In this review of Superman Unlimited #17, the world is on the brink of destruction as the Green K spreads. How can Superman possibly save everyone in time?
SUPERMAN UNLIMITED #17
Written by DAN SLOTT
Art by RACHAEL STOTT
Main Cover: LUCAS MEYER
Variant Covers: V KEN MARION, VINCENZO RICCARDI, MARK SPEARS
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 9/16/26
This review contains spoilers
In part seven of the “Kingdom of Zod” event, Superman Unlimited #17 picks up where Action Comics #1102 left off. Zod is able to overpower and immobilize Supergirl, Superboy (young Clark), and Ursa, before dragging them back to the time sphere.
At the same time, back on Earth, Lana Lang uses her newly acquired powers to absorb everyone’s Green K radiation. Superman then figures out a plan to rid the world of the Green K. He’s going to use his golden powers to help him absorb the kryptonite radiation safely and dump it into space.
With only 200 seconds of golden powers, Clark pushes himself to his absolute limits, moving faster than he ever has before to cover every inch of the planet, absorbing all of the Green K radiation. He pushes so hard that his golden powers heal his ruined eye and he takes on the Superman Prime form, originally seen in 1998’s DC One Million #4.
After safely expelling the radiation out into space, he returns to save Lana with seconds to spare. Eradicatrix arrives a moment later and Jon is able to take her out by using his electricity abilities.
The issue comes to a close with the entire world healed, all traces of Green K gone, and the Kents wondering where Zod, Kara, and young Clark are now.
Analysis
Writer Dan Slott gives Clark some great moments throughout this issue that really highlight why he’s Superman. One of those comes while he’s zooming around the entire planet in 200 seconds to heal everyone. Superman takes five of those seconds to replace Metallo’s Green K heart with a real kryptonite version. Rather than let one of greatest enemies die, Clark takes the time to make sure he lives.
As usual, Superman puts his life on the line to save the world. With seconds to spare, he keeps his promise to come back and get the Green K out of Lana, as well. Of course, when the 200 second clock is up, he’s left completely vulnerable, but Slott’s use of Jon Kent to protect his father is perfectly set up.
There’s a strong theme of the importance of family running throughout this story, as well as the other titles in this event. The primary example is, of course, the interactions of Superman, Lois, and Jon, but immediately after their situation with the Green K is resolved, they’re discussing how Kara and young Clark are missing. Now that Clark is without his powers, he’ll have to rely on his family members to handle Zod in what should be an entertaining final battle.
The artwork looks as good as it usually does with this title. Artist Montos provides solid linework in a clean style, making all the characters and backgrounds attractive. The colors by Ivan Plascencia are bright and pop off the page, especially the colors used for golden Superman. The sequence where he’s zooming around the world and transforms into Superman Prime is my favorite look of the issue.
Final Thoughts
Superman Unlimited #17 is a fast-paced issue that puts Superman’s golden powers at the forefront in a race to save the world. As we near the end of the “Kingdom of Zod” event, there’s only one obstacle remaining and that’s Zod himself (or at least a younger version of him). Have fun, comic lovers!
