto Repair. But before she died, DEO agent Kari Limbo sensed something when she held the ring. The Level Two Psychic uttered the words, "Sin es tro," which she equated with "Sentence of Death."

 

Then, the Green Lantern appeared overhead along with Tomar-Re. Will the alien retrieve Jo's ring and enlist her to avenge his world? And what happened when Tomar-Re met with Guy Gardner and John Stewart? Let's slip on our gold rings, leap into Absolute Green Lantern #13, and see!

 

Story

As the Blackstar Empire expands, it brings its brand of peace and safety to other worlds. Still, it’s a demanding job. On Planet Rann, Overseer Shade struggles to help the inhabitants embrace the Blackstar way. The locals resist the occupation, and all Shade has to work with are raw recruits and recent converts to their cause. So, he’s displeased when the Controller orders him to divide his forces and intercept a Lantern traveling through his solar system. Shade needs all his resources to suppress rebellion until the locals accept their new rulers.

 

In Absolute Green Lantern #13, one example of the struggles Overseer Rann deals with is Sardath. The Scientician was once a revered figure. Recently, he has been conducting unauthorized experiments. When the guards drag him in, Sardath claims he was working on something to help the Blackstar Empire. But Rann knows how Sardath regards the Blackstar occupation and wants to know the purpose of the Scientician’s experiments.

 

After showing how the Blackstar Empire dealt with Planet J586 when the Lanterns installed a base there, Al Ewing provides another glimpse of what the Lanterns are fighting. While his story explores their philosophy of life, it also reveals the reason behind the Blackstars’ success. On Earth, Hector Hammond seeks to expand his power for his own sake and enjoys treating people like disposable commodities. The Blackstars want their subjects to understand how the universe works so they can live in peace and prosperity.

 

Still, rebellion is a disease. The Blackstars can cure individuals if they catch the infection in time. But rebellion must be excised before the invasive disease threatens the Blackstars’ perfect society in Absolute Green Lantern #13.

 

Art

Overseer Shade may regard his subjects' subservience as a sham. Yet while the Controller gazes at the hologram of Shade, the Overseer bows instead of watching his monitor. Images of the dangers they face reveal Jo Mullein attacking Abin Sur, and the Lantern traveling through red space. While a black star adorns his shiny breastplate, the red circles surrounding the orange ones on Shade's black uniform evoke how Tomar-Re wields the red level of light.

 

As Ivan Plascencia lavishes bright colors on Eleonora Carlini’s art in Absolute Green Lantern #13, red and green dominate panels like the powers that Tomar-Re and Jo Mullein wield. Sardath views the world through green lenses, while red distortions reveal how the planet's inhabitants view their occupiers. Green colors the bridge interior and the vehicle that transports Shade into the field. Red signals danger and shows how the Blackstars transform willful individuals into responsible members of society.

 

Lucas Gattoni shares conversations with uppercase black letters in white balloons. The Controller speaks green words into greenish-yellow balloons amid a green haze, while Overseer Shade reveals his power via white letters in black clouds with white and red borders. Off-panel conversations appear in white boxes with silver and black outlines, and in black boxes with white and red borders. As the dialogue shrinks for lowered voices, grows bold for intonation, and swells for raised voices, sound effects amplify punishment, rebellion, alarms, and an attack that challenges the Overseer’s worldview. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Tomar-Re has finally reached Jo Mullein. But the Blackstar Empire has already sent Mogo to destroy the Earth. Before the two planets converge, the Lantern from Earth races to intercept Mogo, while the Controller of Mu mobilizes all his resources to stop it in Absolute Green Lantern #13.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Absolute Green Lantern #13. 

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Absolute Green Lantern #12. 

 

For the Blackstar attack on Planet J586, see my preview of Absolute Green Lantern #7.

