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.

Review: Superman Unlimited #9

Superman Unlimited #9 came out this week, starting a new story involving an updated Prankster. Throw in a crime boss in Metropolis and a Jon Kent subplot and this issue isn't just telling a story, it is setting up future plotlines. One thing that really isn't new or moved forward is the 'Kryptonite Everywhere' arc. Yes, we see a large chunk of Kryptonite in the story and Superman 'go gold'. I'll have a lot to comment on that within the body of the review.

Writer Dan Slott does a good job showing us the MO of the Prankster. This is a cold-blooded killer who murders in such silly ways that the death is all that people remember. To paraphrase the Bard, 'The evil done to men lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.' It is silly in its own way, something Slott excels at. There is a sort of vanity in this new villain that makes him interesting.

But the Kryptonite story is still lingering and is, for me, the least interesting part of this title. 

Mike Norton is on art here, with Dave Johnson on the cover, which makes me wonder if Rafael Albuequerque's time on the title is over. Norton has a solid, straightforward style which might not be the best fit for a gag-filled killing spree. His Superman feels solid and sort of Bronze-Agey. 

I actually think this is a fun issue for this book. But the K-Everywhere element in this story pulled me out of the precedings. I realize this is something I am sort of saying in every review of this book. Apologies. 

On to the book.