Review: Superman Unlimited #10

Superman Unlimited #10 came out this week, the conclusion of a quick two-parter showcasing the new Prankster. This was a fun little story albeit perhaps a bit too cute for its own good. I feel like my critique for this issue will be my critique for most of this series. There are a few too many plot contrivances to make the story go. There are a few too many 'funny' moments as writer Dan Slott tries to insert humor into the proceedings. And it feels like it is mandatory that Superman 'goes gold' in each issue at least once. 

I will give Slott credit for creating this new Prankster, the nephew of the classic Prankster, ramping up the villain's threat level. I hope this new version sticks and we see more of him. Even there methods and pranks are fun and interesting. But the two page Jon Kent subplot is the part of the issue that grabbed me the most. Don't know what that says ...

Mike Norton's fun style works well for the proceedings. He brings the necessary levity to a story filled with clown cars, phony hands, and other practical jokes. And I am loving Dave Johnson on covers as he always brings the goods, even if this scene isn't in the issue.

On to the book.

The Prankster has tried to kill Perry White twice and been thwarted. Clark is on the news jabbing the villain, saying the Trickster is funnier and more effective.

I like that this Prankster knows that if a hit man is being made fun of that it is bad for business. It leads him to the next steps. It is time for some revenge on Clark.  

Meanwhile, the original Prankster is picked up by Minnie Mannheim, the person who hired them to kill Perry. She isn't happy and wants both White dead and her money back ... or else.

There is a lot to this scene that is a bit hard too pat. The goons pull out a cleaver and chop off the Prankster's hand ... or that is, a fake hand he had up the sleeve. That hand is also a recording device, taping all the Mannheim gang has to say, including their plans for an upcoming robbery.

How did he know they would try to chop off his hand so he could plant a recorder in their car this way? What if they didn't try to chop it off, would he just leave the hand there? It's a bit too easy. 

Meanwhile, the hit is on. 

Clark is tracking the Prankster when he is almost run over by a car. The car then opens up and a bunch of robot clowns dogpile on him. 

I will admit it is a funny gag and drawn very well by Norton. I especially like the muted colors on the second panel which give it almost a dream-like quality.

Superman suddenly appears at the bottom of the pile, scattering the drones.

Superman explains he drilled up from the sewer and lowered Clark down while he took out the clowns.

It must look suspicious. 

And this 'joke' feels a little forced.

I haven't even mentioned the 'there's Kryptonite everywhere' plot in this book. Luckily there isn't some thug with K-bullets hanging around. Of course, since that wouldn't help the plot, it doesn't happen. But my problem is that when you insert a huge plot like Kryptonite everywhere you can't make it be a HUGE problem only when convenient. 

Cut to John who has been warned by Mr. Mxyzptlk that 'Master Txyz', a 4th dimension wizard is after our younger Superman.

First off, do we think Txyz is like 'taxes' or like 'Texas' or unpronouncable?

Second, the 4th dimension is time so no surprises that this being controls time. I suppose this is how Jon gets de-aged for the upcoming Reign of the Superboys event.

Third, if it is scaring Mxy, this should be good.

Back in Metropolis, the older Prankster is worried that his hothead nephew might decide to off anyone who has crossed him. This includes his uncle.

This sort of unhimged anger mixed with odd practical jokes as weapons makes this new Prankster a fun character. Not many new characters seem to have staying power these days. I hope this one makes it.

Again, more plot contrivances. 

The Prankster decides to lead Clark to their hideout to show all the plans. On the way in, Clark's xray vision spies an acid bucket over the door, the oldest gag. Clark tackles the Prankster, saving him. 

But this turns out to be the new Prankster who is leading Clark there as bait, wrapping him in a Kryptonite boa constrictor in case Superman shows up. The bait is to get Superman there to stop the overheard Intergang robbery from earlier. 

First off, how did this new Prankster know Clark would save him from the self-placed acid bucket? Since Clark used xray vision to see it, this Prankster shouldn't expect Clark to save him. And what if Clark didn't save him, would he luckily dodge the acid bath? It doesn't make much sense for him to place that trap.

Second, this is a massive amount of Kryptonite. Why Clark isn't instantly debilitated or writhing in agony doesn't make much sense.

And third, luckily the Prankster decides to simply leave allowing Clark to 'go golden' and save himself without revealing his secret identity. Convenient.

That is a lot of stuff I just have to not think too hard about. 

Since the robbery is near, Superman is able to stop Intergang from robbing a Kryptonite Reserve bank.

And there is the Prankster recording hand, giving Superman the evidence to arrest Minnie Mannheim, this getting Intergang off the Pranksters' backs. 

I think this is a fun, almost classic-feeling Superman story. It feels very Bronze-Age. And I wonder if I am being too harsh because it just seems to pale compared to Superman, Action, and even Supergirl. 

Plus, I really do not care for 'Kryptonite Everywhere' and this gold power you know will be forgotten in 18months.

Overall grade: B-