Action Comics #1096 Review

 

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Skylar Patridge

Colorist: Ivan Pascencia

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artists: Dan Mora, Ryan Sook & Ethan Young

Corner Box Variant Cover Artist: Skylar Patridge

Reign of the Superboys Variant Cover Artist: Aco

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzher

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: March 11, 2026

 

After his first overseas mission for General Sam Lane, Clark needed to talk with someone. But unlike enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers, he couldn’t seek out a counselor. Clark considered telling his best friend. Pete Ross was his age and had known him all his life. Pete would understand what he was going through and help him through it. Then Clark realized that, like the weapon Modora was developing, knowledge could also be injurious.

 

Clark may be a teen. Still, he must navigate a minefield of ethical decisions while preventing people like General Sam Lane from blowing up his civilian identity. Can Superboy stick to rescuing cats from trees, assisting the emergency crews after traffic accidents, and helping organize the Smallville Library? Or will adults force the teen to confront more thorny dilemmas? Let’s leap into Action Comics #1096 and see!

 

Story

Clark may have superpowers. Still, when it rains, he puts on a jacket to stay dry. When he notices Lewis Lang walking past, Clark greets him respectfully while dashing for cover. Clark distrusts Lana's father. The archaeological and anthropological professor always makes notes when Clark visits their house to study with his daughter. Still, when a tree explodes amid the rain, Superboy doesn’t hesitate to save Lana’s father.

 

In Action Comics #1096, an adult Clark Kent shares experiences from his past. After saving Lewis from an out-of-sync lightning strike, Clark attends the Expo of Tomorrow with his friends. But amid the impressive exhibits, Pete and Lana notice that the ice cream cones they are enjoying look as full as when they first got them. As Clark looks around, he notices other examples of time flowing in an abnormal pattern.

 

Mark Waid's story addresses how we deal with stressful situations. Clark struggled to cope with the physical demands of battle in Modora. Once again, Clark finds himself beset by dangers on all sides and must find a way through. While an adult Clark Kent looks back on the incidents that defined him, his younger self must also draw on his experience to help him address the mysterious events in Metropolis. Action Comics #1096 suggests that, by sharing these stories from his youth, an adult Clark Kent copes with the world-shaking events he faces by remembering how his less-powerful self tackled difficult situations.

 

Art

Professor Lewis Lang wears a trenchcoat with an upturned collar over his suit and dress shoes. An umbrella shields him from the rain as Clark dashes past in jeans, a T-shirt, and a hooded jacket. But when a tree glows like the sun, transforming Lewis Lang into a silhouette, his umbrella cannot protect him from the flying limbs. Clark’s yellow jacket wafts in the dense air, giving birth to a red-and-blue streak of light, as Superboy carries Lewis to safety. The smoking, orange-yellow trunk framing Superboy and Lewis evokes the ship that brought Kal-El to Earth. But when Lewis reclaims his umbrella, a shadow envelops his face. Superboy rises into the white-gray sky and gazes down on the departing figure.

 

Unlike that murky moment in Smallville, the day dawns bright and clear in Metropolis. Like a worker's hard hat, the Expo of Tomorrow suggests a futuristic Golden Age. Instead of statues of gods, tall, thin evergreens lead toward flag poles. Sculptures emulate rockets. Skycabins ascend on central pillars, while a monorail rides a curving track high above visitors’ heads. As they near a sculpture that evokes Clark’s past and future, Lana’s orange hair links her with the fluttering pennants. Wearing a red polo shirt, a mother frowns at her son’s red elbow. As Clark wears blue and white clothes and red shoes, a bursting blue balloon frames the teen's face in the red air.

 

Amid Skylar Patridge’s engaging characters and scenic surroundings, and Ivan Pascencia’s moody yet vibrant art, Steve Wands places Clark Kent’s lowercase typed black narration in yellow boxes. Black uppercase letters inhabit white balloons, while Superboy’s thoughts float in Old School clouds. Words grow bold for intonation and swell for volume. Distant dialogue appears as tiny black letters in white ovals with blue outlines. While the boom of an exploding tree welcomes readers to Action Comics #1096, applause mixes with protesting metal and gunshots, before the saga rises to an explosive finale. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen the way they do. But as young Clark Kent waits to discover why Lewis Lang is being so secretive, he struggles to solve a perplexing mystery surrounding out-of-sync events in Action Comics #1096.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Action Comics #1096. 

