Superman Unchained (Comics) | Review

Stories about the Man of Steel face an impossible challenge. How do you threaten a character who can move planets? Most writers ignore his power or introduce another Kryptonian villain. Superman Unchained asks what happens when you're not Earth's first alien protector and someone stronger has been hidden for decades.

Writer Scott Snyder (Night of the Owls, The Batman Who Laughs) delivers a nine-issue mini-series celebrating Superman's 75th anniversary. This isn't another alien invasion story– it challenges Clark's relevance and whether being a hero means following orders or conscience.

What this really means is simple: Superman faces an enemy who's everything he could've been if he'd chosen patriotism over humanity. One terrorist attack. One government secret. One alien soldier who's been waiting decades for Superman to step out of line. The stakes couldn't feel more personal, urgent, or more terrifying.

The story opens during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. The Fat Man bomb never detonated. Instead, a blue-skinned alien named Wraith obliterated the city as America's secret weapon, re-contextualizing 75 years of history with one single panel.

Cut to present day. Superman stops seven falling satellites from crashing into populated areas, letting the eighth hit an abandoned military base. Seems routine until General Sam Lane reveals the truth: that eighth object was intentionally allowed to fall. Someone else made that call. Someone stronger, operating in secret since 1938.

Enter Wraith, codename for William Rudolph's Ace In The Hole. He crash-landed on Earth in 1938, responding to a mathematical equation broadcast by American scientists. The equation signaled humanity wanted to add up to more together. Wraith answered.

Here's where things get complicated. Wraith isn't a villain. He admires Superman and wants to work alongside him but his orders are clear: if Superman threatens American interests, Wraith kills him. Unlike every other threat Clark has faced, Wraith has the power to follow through.

The main conflict revolves around Ascension, a cyber-terrorist group led by Jonathan Rudolph– grandson of the general who discovered Wraith. Ascension wants to erase technological advancement from Wraith's equation. Their weapon? Earthstone, a material that shuts down technology derived from Wraith's knowledge.

Lois Lane gets pulled into the conspiracy when her plane crashes during an investigation. She discovers her father, General Lane, runs the Machine– the secret military division housing Wraith. The betrayal cuts deep as he manipulated both Superman and Wraith as pawns.

Batman and Wonder Woman make brief appearances, with Bruce getting one of the series' best moments. When Wraith threatens him at Wayne Manor, Bruce casually mentions insurance while calculating ways to neutralize an opponent stronger than Superman. It's peak Batman– calm under pressure, three steps ahead.

The story escalates when Wraith reveals his true origin. He's not a refugee. His species are conquerors. They send operatives to primitive worlds, wait for civilizations to build technology, then trigger Earthstone to shut down everything and invade. Wraith was a Trojan Horse.

Lex Luthor enters the equation with his signature brilliance. He's been studying Superman's light signature– tracking every moment Clark has saved someone. Luthor develops a plan: inject Superman with concentrated solar energy, turning him into a living bomb powerful enough to destroy Wraith's armada. The catch? Superman dies.

Superman agrees and prepares to sacrifice himself in space. But Wraith stops him. After decades of blind obedience, Wraith makes his first independent choice. He takes the injection, forces Superman back to Earth and detonates himself. Wraith chooses humanity over heritage.

The climax lands quite emotionally because it's earned. Wraith spent 75 years as a weapon. Superman showed him what it means to be a hero. The parallel between them– two aliens who could rule Earth but chose to serve it– defines the entire series. One followed orders. One followed conscience. Only one of them survives.

Superman Unchained exists as a standalone story within New 52 continuity. It doesn't require reading other Superman titles, though familiarity helps. General Lane's antagonism toward Superman and Lois's role are established in Action Comics. It's a perfect entry point.

Artwork by Jim Lee (Justice League: Origin, Superman: For Tomorrow) is the primary reason this series became a must-read. His Superman looks powerful without being overly muscular– an athletic build suggesting strength through grace. The satellite rescue sequence spans a fold-out poster showing Superman catching debris in orbit.

Lee's action choreography shines during the Superman versus Wraith fight. The two clash across continents, from Tokyo's skyline to Earth's core. Lee renders this with claustrophobic panels– two gods reduced to brawlers in darkness, fighting with technique instead of strength.

However, the series suffered from notorious delays. Originally scheduled to conclude in April 2014, the final two issues were cancelled and re-solicited months later. Issue nine didn't release until November 2014, over a year and a half after the series launched. Reading it collected eliminates that problem but the rushed feeling shows.

Dustin Nguyen (Batman: As the Crow Flies, Batman: Heart of Hush) handles backup stories with flashbacks to young Clark in Smallville. These watercolor-style sequences contrast nicely with Lee's sharp linework, capturing the terror and wonder of discovering godlike abilities as a child.

Superman Unchained succeeds as a character study disguised as a summer blockbuster. Snyder understands Superman's compelling trait isn't his power– it's his restraint. Clark could topple governments and reshape civilization. He doesn't. Wraith did and realized that following orders without questioning makes you a weapon, not a hero.

The series works best when focusing on Superman's moral dilemmas. General Lane's accusation that Superman is a mass murderer for not toppling dictators lands like a punch. Clark saves individuals but won't interfere with nations. Is that heroism or cowardice?

Should you read this? Absolutely, if you want Superman facing threats that challenge his ideology rather than just his strength. Jim Lee's artwork alone justifies the price of admission. Grab the deluxe edition hardcover– it collects all nine issues plus variant covers showcasing Superman's visual evolution across 75 years.

For readers new to Superman, this works as an introduction to his New 52 characterization without requiring extensive back-story. For longtime fans, it's a fresh take that respects the character's history while pushing him into uncomfortable territory.

Superman Unchained is collected in the Superman Unchained trade paperback and Deluxe Edition hardcover, featuring all nine issues. Physical editions are available from local comic-book shops and major online retailers. For digital readers, the complete series can be accessed on ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.