In this review of Superman Unlimited #18, Jon Kent and Natasha Irons are both looking for new directions in life. What will each one decide to do?
SUPERMAN: UNLIMITED #18
Written by DAN SLOTT
Art and Main Cover: by LUCAS MEYER
Variant Covers: MARCIAL TOLENDANO VARGAS, RAFAEL PÉREZ, GERALD PAREL
Page Count: 32 Pages
Release Date: 10/21/26
This review contains spoilers
After the conclusion of the “Kingdom of Zod” event, Superman Unlimited #18 begins with Clark and Lois take some time to themselves in a hidden tropical location. They talk about how Clark’s feeling after his return as King Omega and how he’s dealing with Jon wanting to be his own man.
Meanwhile, Jon brings Bibbo Bibbowski to Steelworks to reunite him with Beepo the ape, now cured from Green K infection and back to normal. Jon, still trying to figure out what he wants to do in life, chats with Natasha Irons about her moving to National City to start her own Steelworks branch.
Jon goes on to try out different jobs such as a cook, a race car driver, a cattle ranch hand, and even a professional Poke-Mage card player. None of them feel right to him, but when the Royal Flush Gang crashes the card tournament Jon’s playing in, he transforms into Tomorrow Man to stop them.
Out of nowhere, Superman shows up, much to Jon’s dismay. The two argue while fighting the villains. Eventually, Clark realizes he needs to work on his listening abilities and he lets Jon finish the fight before the father and son head off to talk.
During their discussion, Jon realizes he wants to figure out how to save the younger version of himself from Earth-3, despite the fact that barriers between the universes remain in place.
As the issue closes, Nat arrives in National City to her Hammer Space offices, taking on the name Steelgirl. Her first order of business is to interview an applicant for a research and development position, none other than the Toyman!
Analysis
Now that Clark is back and Zod has been handled, writer Dan Slott is turning his focus to the next generation of heroes. This story is significantly more focused on Jon Kent and Natasha Irons making choices for their future. This new direction is promising because we can explore how these younger characters will develop on their own.
Jon’s focus in wanting to save young Jon from Earth-3 should be fun. Even though Clark tells him that people from Earth-3 are evil due to quantum signatures, Jon steadfastly believes his counterpart has good in him and can be redeemed. From the glimpses we’ve seen of that character in previous issues, that could be the case. Exploring this nature versus nurture aspect of young Jon should prove worthwhile.
Nat wanting to strike out on her own with the new Hammer Space branch will probably ring true with many readers who don’t always want to follow in their parent’s or guardian’s footsteps. Having Toyman possibly joining her team is an unexpected twist, so we’ll have to see what Slott has in store for us there.
Even Clark had some interesting moments in this one. As a parent, you want to protect your child, so I can understand Clark’s intentions, but I’m glad that he realized he needed to listen to Jon rather than just hear him. Although Superman has tremendous powers, he still has some things to learn about life and it’s fun to see that growth.
Speaking of seeing things, the issue looks beautiful thanks to Lucas Meyer’s art and Giuliano Peratelli’s colors. The characters and scenery are drawn with solid linework and the colors are vibrant throughout each page. Jon’s modified Tomorrow Man suit does give off strong Absolute Superman vibes, though, which works for me because I like both character’s costumes.
Final Thoughts
Superman Unlimited #18 ushers in a new direction for the Superfamily. Jon and Natasha are each looking to the future to figure out their identity. With upcoming stories packed with exciting potential, this is a good starting point for new readers looking for something a little different in their Superman tales. Have fun, comic lovers!
Superman Unlimited #18
DC Comics Reviewed by Jeremy BonnetteFinal Thoughts
Superman Unlimited #18 ushers in a new direction for the Superfamily. Jon and Natasha are each looking to the future to figure out their identity. With upcoming stories packed with exciting potential, this is a good starting point for new readers looking for something a little different in their Superman tales.
