Superman: World of New Krypton #4

DC Comics
Superman: World of New Krypton #4
By Andy Frisk
June 3, 2009 - 18:05

DC Comics
Writer(s): Greg Rucka and James Robinson
Penciller(s): Pete Woods
Inker(s): Pete Woods
Colourist(s): Brad Anderson
Letterer(s): Steve Wands
Cover Artist(s): Gary Frank and Brad Anderson
$2.99 US

Kal tours Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and Sodam Yat around Kandor and the rapidly terra-forming outlands of New Krypton. Along the way, they encounter Zod’s warship fleet, under construction, and aid in the capture of a deadly Kryptonian criminal running rouge since the destruction of The Phantom Zone.

The Green Lanterns, on a fact finding mission at the behest of their leaders, The Guardians, claim jurisdiction over the detainment of Val-Ty, the captured Phantom Zone criminal, but since The Guardians on Oa (The Green Lanterns’ home-base world) have no standing on New Krypton, Zod takes possession of Val just before Kal attempts to allow The Green Lanterns to depart with him. Since in Zod’s custody, Val will be executed against the desires of Kal. Zod ordered Lieutenant Nar, of Kal’s Red Shard Squad, to execute Val on site, in spite of Kal’s orders to arrest him. Nar does not follow Zod’s orders, and Nar’s actions, coupled with Kal’s attempt to turn Val over to The Green Lanterns, puts Kal and Nar just where Zod wants them, allowing him the opportunity to eliminate Kal as a threat. The entire episode, from the orders to pursue the criminals to Zod’s orders to execute Val, all appear to be part of a larger plot by Zod to discredit Kal, and put him at his mercy.

Plenty of events transpire, and many subtexts to the overall story arc are developed in this issue. Zod finally manipulates Kal into acting in a way that allows Zod to take advantage of Kal’s good nature. We see more of the cultural diversity of Kandor, and the history behind it. We also get to witness Sodam Yat’s reaction to the news of Mon-El’s residence on Earth (Sodam Yat and Mon El are both Daxamites), and his thoughts on all of the newly super powered Kryptonians in existence. Yat’s reactions and thoughts are all conveyed masterfully by Woods’ depiction of the look on Yat’s face when observing various Kryptonians demonstrate their abilities, without the need of a single word or thought bubble. Kryptonians and Daxamites are racial cousins, with Daxamites not holding their Kryptonian cousins in high regard.

Woods’ art maintains its high level of quality again in this issue, and Gary Frank’s covers, while not really an accurate depiction of the issues action, also remain strong. Gary is dedicated to the image of a Superman who looks like Christopher Reeve, and this image works without being distracting or in bad taste. It’s a tribute to the man many Superman fans consider the greatest actor ever to portray the Man of Steel.

Overall, issue 4 of Superman: World of New Krypton is a worthy contribution to this great, classic Superman tale. It serves as a necessary bridge to the future action that is undoubtedly going to take place when Kal and Zod finally face off, but isn’t much of a stand out issue on its own, like the past few have been. This issue does deliver some interesting new insights into the Kandorian and Kryptonian society of the post-Final Crisis DC Universe, though. Simply put, this series remains the must read Superman event of the year thus far.