The world of Superman never ceases to amaze. Even after decades of stories, writers find inventive ways to push the limits of the Man of Steel — exploring not only his powers but also his humanity, his relationships, and the unpredictable nature of being Earth’s mightiest protector. In Superman Unlimited issues #3 and #4, written by Dan Jurgens and others under DC’s latest anthology banner, we witness two vastly different yet equally intriguing tales. The first revolves around Superman’s loyal companion, Krypto, while the second takes us deep into Gotham City with a bizarre crossover of science, mutation, and chaos. This two-part adventure not only expands the mythology of Superman’s powers but also illustrates how his compassion and courage remain his greatest strengths — even when transformed into something monstrous.
Superman Unlimited #3: The Strength of a Super Dog
The third issue opens with a nostalgic look into Superman’s past — the Kent family farm, a young Clark still struggling to control his unbelievable abilities, and Jonathan and Martha Kent doing their best to guide him.
Through introspective narration, Clark recalls the hardships of growing up superhuman in a delicate world. From accidentally tearing doors off his father’s truck to leaping so high he damages the barn roof, every moment teaches him restraint and empathy.
But Clark wasn’t the only one learning how to manage great power. His trusted canine companion, Krypto, faced similar challenges — only his instincts made it far more complicated.
Krypto’s Training and Clark’s Early Lessons
As Clark narrates, he observes how difficult it must be for a dog like Krypto to balance instinct with responsibility. “When you’re a super dog,” Clark reflects, “you don’t chase cars… you catch them.”
The scenes that follow are amusing and heartfelt — Krypto raiding the refrigerator, chasing wildlife, and nearly incinerating a squirrel with his heat vision until Clark sternly stops him. It’s in these exchanges that we see a key philosophy take root: the strong protect the weak. Superman’s moral compass began on this very farm, shaped not just by his parents but by the lessons he learned training his super-powered pet.
From the Past to the Present: A Family Dinner at the Kents
The story transitions to the present day, where the Kent family sits down for dinner. Clark instructs his son, Jonathan, to take Krypto on a run “around the world a few times” to burn off energy. Jonathan jokes that one of the Flash family kids usually handles that task, but Clark insists — it’s his turn.
This sequence feels lighthearted, showing the warmth and humor of the Kent household. Yet even in this peaceful family setting, danger isn’t far away.
A Detour to Gorilla City and Back to Smallville
Meanwhile, in Gorilla City, a super-intelligent gorilla named Tina prepares to move to Metropolis to work with Jimmy Olsen. It’s a brief but fascinating glimpse into the story’s expanding world — one that connects Metropolis, Gotham, and even the hidden civilizations of the DC Universe.
Back at Smallville, as Jonathan visits his grandparents, Krypto chases a flock of geese — soaring joyfully into the skies but nearly colliding with an airplane. Feeling ashamed for almost causing chaos, Krypto’s spirits fall. But what follows shows that a hero’s instincts never fade.
The Smell of Trouble: Toyman Strikes Again
While moping, Krypto catches a familiar scent — Toyman. He remembers past battles alongside Superman, Supergirl, and Robin, and immediately bolts to track him down. His instincts prove correct.
Ten miles outside Metropolis, the new Toyman is hauling a mysterious giant crate in an 18-wheeler — his latest invention hidden inside. Meanwhile, at the Metropolis Convention Center, Clark Kent interviews Dr. Valencia, a scientist showcasing cutting-edge energy tech.
Clark’s keen journalist senses notice something off. He subtly confronts Dr. Valencia about possible ties to Winslow Schott, the original Toyman. Despite her denials, Clark’s suspicions are confirmed when the 18-wheeler’s cargo bursts into action — a towering Toyman robot comes to life.
Superman and Krypto vs. The Giant Toy
Krypto dives headfirst into battle, while Toyman scolds him like a misbehaving pup. When the robot retaliates with metallic tentacles, Superman arrives, declaring proudly, “That’s my dog!”
Together, man and dog tear through the mechanical monster. However, when Krypto enters the robot’s core, he weakens — the machine is powered by kryptonite. Superman acts fast, punching through the robot to save him.
In a desperate act of love and ingenuity, Superman channels a new golden energy within himself — expelling solar radiation to grant temporary immunity to kryptonite. He transfers that protection to Krypto, reviving him. This “golden power” — first teased in earlier issues — continues to expand Superman’s abilities in fascinating new ways.
The New Toyman’s Secret
Confronting Toyman, Superman discovers a shocking truth: this version isn’t Winslow Schott at all but an android built by him. The Toyman explains that Schott accidentally created a conscious being — a “Pinocchio” of sorts — capable of morality and self-awareness.
He insists he only wants to do good, revealing that his kryptonite generator could theoretically power cities cleanly and safely. Superman, cautious but empathetic, allows him to continue under supervision, despite the risks of distributing kryptonite energy worldwide.