Action Comics #1090 Preview

 

 

The teen years are often fraught with peril. And that's before you include superpowers (and supervillains). Everything is constantly changing. Each decision can seem like it's a matter of life of death. Clark's parents, usually so supportive, are suddenly being critical. And then there's his mysterious History teacher. Mr Blake may have won his parents over. But can Clark trust him? 

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Action Comics #1090

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Skylar Patridge

Colorist: Ivan Plascencia & Matt Herms

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artists: Ryan Sook, Gerald Parel, Ricardo López Ortiz & Skylar Patridge

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: September 10, 2025

 

Mark Waid and Skylar Patridge continue their tour of Superman’s past meets present!

 

A long-forgotten hero from the past returns—but this is no team-up! As Superboy fights for his life against the original Man of Tomorrow, he discovers the real reason superheroes have been gone for so long. Can Clark convince his enemy that comes in peace? 

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

Review: The Wild Storm #1

The Wild Storm #1: Cover by Jon Davis-Hunt

 

In The Wild Storm #1, DC Comics architect and Wildstorm founder Jim Lee tasked veteran writer Warren Ellis to reinvent his beloved superhero universe for today's generation. 

 

From the first page, we know Warren Ellis has adopted a new sensibility. There's no hint of stylized superheroes. Instead, we find people adopting a pragmatic approach to protecting our world against the dangers that threaten it today.

 

It's an approach that's invaded big-budget Hollywood thrillers, and taken over TV police dramas.

It's dark, gritty, and very, very real. 

Still, like any good dramatist, Ellis finds ways to lighten such heavy themes. A little bit.

Along with a twenty-four hour news cycle, threats from criminals, terrorists, and nefarious organizations and governments never cease. Thus, our characters are always alert, always looking for where the enemy will strike next.

 

Even a supposedly off-duty Miles Craven, the director of the deep black government department known as International Operations, is always on the lookout. 

So is his husband Julian, who I expect we'll learn more about in later issues.

Jon Davis-Hunt's previous penciling and inking work impressed Warren Ellis with its "clean line, its modern feeling, his attention to acting and body language as well as his attention to detail and environment." Apparently, when Kieron Gillen showed him Hunt's work, Ellis' first reaction was, "That's my artist."

"And I was right, too," Ellis asserts in the interview in the back of The Wild Storm #1.

In that interview, Ellis said he wanted to look "at the conspiracy-theory landscape of today, so there was a lot of research on, for example, the current state of UFOlogy and the extraterrestrial hypothesis." He puts this to work immediately with an incredible transformation a young woman undergoes in this first of two incredibly detailed pages by Jon Davis-Hunt.

What if you saw a man falling out of a skyscraper? What if a woman standing beside you suddenly transformed into a flying, mechanized being? Wouldn't you wonder, just a little, if this person was really human?

 

On the other hand, rich technologist Jacob Marlowe comes across as all-too-human. You can see just how shaken he is, thanks to Hunt's penciling and inking, and Ivan Plascencia's coloring.

 

In The Wild Storm #1, there are no narration boxes or sound effects. Only two times does color invade a dialogue balloon. Still, letterer Simon Bowland has his work cut out for him with all the characters' interactions. 

If you prefer a wham-bang-boom five-minutes-and-its-over read, this comic definitely isn't for you!

Wildstorm Trade Paperback Volume 1

 

With Jon Davis-Hunt*, and presumably the rest of the creative team, Warren Ellis wrote four books (his words) in twenty-four issues. His first book, or graphic novel, features a stunning cover by Jim Lee and inker Scott Williams. In those first six issues, Ellis reintroduces such storied characters as Jacob Marlowe, Grifter, Voodoo, Zealot, Miles Craven, Michael Cray, and...that woman who turned into a flying mechanized person. I want to know more about all of them, don't you?

Congratulations to Warren Ellis, Jon Davis-Hunt, and the entire creative team on updating Jim Lee's wildly successful superhero universe for today's sensibilities!

Dragon Dave

*To see Jon Davis-Hunt's latest work, check out Valiant Comics' Shadowman #1, on sale today.