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Superman by Geoff Johns #2
Superman: Last Son of Krypton
Geoff Johns' (JUSTICE LEAGUE, AQUAMAN, BLACKEST NIGHT, GREEN LANTERN, THE FLASH) two most acclaimed stories of his now classic ACTION COMICS run are now collected here, for the first time together! Along with co-writer Richard Donner (director of the original Superman feature films), Johns will take us on a epic journey that will leave Superman re-examining everything about himself.
A rocket lands in Metropolis containing a boy Superman thinks is from Krypton. Along with figuring out what that means to him, Superman must protect young Christopher Kent, who has become the most valuable child on the planet thanks to his immense power. Will Superman be able to protect him against both Lex Luthor and his new Superman Revenge Squad, as well as the Phantom Zone criminals General Zod, Ursa and Non?
This all sets the stage for Superman's showdown with one of his greatest foes: Brainiac!
With art by Adam Kubert and Gary Frank, this new collection contains ACTION COMICS #844-846, #851, 866-870, and ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11.
A rocket lands in Metropolis containing a boy Superman thinks is from Krypton. Along with figuring out what that means to him, Superman must protect young Christopher Kent, who has become the most valuable child on the planet thanks to his immense power. Will Superman be able to protect him against both Lex Luthor and his new Superman Revenge Squad, as well as the Phantom Zone criminals General Zod, Ursa and Non?
This all sets the stage for Superman's showdown with one of his greatest foes: Brainiac!
With art by Adam Kubert and Gary Frank, this new collection contains ACTION COMICS #844-846, #851, 866-870, and ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2008
144 people are currently reading
2350 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,701 books2,410 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
April 29, 2016
What makes a good villain?
Well for me they have to be complex. The best ones are those that are, essentially, right in their convictions. But because of their extremist ways they are branded with the taint of villainy. I think General Zod is a great bad guy because he almost isn’t bad; he fights for his people, but he does it a little too well. Heroics turn into brutal minded fanaticism. The movie version of Zod in Man of Steel (2013) was my idea of a perfect antagonist. Unfortunately, the Zod in here was rather weak.
He’s just a bit of a weak minded bully. Sure, he’s essentially the same character, but he has none of the intensity or morale righteousness. Lex Luther filled the gap tremendously. Superman is forced to team up with him to bring down the destructive Zod. Luther always has a hidden agenda though, and because of this the story was saved. I was just waiting for him to plunge a knife into superman’s back. Without him this would have been as weak as Zod’s characterisation. So, for once, Luther actually saved the day in more ways than one.
It was also quite cool to see glimpses of the Justice league. They were getting floored in the background by Zod’s Kryptonian army. They wouldn’t stand a change against Superman’s kind. Only Luther, who had spent years devising ways to bring Superman down, new how to handle things. So it was quite a quirky team up, Superman with all his old enemies. It was rather intense because these guys have so much history, you could see the repressed hatred screaming to be released.
The ending was everything it needed to be; it provided enough closure whilst at the same time leaving the possibility of Zod’s return open. This is less dramatic that Zod’s death in the movie, but it allows more reprisals of him in the future. Comic books would never be so final because it would come at the expense of more material. Overall this was rather average. A shame really.
Well for me they have to be complex. The best ones are those that are, essentially, right in their convictions. But because of their extremist ways they are branded with the taint of villainy. I think General Zod is a great bad guy because he almost isn’t bad; he fights for his people, but he does it a little too well. Heroics turn into brutal minded fanaticism. The movie version of Zod in Man of Steel (2013) was my idea of a perfect antagonist. Unfortunately, the Zod in here was rather weak.
He’s just a bit of a weak minded bully. Sure, he’s essentially the same character, but he has none of the intensity or morale righteousness. Lex Luther filled the gap tremendously. Superman is forced to team up with him to bring down the destructive Zod. Luther always has a hidden agenda though, and because of this the story was saved. I was just waiting for him to plunge a knife into superman’s back. Without him this would have been as weak as Zod’s characterisation. So, for once, Luther actually saved the day in more ways than one.
