Superman Unlimited has been splitting its focus between the Man of Steel dealing with a Kryptonite meteor crashing into Earth, the Daily Planet going global, and every so often putting the spotlight on a member of the Superman family. This time, Jon Kent gets the spotlight – but Superman Unlimited #7 isn’t quite sure what it wants to do with the Boy of Steel.
A quick recap for those who aren’t caught up on the Superman books: Jon has traveled back to Smallville to help Steel and Lana Lang test his Kryptonite resilience (and a few gadgets Steel has whipped up.) He’s struggling with other issues, namely the rough breakup he had with his boyfriend Jay in the recent Secret Six miniseries, and uncertainty about the future, like any teenager would. Not helping matters is the mysterious figure stealing Smallville’s cattle.
It leads to a new path for Jon, but while this might feel like progress, Superman Unlimited #7 seems to slowly be pushing him onto the same path as his father when making him his own distinct character was how he became a fan favorite. It also highlights how DC’s never been sure what to do with Jon. First, he was the new Superboy. Then he was aged up, dealt with trauma over being trapped on Earth-3, and led the Legion of Superheroes. Then he became Superman when Clark Kent was losing his powers…which feels moot now that Clark is once again Superman. It’s enough to make you want to shout, “Make up your mind!”
DC
Not helping the feeling of aimlessness is the fact that Superman Unlimited writer Dan Slott turns over writing duties to Jeremy Adams, though he contributes the broad strokes of the plot. I’ve enjoyed Adams’ runs on The Flash and Green Lantern, yet much like Jon, this issue is lacking direction. The testing of Kryptonite weapons, Jon exploring life outside of being a superhero, and the mystery of the cow stealer all feel like they could have been their own separate issues. Though, for what it’s worth, Adams does manage to forge a fine rapport between Jon, Steel, and Lana, and tee up the next issue, which will feature Lois Lane in space.
The other strong element of Superman Unlimited #7 lies in Lucas Meyer’s artwork. Meyer has a clean, dynamic style that suits Jon’s superpowers; whenever he flies, it feels less like flying and more like gliding. Steel and Lana also look appropriately heroic, with Meyer paying close attention to the rivulets in Steel’s armor and the glowing energy that leaps off Lana’s Superwoman form. This vibrant burst of colors comes from Marcelo Maiolo, who also brings a golden glow to Smallville’s days and an ominous shade of black to its night.
Superman Unlimited #7 feels as scattershot as its focus on Jon Kent, leaning on strong art to carry its story. Hopefully, the next issue will be a stronger outing, and a writer will finally figure out where Jon’s place in the DC Universe is.
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