Superman Unlimited #9 – Dan Slott, Writer; Mike Norton, Artist; Marcelo Maiolo, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: One of my favorite things about the Superman line right now is just how much it’s drawing from continuity, and that especially means the 90s era. That was the era where Metropolis felt much more alive with supporting characters, professionals, and rogues – and that’s clearly what Dan Slott is drawing from with this issue. Coming back in full scripting duties after two issues with an assist from Jeremy Adams, Slott kicks off this issue with Clark Kent having a drink with Vicki Vale, Steve Lombard, and Jack Ryder – and his fellow reporters start sharing stories about a string of disturbing, almost slapstick freak accidents that claimed prominent individuals. Clark doesn’t find it funny, and quickly starts digging around – but his suspicions are concerned when Mayor Perry White is throwing out the first pitch at a game, and is nearly killed with an avalanche of balls that Superman is able to protect him from.
The culprit turns out to be the next generation – Bruno Mannheim’s daughter has taken control of the family business of Intergang, and she’s been getting help from Prankster to target her enemies. But Prankster has gotten an assist from his creepy nephew, a mysterious, grid-faced grinning maniac who can melt into the walls. Prankster’s tricks are much more dangerous now, and when they come back for a second shot at Perry, they come prepared for Superman. The action scenes are much smaller-scale than in other Super-books at the moment, but they’re also much more intense, with real stakes and very vulnerable human people in the middle. That’s what made the 90s books so strong. They remembered that Superman’s biggest challenge wasn’t protecting himself, it was making sure his friends and other civilians were safe as well. It’s an excellent old-school Superman book that makes a great counter-piece to the other ongoing Superman books.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