It was also quite cool to see glimpses of the Justice league. They were getting floored in the background by Zod’s Kryptonian army. They wouldn’t stand a change against Superman’s kind. Only Luther, who had spent years devising ways to bring Superman down, new how to handle things. So it was quite a quirky team up, Superman with all his old enemies. It was rather intense because these guys have so much history, you could see the repressed hatred screaming to be released.
The ending was everything it needed to be; it provided enough closure whilst at the same time leaving the possibility of Zod’s return open. This is less dramatic that Zod’s death in the movie, but it allows more reprisals of him in the future. Comic books would never be so final because it would come at the expense of more material. Overall this was rather average. A shame really.
March 26, 2021
"Be careful out there. If there are people that need help, you'll do what you always do. Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way." -- Jonathan 'Pa' Kent, to son Clark
I realized after finishing Last Son of Krypton that the last time I read a solo book featuring the venerable Man of Steel (and I don't count Red Son which, although very good, was an alternate-reality tale) was all the way back in the middle of the previous summer. I then came to another realization - as the pandemic drama aggravatingly drones on, and the country sometimes seems irreparably divided, that paging through these super-heroic adventures featuring Superman was sort of like the literary equivalent of a quick dish of comfort food. (Nothing wrong with a benevolent protagonist, who is decidedly both alien and human, standing for 'truth, justice and the American way,' amiright?) There are two straightforward dramatic / action stories in this volume, 'Last Son' - co-authored by film director Richard Donner, who deftly helmed the original 1978 big-screen incarnation of the character - which felt like it could've been one of the movies from the series back in the 80's (hey, it was certainly better than Superman III), and 'Brainiac,' in which Clark Kent / Superman and Lois Lane were illustrated to resemble the late performers Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. One of my GR friends called this graphic novel "an absolute gem" - that covers it!
I realized after finishing Last Son of Krypton that the last time I read a solo book featuring the venerable Man of Steel (and I don't count Red Son which, although very good, was an alternate-reality tale) was all the way back in the middle of the previous summer. I then came to another realization - as the pandemic drama aggravatingly drones on, and the country sometimes seems irreparably divided, that paging through these super-heroic adventures featuring Superman was sort of like the literary equivalent of a quick dish of comfort food. (Nothing wrong with a benevolent protagonist, who is decidedly both alien and human, standing for 'truth, justice and the American way,' amiright?) There are two straightforward dramatic / action stories in this volume, 'Last Son' - co-authored by film director Richard Donner, who deftly helmed the original 1978 big-screen incarnation of the character - which felt like it could've been one of the movies from the series back in the 80's (hey, it was certainly better than Superman III), and 'Brainiac,' in which Clark Kent / Superman and Lois Lane were illustrated to resemble the late performers Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. One of my GR friends called this graphic novel "an absolute gem" - that covers it!
September 29, 2014
The cover is nice.
File this graphic novel under the “why bother” heading. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the two stories contained here (General Zod and Brainiac), it’s just that if Geoff Johns (or for that matter, anyone else) is given an opportunity to come up with his own take on Superman, you would hope (but then we’re talking Geoff Johns here) it would be more memorable and less derivative than this.
How many times do we have to encounter Brainiac and his collection of worlds? How many times do we have to read (or watch) the single minded machinations of Zod and his crew? Johns plays the same notes here, over and over again. It’s like getting stuck at a recital and having to listen to some little kid play Mary Had a Little Lamb over and over again. Very slowly and out of tune!
A word about the art: The artists tried to pay tribute to Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, but it was another failed attempt. How difficult is it to draw the same face from panel to panel? Also, in the Zod story, towards the end, the rest of the DC heroes are freed. Power Girl is in the far background and barely a quarter inch, but you can still tell it’s her. Guess how?
February 9, 2024
One of the best Superman (S) story arcs I have ever read! Geoff Johns really does a fantastic job of weaving a tale of triumph and tragedy that will have a lasting impact on S and those he cares most about. Each issue in this collected work is reviewed individually. Really renewed my interest in S!
September 15, 2013
Superman thought he was the last Kryptonian to survive his doomed planet’s destruction - until a Kryptonian pod crash lands in Metropolis to reveal a young boy who appears to be Kryptonian. As Superman and Lois take him in as their adopted son Chris, Chris’ real parents emerge from the Phantom Zone to threaten the world and bring about a New Krypton!
