Written by: Dan Slott
Art by: Lucas Meyer, Rafael Albuquerque
Colors by: Marcelo Maiolo, Matt Herms
Letters by: Dave Sharpe
Cover art by: Rafael Albuquerque, Marcelo Maiolo
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: August 20, 2025
First Impressions
I'm not sure how I feel about Superman Unlimited #4. Dan Slott's Silver Age-ish tale of wackiness is sort of a fun read. However, the corny dialog and cartoonish character actions/reactions feel like you're watching a Vaudeville stage play.
Recap
In Superman Unlimited #3, after a flashback reveals a young Clark Kent struggling to handle his super-powered puppy, Krypto, the story jumps to the present day where Superman is still dealing with his dog’s immense energy. While Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and their son Jonathan navigate their busy lives in Metropolis, Jonathan is tasked with walking Krypto, which turns into a high-speed global adventure. Meanwhile, a new character named Tee-Nah travels to Metropolis, a truck driver resembling Toyman heads to the Metro Science Expo with a secret weapon, and a misunderstanding about human weaponry arises in Gorilla City. At the Expo, a battle ensues when "Toyman" unleashes a giant robot, but Krypto’s playful intervention and accidental discovery of a Kryptonite-powered reactor leaves him sick, forcing Superman to take him to the Fortress of Solitude for healing and setting up future challenges for the Man of Steel and his super-dog.
Plot Analysis
The story opens in Gotham City as a group of criminals attempts to break into a building. Their efforts are interrupted by a monstrous Man-Bat creature. One of the criminals expresses relief that it wasn't Batman and shoots the Man-Bat, sending it crashing to the streets below.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Olsen is picked up at the airport by a character named Tee-Nah, who is new to Gotham. They discuss the Daily Planet expanding and the theft of the letter "E" from the Daily Planet sign. Jimmy believes the Riddler is responsible. As they drive, the Man-Bat crashes on the hood of the car. He uses his watch to call Superman for help, while he and Tee-Nah take the Man-Bat to Dr. Leslie Tompkins for treatment.
In Metropolis, Superman intervenes in a conflict where a woman, Veronica Vreeland, is thrown from a skyscraper. He quickly realizes she is wearing Kryptonite jewelry, which weakens him. Despite this, he uses his super-breath to cushion her fall and carries her to safety. He notes that Kryptonite has been appearing everywhere since an asteroid struck Earth. .
When Superman arrives in Gotham to answer Jimmy's signal for help, the Man-Bat wakes up and attacks, biting Superman. Robin arrives on the seen to aid in the fight, but too late to warn everyone that this Man-Bat is not Kurt Langstrom but an assistant with a new Man-Bat strain that's contagious. Weak from the "kryptonite kiss," Superman is bitten by the Man-Bat and turns into Superman-Bat.
Shenanigans ensue.
Detailed Review
Writing
The plot is fun and imaginative, introducing a clever cross-city adventure involving multiple heroes and villains. The pacing is effective, with events unfolding quickly to maintain engagement. However, the dialogue frequently falls flat, leaning into overly simplistic and sometimes cheesy lines that detract from the seriousness of the situations. Character interactions, while functional for plot progression, lack depth due to the generic conversations.
Art
The artwork is a definite high point. The line work is clean, detailed, and dynamic, capturing intense action sequences with great energy. Colors are used effectively to enhance mood and atmosphere, making both Gotham's gritty streets and Metropolis's gleaming towers feel distinct. The character designs are sharp, and the visual storytelling generally complements the narrative well, conveying emotion and intent without needing excessive exposition. The depiction of the Man-Bat is particularly striking.
Characters
Superman is portrayed as his usual heroic self, always ready to jump into action. His brief weakness due to Kryptonite jewelry adds a touch of vulnerability. Jimmy Olsen and Tee-Nah provide a more grounded perspective, acting as the curious investigators. Robin’s unexpected appearance and specific knowledge of Man-Bat are intriguing, hinting at a deeper understanding of Gotham's rogues. Man-Bat acts primarily as a rampaging monster, driving much of the conflict.
Positives
The standout aspect of this issue is its imaginative plot, seamlessly blending Superman's heroics with a classic Gotham City threat. The quick switch between Metropolis and Gotham keeps the story fresh, and the unexpected appearance of Man-Bat adds a layer of unpredictable chaos. The way the Kryptonite is introduced, not as a major plot device, but as a quick challenge for Superman, is a nice touch. It shows a creative approach to familiar elements, making the read genuinely exciting and full of surprises.
Negatives
The primary drawback of this comic is its corny dialogue. Characters often speak in a way that feels unnatural and overly simplistic, pulling the reader out of the story. Lines meant to be witty or impactful often come across as forced. This hinders character development and makes some interactions feel less authentic. The humor attempts often miss the mark.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Score and Final Thoughts
Superman Unlimited #4 delivers an enjoyable, action-packed read with stunning visuals and a genuinely fun premise. It proves that even familiar heroes can find new adventures. While the dialogue could use a serious upgrade, the artistic brilliance and swift pacing make this issue a worthwhile pick.
7.8/10
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Great breakdown of Superman Unlimited #4! I really like how you highlighted the balance between Metropolis and Gotham — it definitely gives the story a fresh twist. The Man-Bat angle feels like a fun chaos element, even if the dialogue doesn’t quite land. I agree that the artwork is a real saving grace here, especially with the Gotham sequences. For readers who enjoy fast-paced action and surprises, this sounds like an issue worth checking out. By the way, for a bit of fun outside comics, I also recommend trying out traffic rider mod apk, which is just as thrilling in its own way.
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