A Reward for a Good Dog
After the skirmish, Superman returns to the Fortress of Solitude to heal Krypto with the help of Kellex, his robotic assistant. Once Krypto is safe, Superman gifts him a set of toy replicas of his greatest enemies — playful tokens created by Toyman himself.
It’s a perfect emotional close — honoring Krypto’s bravery, illustrating Superman’s compassion, and setting the tone for future adventures.
Superman Unlimited #4: The Rise of Superman-Manbat
The fourth issue shifts tone dramatically, trading warmth for gothic chaos. This time, the story begins not in Metropolis but in the dark alleys of Gotham City.
Burglars scaling a rooftop are interrupted by what appears to be Batman — only it’s Man-Bat, the tortured scientist Kirk Langstrom in his monstrous form. The thugs open fire, sending Man-Bat plummeting from the building.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Olsen arrives in Gotham to pick up Tina, the genius gorilla we met earlier. She’s been recruited to help the Daily Planet’s Gotham branch deal with a strange case — someone keeps stealing the “E”s from the rooftop sign. Their playful banter is cut short when Man-Bat crashes violently onto their car.
Superman Joins the Fray
Recognizing this as a threat far beyond ordinary crime, Jimmy triggers his Superman signal watch. Superman, meanwhile, is saving a wealthy socialite named Veronica Veland from falling off a building. But the rescue takes an odd turn — she’s wearing kryptonite jewelry and lipstick.
Upon realizing this, Superman temporarily loses strength, placing her inside a lead-lined dumpster for safety, before flying toward Gotham to answer Jimmy’s alert.
Gotham Chaos: A Clinic Under Siege
Jimmy and Tina rush the injured Man-Bat to the Thomas Wayne Medical Center, where Dr. Leslie Thompkins works. She’s initially alarmed but agrees to help. Unknown to them, Robin (Damian Wayne) is monitoring the situation through Batman’s surveillance network.
As expected, things spiral out of control when Man-Bat regains consciousness and attacks. Superman crashes through the wall to contain him, but Man-Bat bites Superman’s arm — and that single act changes everything.
Robin, the Bat-Family, and a Rapid Infection
When Robin arrives, he quickly deduces that this isn’t the real Kirk Langstrom but one of his former assistants who brewed an even more volatile version of the serum — one capable of spreading like an infection.
Moments later, the unthinkable happens: Superman begins to mutate into a hybrid creature — part Kryptonian savior, part Man-Bat abomination. His earlier exposure to kryptonite lipstick left his skin vulnerable, allowing the serum to infect him fully.
Superman-Manbat Unleashed
Robin attempts to restrain him but is quickly overpowered. Backup arrives — Batgirl, Black Canary, and Big Barda — summoned by Oracle after Tina modifies Jimmy’s watch for emergency Bat-family communications.
Together, they try to subdue Superman, but the infected hero’s raw strength proves overwhelming. During the battle, Superman bites Black Canary, infecting her as well. The stakes escalate rapidly — Gotham now faces a potential outbreak of metahuman Man-Bats.
Jimmy’s Clever Solution
While chaos reigns, Batman is elsewhere in the city buying up all remaining kryptonite on the black market to keep it out of villain hands. Back at the fight, Jimmy Olsen — ever the clever reporter — pieces together the solution.
He realizes that Superman went after Black Canary first because of her sonic powers. If her sonic scream can immobilize the Man-Bat creature, then sound itself is the key. Using Robin’s four-wheeler, Jimmy lures Superman-Man-Bat out of Gotham and activates his signal watch, which emits a powerful high-frequency tone.
The sound incapacitates the monster, ending the rampage and saving the city.
Aftermath and a Playful Reveal
Later at the Daily Planet, Jimmy recounts the story to Lois Lane and Tina, who are both impressed (and slightly overwhelmed) by the events. As Tina continues investigating the “missing E” mystery, the narrative cuts to the Batcave.
Batman, Superman, and Robin discuss the incident. Bruce reveals his efforts to purchase and secure kryptonite supplies in lead containers, limiting possible threats. When Superman asks for guidance, Batman hints that he’s discovered something during a recent expedition — a possible lead pointing toward future issues.
But the final, humorous twist reveals that Robin himself has been stealing the “E”s from the Daily Planet sign — a mischievous act to keep one secret container hidden from Superman’s X-ray vision.
Superman Unlimited’s Bigger Picture
Both Superman Unlimited #3 and #4 stand well on their own yet subtly contribute to the larger continuity of DC’s current Superman universe.
Issue #3 celebrates legacy — a father, a son, and a super dog all bound by love and heroism. It’s a story about restraint and moral purpose, wrapped in classic comic adventure.
Issue #4 flips the tone completely, diving into horror and superhero science fiction. Seeing Superman transform into a Man-Bat hybrid is symbolic of how even the most incorruptible heroes can lose control — but it also highlights humanity’s resilience in the face of monstrous change.