Who doesn’t think Superman and Lois wouldn’t make great parents? Exactly, so it’s nice to see them be just that in this book - sort of. Because the time spent between the three is fairly limited and we never really see much of a connection to make them seem like a close family unit. Plus the parenting thing is contained in this brief book with most of the story taken up with Superman fighting Zod, Ursa and Non, so when Chris inevitably leaves at the end, it’s not nearly as emotional as Geoff Johns and Richard Donner would like you to believe.
And while the concept is a pleasant one, Superman and Lois as parents is just… boring. At least in Johns/Donner’s hands. Superman gets protective over his new ward, Lois does the strong mother thing, but it’s just not very interesting to read. Then we find out later Chris was abused by his real parents Zod and Ursa and that’s where the book lost me. Child abuse should not be in a Superman book, it’s just too awkwardly out of place.
Not to mention the ending, where Chris of course winds up back in the Phantom Zone, effectively sent back to continuing to be abused by Zod and Ursa. But the ending is so messy anyway - Johns/Donner throw in a weird plot device at the last second which should have sent Superman into the Phantom Zone along with all of the Kryptonian criminals and Chris but for some reason doesn’t. Why introduce this rogue element at the last moment only to immediately go against it? It’s like they thought they didn’t have enough plot holes in the book and thought that was their last chance to cram one in!
I appreciate that this is a meaningful collaboration for Johns who started out as an assistant to Richard Donner, the director of the first two Superman films, and naming Superman’s son Chris after the iconic Christopher Reeves was a nice touch, but unless you’re a die hard fan of Donner’s Superman films and wanted to see another story in that vein, there isn’t much for you here. Superman’s characterisation is fine but the story is just so flat and dull with everybody else predictably playing out their parts. Adam Kubert’s art doesn’t help either by easily being the worst work I’ve seen him produce yet - all scratchy, sketchy stylings, ergh, so difficult to look at! Superman: Last Son isn’t very special at all and is a very forgettable story.
Who doesn’t think Superman and Lois wouldn’t make great parents? Exactly, so it’s nice to see them be just that in this book - sort of. Because the time spent between the three is fairly limited and we never really see much of a connection to make them seem like a close family unit. Plus the parenting thing is contained in this brief book with most of the story taken up with Superman fighting Zod, Ursa and Non, so when Chris inevitably leaves at the end, it’s not nearly as emotional as Geoff Johns and Richard Donner would like you to believe.
And while the concept is a pleasant one, Superman and Lois as parents is just… boring. At least in Johns/Donner’s hands. Superman gets protective over his new ward, Lois does the strong mother thing, but it’s just not very interesting to read. Then we find out later Chris was abused by his real parents Zod and Ursa and that’s where the book lost me. Child abuse should not be in a Superman book, it’s just too awkwardly out of place.
Not to mention the ending, where Chris of course winds up back in the Phantom Zone, effectively sent back to continuing to be abused by Zod and Ursa. But the ending is so messy anyway - Johns/Donner throw in a weird plot device at the last second which should have sent Superman into the Phantom Zone along with all of the Kryptonian criminals and Chris but for some reason doesn’t. Why introduce this rogue element at the last moment only to immediately go against it? It’s like they thought they didn’t have enough plot holes in the book and thought that was their last chance to cram one in!
I appreciate that this is a meaningful collaboration for Johns who started out as an assistant to Richard Donner, the director of the first two Superman films, and naming Superman’s son Chris after the iconic Christopher Reeves was a nice touch, but unless you’re a die hard fan of Donner’s Superman films and wanted to see another story in that vein, there isn’t much for you here. Superman’s characterisation is fine but the story is just so flat and dull with everybody else predictably playing out their parts. Adam Kubert’s art doesn’t help either by easily being the worst work I’ve seen him produce yet - all scratchy, sketchy stylings, ergh, so difficult to look at! Superman: Last Son isn’t very special at all and is a very forgettable story.
February 4, 2025
Decided to take a break from the omnibus reading. This was a good Superman story! It was cool to see major villains like General Zod, Lex Luther and Bizarro with the Superman and Lois relationship explored in here as well as the phantom zone. Overall I had a good time with this and was a quick enjoyable read.
