Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; & Alex Sinclair
SUMMARY:
For DC Comics’ New 52 imprint in July 2014, this issue is entitled “Out of Time.” In the Arctic, General Samuel Lane and his government-backed army’s lethal anti-Kryptonian weaponry lay siege to the Fortress of Solitude. Inside the Fortress, Superman and Lois Lane refuse to surrender the mystical Earthstone and any other alien technology her father intends to seize. Donning enhanced knight-like armor, Superman fights back.
Lois’ intervention results in the enraged Man of Steel’s close encounter with General Lane. Elsewhere, a fiery showdown decimates the Batcave, as Batman faces the cosmic Wraith (who is on the same power scale as Doomsday and Darkseid). Even Wonder Woman’s intervention isn’t enough, as both heroes are battered by Wraith’s onslaught. Their sole hope better arrive in time.
Note: Variant covers exist, courtesy of artists Jock Kubert & Andy Kubert, with Brad Anderson.
REVIEW:
Boasting glossy, top-caliber artwork, this issue is definitely worth the price of admission. Writer Scott Snyder ensures that Superman, Lois, and Batman all have terrific moments. Among the highlights is Batman’s classic straight-face burn of his gloating adversary that Superman isn’t around to save Wraith from him.
To the creative team’s credit, this comic doesn’t resort to either profanity-laced dialogue or bloody gore. One only needs to suspend total disbelief that the Dark Knight could withstand Wraith’s beat-down. That said, Superman Unchained # 7 is an action-packed battle issue that should appeal to fans of DC’s Trinity (Superman; Wonder Woman; and Batman).
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
From DC Group Editor Eddie Berganza, there is a two-page “Channel 52” spread hyping the Doomed storyline pitting Superman vs. Doomsday. The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes Val-Zod as the new Superman of Earth 2.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars