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.