September 4, 2016
"Clark. People like Ma and Pa Kent were put on this Earth to be good parents. We weren't. You're here to save it. And I'm here to find the truth in it."
This is one of the darkest Superman books I've read, other than Red Son. It has great pacing, action, and dialog from Geoff Johns, and incredible artwork from
I've never heard of Chris Kent until now, and it's no wonder. He lives on Earth-16. Or Earth-2. Somewhere. He's one of the (many, final, this is it we're not kidding) last Kryptonians. While Superman fights the military (and others) for control of the child's custody, I realized something I never knew about Superman and Lois Lane... So that was revealing. I mean, mostly inconsequential, but it changed how I viewed those characters.
So this is where Chris Kent gets his introduction. And as I learned in my Wiki search, he goes on to appear in Superman and Action Comics for several years. I can't say I'm terribly interested, just because I've never heard of Chris and (other than the Earth 2 series) he doesn't seem to dominate in publication these days. This detracted from my emotional investment, because he's a new and limited character. My other criticism is with Adam Kubert and how he sometimes draws faces, because they look oversimplified or squished.
That being said, this is probably the most emotional I've seen Supes and Lois, fawning over a child. Which, despite my lack of recognition for Chris, made me care for the kid and the bizarre situation he found himself in. Emotion aside, however, there's some hardcore action and even death, which was shocking for a Superman book. His books are generally more tame (apart from crises and events). Not to say people don't get hurt, obviously. They're bruised, bloody and broken. But they get back up. They don't get irreparably destroyed. But not here. And that's pretty intense.
So I enjoyed this overall. Fun, humor, suspense, action, emotion, killer artwork. It had it all. And I learned more about the Phantom Zone and Kryptonian lore. That gives it a leg up on most Superman books. And though Chris went on to star in subsequent series (this book is from 2006), the fact that he wasn't someone I knew caused some emotional distance. If you're into Johns, dark or alternative Superman stories, this one is worth checking out.
March 21, 2017
Ah man this one started SO good.
So this book is broken into two stories. First one is about a new boy who is a Kryptonian and Superman takes him under his care. It's fun to see early versions of Clark and Lois taking care of a young boy (which is what the current rebirth run is doing and it's so gooooood) but it works well here. Reason clark is so well done is when he has human moments but he rises above most human reactions.
The fight against Superman and Zod is both fun and entertaining and watching the family references is nice. I enjoyed that whole part of the book, which to be fair is the first half. Then we get to the second half. Braniac or whatever his stupid name is. What a boring story, and the ending tried to give emotion, but I was so bored by then I just didn't care.
So first half is a solid 3.5-4 where's second half is like a 1.5-2. So I'll settle on a 3. Decent story to read.
So this book is broken into two stories. First one is about a new boy who is a Kryptonian and Superman takes him under his care. It's fun to see early versions of Clark and Lois taking care of a young boy (which is what the current rebirth run is doing and it's so gooooood) but it works well here. Reason clark is so well done is when he has human moments but he rises above most human reactions.
The fight against Superman and Zod is both fun and entertaining and watching the family references is nice. I enjoyed that whole part of the book, which to be fair is the first half. Then we get to the second half. Braniac or whatever his stupid name is. What a boring story, and the ending tried to give emotion, but I was so bored by then I just didn't care.
So first half is a solid 3.5-4 where's second half is like a 1.5-2. So I'll settle on a 3. Decent story to read.
August 13, 2022
Some good Superman content mixed in with the mediocre. The first (and possibly titular?) story is definitely the best when it comes to art, direction and execution, meshing together to create a solid adventure about family, responsibility, and sacrifice. Unfortunately, the following shorts aren't nearly as strong, despite attempting to cover similar themes. There's nothing overly special about the tacked on tales, ultimately making them forgettable amidst the massive Superman library. Whilst it's not exactly an anthology, the mixed bag of stories sadly doesn't work in its favour.
June 16, 2016
This was fine. 3.5 stars. Feels slightly unnecessary. Really nothing too special but still fun.
April 17, 2013
3.5 stars
It wasn't bad at all, but I just didn't fall in love with it like everyone else.
It wasn't bad at all, but I just didn't fall in love with it like everyone else.
