Superman Unlimited #8 should, by all accounts, be a home run. Taking Lois Lane to space? Having her spacecraft fueled by Kryptonite, thereby making any attempt by Superman to rescue her go south? Featuring an appearance from Guy Gardner, who’s enjoying a new jolt of popularity thanks to the Superman movie? All the ingredients for success are there, yet this comic doesn’t seem to have the right recipe.
The idea of Lois going into space was floated in the previous issue of Superman Unlimited, and she isn’t alone. A group of billionaires, influencers, and other figures are joining her – most notably Sebastian Stagg, whose money helped fund the “Starliner”. Guy is along for the ride, as the Justice League volunteered him for duty (though given his abrasive personality, they probably did it so they wouldn’t have to deal with him.) Unfortunately, a group of shapeshifting aliens sees the Starliner as an attempt to launch their own covert invasion, forcing Superman and Guy to come to the rescue.
The strongest thing in Superman Unlimited #8’s favor is that it’s a good-looking book, courtesy of Lucas Meyer. Under Meyer’s pencils, and the strong color work from Marcelo Maiol and Jao Canola, you’ll see the golden rays of sunlight bathing Coast City, the awe-inspiring moment of a starship taking off from Earth, and Guy Gardner using his constructs for purposes both practical (taking out an entire fleet of enemy starships with his own starfighter construct) and impractical (let’s just say this issue confirms a theory that people have had about Guy’s infamous bowl cut.)
DC
Writing-wise, the story feels all over the place despite Dan Slott joining Jeremy Adams for writing duties. The shapeshifters’ reason for taking over Earth feels way too far-fetched in conception and lacking in execution. Guy’s always been an acquired taste, but he’s also grown over the years; unfortunately, there are pages in this book where it feels like he’s actually regressed as a character. On top of all that, this comic is trying its hardest to capitalize on the success of Superman (2025). Guy plays a major role, and Stagg is there just to be evil (and to remind readers of Metamorpho).
The most egregious plot turn involves Lois Lane. Namely, it’s the fact that Lois rarely features in a prominent role, despite the entire idea of this comic being “Lois Lane goes to space.” It’s a shame because in one of the few Lois- centric scenes, Clark Kent expresses concern that she’s spreading herself too thin in her quest to make the Daily Planet a worldwide phenomenon. That’s a genuinely interesting idea to explore, and could have fueled the entire issue. Yet Slott and Adams ditch that thread once the shapeshifters arrive, which is frustrating.
Superman Unlimited #8 falls short of its promise, choosing to sideline Lois Lane for a trite alien invasion story. The next issue is slated to feature a new take on the Prankster, but I also hope it brings back the energy of this series’ earlier issues. It’s sorely needed.
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