January 26, 2013
I'm really not a Superman fan, so it says something when I enjoy a Superman book this much. In this case, a story with actual emotional resonance. A young Kryptonian boy crash lands in Metropolis. Of course Superman gets attached to him. Of course he wants to give him the life his parents gave him. And, being Superman, of course it gets complicated. End result? Superman teaming up with Lex Luthor to take out an army of Kryptonian invaders from the Phantom Zone, lead by General Zod. Early Christmas for Luthor, who is in fine form here. He's always at his most interesting when his vendetta against Superman makes some kind of sense. And Johns is smart enough to give him a point. And really, it just fun to see him finally get his wish to take down a Kryptonian. (Though it does beg the question, if it's so easy with Zod's army, why does he have so much trouble with Superman?) The rest button does get hit pretty hard at the end, and I'm not a big fan of the art (mostly the panel layouts, which are not the best for clean storytelling), but the end result is a fun, action packed story that actually has a heart. And a Superman book that I liked. Go figure.
December 13, 2020
Superman is going about his day when he discovers a rocket has landed in Metropolis and its a kryptonian boy and the government takes him in, experiments and all, and Superman to save him, rescues him and attempts to bring him to smallville and understand from his parents how they hid him and he wants to raise him as his own until they are attacked by Zod, Ursa and Non and until we find its actually Lor-Zod, his son and because of him they were able to escape Phantom zone, and they trap Superman in the Phantom zone and take over the world and destroy everything and the JL are not able to do anything. Thus begins Superman's quest to escape from Phantom zone, meet Mon-El in the process, team up with Luthor and Parasite, Metallo and Bizarro to defeat these Kryptonian Criminals and free the world and save it and maybe even his son Chris.
Its such a great story filled with so much actions and revelations and great moments for Lois and Clark, showcasing just how big a threat General Zod is and how dangerous the phantom zone is and introducing a great character in Chris and showing his sacrifice in the end and it even questions Superman and more about his responsibilities to this homeworld. Geoff Johns writing it obviously makes it a must read and just shows he gets Superman. He is able to show Luthor and how dangerous he is, knowing 1000s of ways to take down Kryptonians and he is able to get his heroic moments and battles them and in the end gets what he deserves. There are great moments between Jim, Lois and Perry too and the art is really good and overall a great story and an epic read!
Its such a great story filled with so much actions and revelations and great moments for Lois and Clark, showcasing just how big a threat General Zod is and how dangerous the phantom zone is and introducing a great character in Chris and showing his sacrifice in the end and it even questions Superman and more about his responsibilities to this homeworld. Geoff Johns writing it obviously makes it a must read and just shows he gets Superman. He is able to show Luthor and how dangerous he is, knowing 1000s of ways to take down Kryptonians and he is able to get his heroic moments and battles them and in the end gets what he deserves. There are great moments between Jim, Lois and Perry too and the art is really good and overall a great story and an epic read!
February 27, 2013
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I love a good graphic novel.. and I love comic book superheros. This graphic novel was amazing. This comic is actually written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner. What makes that so cool is that Richard Donner is the writer of the Superman movie. Here is the goodreads description:
Geoff Johns' (JUSTICE LEAGUE, AQUAMAN, BLACKEST NIGHT, GREEN LANTERN, THE FLASH) two most acclaimed stories of his now classic ACTION COMICS run are now collected here, for the first time together! Along with co-writer Richard Donner (director of the original Superman feature films), Johns will take us on a epic journey that will leave Superman re-examining everything about himself.
A rocket lands in Metropolis containing a boy Superman thinks is from Krypton. Along with figuring out what that means to him, Superman must protect young Christopher Kent, who has become the most valuable child on the planet thanks to his immense power. Will Superman be able to protect him against both Lex Luthor and his new Superman Revenge Squad, as well as the Phantom Zone criminals General Zod, Ursa and Non?
This all sets the stage for Superman's showdown with one of his greatest foes: Brainiac!
With art by Adam Kubert and Gary Frank, this new collection contains ACTION COMICS #844-846, #851, 866-870, and ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11
The story in these comics are really good.. and the art is incredible! I love that Lois and Superman look like how they did in the movies.
In this comic.. a new Kryptonian comes to earth.. which just so happens to be superboy. When then find out this boy is the son of General Zod who is released from the Phantom Zone. By the way I love the Phantom Zone!! So anyways... a battle happens and oh did I mention that we get to see some great villains (Bizzaro) and the JUSTICE LEAGUE??? Yes!! Who saves the day?? Well not superman but superboy. It's a sweet story.
The copy of the book I got from the library also includes the story about Superman VS Brainiac. Again great artwork!
Brainiac is actually really scary. The art made me realize just what a scary villain he is. In this story superman stupidly goes to find Braniac who has been looking for him for years and years. Brainiac then captures Metropolis in one of his glass jars and it seems like superman won't escape. But with the help of supergirl all is well. This story arc is actually what the next DC Universe Animated Movie about Superman coming out in 2013 is going to be about. This was announced at Comic Con 2012.
This comics have made me even more excited for the new movie. I know no one liked the last movie Superman returns, but I actually enjoyed it. I thought it was a good build up to the next movie Bryan Singer was going to create but never got a chance to.
But the new movie I am totally stoked about and yes... I'll be camping out over night for it as usual!!
5 stars!
January 30, 2020
This was interesting enough but lost me at the end.
It was a cool plot with Superman finding out that there were more Kryptonians in the universe (aside from Kara). It was interesting seeing Lois reluctant to be a mother considering what comes later in Rebirth. This is the introduction of Christopher Kent, a character that left some people rather bitter over the existence of Jon because it seems DC largely forgot to mention Chris again, it seems.
I liked seeing Clark adjust to being a parent. I liked seeing Lois come into her own as Chris’ mother. (Although it was a real dick move for Clark to just decide he was going to raise this kid without consulting Lois).
The prisoners from the phantom zone weren’t as interesting here as they were in the films, for me.
The ending is rather sad but fitting. This is kind of a recommend from me.
It was a cool plot with Superman finding out that there were more Kryptonians in the universe (aside from Kara). It was interesting seeing Lois reluctant to be a mother considering what comes later in Rebirth. This is the introduction of Christopher Kent, a character that left some people rather bitter over the existence of Jon because it seems DC largely forgot to mention Chris again, it seems.
I liked seeing Clark adjust to being a parent. I liked seeing Lois come into her own as Chris’ mother. (Although it was a real dick move for Clark to just decide he was going to raise this kid without consulting Lois).
The prisoners from the phantom zone weren’t as interesting here as they were in the films, for me.
The ending is rather sad but fitting. This is kind of a recommend from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Oh wow...
I loved this! At first, it started kind of wishy, washy for me. The art style wasn't my favorite for a Superman title. It reminded me more of a Romita Jr. Spider-Man style, which isn't my favorite for a character like Superman. It wasn't until halfway through the first story I started to really enjoy it.
My favorite part was the Brainiac storyline. I loved every issue!
4.5/5
I loved this! At first, it started kind of wishy, washy for me. The art style wasn't my favorite for a Superman title. It reminded me more of a Romita Jr. Spider-Man style, which isn't my favorite for a character like Superman. It wasn't until halfway through the first story I started to really enjoy it.
My favorite part was the Brainiac storyline. I loved every issue!
4.5/5
April 15, 2018
Well, it had to happen sooner or later. I enjoyed every other Geoff Johns Superman book up to this point, but Last Son was the first one I came across that was a dud. It’s not like there is something inherently wrong with it, but the plot is just so generic and uninspired. It’s pretty much a regular Zod story with a small twist that there’s also a young kryptonian kid in the mix. After Doomsday, Zod is probably the dullest major Superman villain, and I just don’t see how he can be made interesting at this point. There were a couple of heartfelt moments with Mon El towards the end, but otherwise the book was pretty forgettable. Oh, and Adam Kubert’s artwork is as boring as the story — janky, scrappy and lacking detail, it looks especially poor compared to (almost) all other Geoff Johns Superman books, which are elevated by Gary Frank’s stunning and gorgeous art. Overall, this felt like a filler arc in an otherwise excellent run of comics. I’d say that it’s skippable, but there’s a caveat — I’m reading these in singles from Comixology sale, but the more recent collected edition of Last Son also includes the excellent Brainiac storyline, which is totally worth reading, and it’s not available in print any other way. So if you’re getting the physical edition, definitely get it for Brainiac and consider Lat Son as an added bonus — it’s not bad, but Brainiac is so much better in comparison.
January 2, 2015
I have often lamented the lack of truly good Superman stories. In comparison to Batman, Superman just doesn't have the range of memorable stories. Definitely not as a solo act. As part of the Justice League yes. As the goody two shoes playing straight man to Batman yes. But solo stories, not so much.
We all know the origin story. Baby sent away by grieving parents on a spaceship as his home world of Krypton explodes. Lands in the farmlands of Kansas and raised to become America's greatest superhero. There is the death story at the hands of the creature known as Doomsday. Currently there is a storyline of Doomsday actually being a virus of some kind that infects Superman turning him into a super Doomsday that looks good and another one beginning with a nemesis that is billed to be Superman's Joker. But in between, any Superman stories that have become part of mainstream lore? Not so much.
So I was very happy to come across Geoff Johns graphic novel - Superman: Last Son of Krypton.
The Last Son of Krypton brings together two storylines by Geoff Johns which originally appeared in Action Comics 844-846, 851, 866-870; Action Comics annual 11; Superman: New Krpyton Special 1. They appeared between 2006 and 2008 and featured two of Superman's greatest foes not named Lex Luthor. General Zod and Braniac.
The first tells the tale of Chris Kent. A spaceship crashes in Metropolis and is brought to a halt by Superman. Inside the craft is a young boy. A Kryptonian child. Superman immediately bonds with the boy in the hopes that he is another survivor from Krypton. But though the child is Kryptonian, he is not from Krypton. He is in fact from the Phantom Zone and the child of General Zod. The General uses the child to escape from the Phantom Zone prison and invade Earth. Superman must form an uneasy alliance with Lex Luthor and his band of Superman killers to fight Zod and his super powered army. In the end, Superman must watch as the child who he adopted as Chris Kent makes the ultimate sacrifice to help imprison General Zod back into the Phantom Zone.
The second tale is of the miniature city of Kandor and the evil that is Braniac. Accompanied by his cousin Supergirl, Superman learns of the fate of the city of Kandor and how Braniac attacked the city and then took it captive. Keeping it aboard his spaceship as part of a collection. The citizens of the city still alive but miniaturized and imprisoned. Braniac attacks Metropolis in the same fashion and the super cousins must battle Braniac to save the cities. But in the end the battle comes to Earth and as Superman revels in his victory over the defeat of Braniac, he does not hear the cries of the collateral damage of the great battle. The cries of Martha Kent over he dying body of her husband, Jonathan Kent. Superman saves Metropolis and the world from Braniac, but is too late to save his father.
The emotional toll taken from Superman in these two stories is unlike anything I have every seen written on the Kryptonian. The possibility of having a child, something Lois cannot give him, and to have that child taken away in a noble act of self sacrifice. The child doing what he believed Superman would have done. The battle to save the world from a great super-villain at the cost of the life of the man who raised him. Superman is brought to his sense of humanity by two powerful moments that he, with all his strength, was powerless to stop.
This is good comic book writing. It is powerful drama in a format that is often too streamlined to tell such a good story. A very good tale that deserves to be read.
We all know the origin story. Baby sent away by grieving parents on a spaceship as his home world of Krypton explodes. Lands in the farmlands of Kansas and raised to become America's greatest superhero. There is the death story at the hands of the creature known as Doomsday. Currently there is a storyline of Doomsday actually being a virus of some kind that infects Superman turning him into a super Doomsday that looks good and another one beginning with a nemesis that is billed to be Superman's Joker. But in between, any Superman stories that have become part of mainstream lore? Not so much.
So I was very happy to come across Geoff Johns graphic novel - Superman: Last Son of Krypton.
The Last Son of Krypton brings together two storylines by Geoff Johns which originally appeared in Action Comics 844-846, 851, 866-870; Action Comics annual 11; Superman: New Krpyton Special 1. They appeared between 2006 and 2008 and featured two of Superman's greatest foes not named Lex Luthor. General Zod and Braniac.
The first tells the tale of Chris Kent. A spaceship crashes in Metropolis and is brought to a halt by Superman. Inside the craft is a young boy. A Kryptonian child. Superman immediately bonds with the boy in the hopes that he is another survivor from Krypton. But though the child is Kryptonian, he is not from Krypton. He is in fact from the Phantom Zone and the child of General Zod. The General uses the child to escape from the Phantom Zone prison and invade Earth. Superman must form an uneasy alliance with Lex Luthor and his band of Superman killers to fight Zod and his super powered army. In the end, Superman must watch as the child who he adopted as Chris Kent makes the ultimate sacrifice to help imprison General Zod back into the Phantom Zone.
The second tale is of the miniature city of Kandor and the evil that is Braniac. Accompanied by his cousin Supergirl, Superman learns of the fate of the city of Kandor and how Braniac attacked the city and then took it captive. Keeping it aboard his spaceship as part of a collection. The citizens of the city still alive but miniaturized and imprisoned. Braniac attacks Metropolis in the same fashion and the super cousins must battle Braniac to save the cities. But in the end the battle comes to Earth and as Superman revels in his victory over the defeat of Braniac, he does not hear the cries of the collateral damage of the great battle. The cries of Martha Kent over he dying body of her husband, Jonathan Kent. Superman saves Metropolis and the world from Braniac, but is too late to save his father.
The emotional toll taken from Superman in these two stories is unlike anything I have every seen written on the Kryptonian. The possibility of having a child, something Lois cannot give him, and to have that child taken away in a noble act of self sacrifice. The child doing what he believed Superman would have done. The battle to save the world from a great super-villain at the cost of the life of the man who raised him. Superman is brought to his sense of humanity by two powerful moments that he, with all his strength, was powerless to stop.
This is good comic book writing. It is powerful drama in a format that is often too streamlined to tell such a good story. A very good tale that deserves to be read.
January 6, 2016
I'm very impressed. Frankly, I don't like reading Superman. He feels too bland as a character for my liking. There hasn't been enough tension in the titles I've read to raise my interest from when it died after the first few seasons of Smallville way back when.
But this... This made me feel things! Clark feels like he has emotional depth, a golden heart, and a willingness to sacrifice everything to do what's right. He interacts well with Lois. He has a bit of mischief in him. He gets angry and punches bad guys in the face. This Superman is someone I can sympathize with, who you can tell cares about the people around him, and understand why he wants to protect them.
There are two separate stories in this volume. The first is about a Kryptonian boy who ends up in Metropolis. This story resonates with me more and I think it's the stronger half. I prefer the art for this too as - not only does everything look beautiful - but you can see the difference between Clark Kent's appearance in contrast to Superman's.
The second half is about Brainiac and strongly features Supergirl. It's not quite as affective but it's nice to see Supergirl and Superman interact, and gives readers the chance to compare their perspectives and experiences. The artwork in this one is generally fine, but almost every panel with Supergirl has her looking creepily skinny - especially around her torso... *cringes* She has some funny dialogue though, so there's that...!
Long story short: this book made me like Superman again. He's not boring, whiny, self-righteous, hypocritical, or flat, but he still retains that nice country boy nature that's essential to his character. Well done. My favourite Superman comic yet.
But this... This made me feel things! Clark feels like he has emotional depth, a golden heart, and a willingness to sacrifice everything to do what's right. He interacts well with Lois. He has a bit of mischief in him. He gets angry and punches bad guys in the face. This Superman is someone I can sympathize with, who you can tell cares about the people around him, and understand why he wants to protect them.
There are two separate stories in this volume. The first is about a Kryptonian boy who ends up in Metropolis. This story resonates with me more and I think it's the stronger half. I prefer the art for this too as - not only does everything look beautiful - but you can see the difference between Clark Kent's appearance in contrast to Superman's.
The second half is about Brainiac and strongly features Supergirl. It's not quite as affective but it's nice to see Supergirl and Superman interact, and gives readers the chance to compare their perspectives and experiences. The artwork in this one is generally fine, but almost every panel with Supergirl has her looking creepily skinny - especially around her torso... *cringes* She has some funny dialogue though, so there's that...!
Long story short: this book made me like Superman again. He's not boring, whiny, self-righteous, hypocritical, or flat, but he still retains that nice country boy nature that's essential to his character. Well done. My favourite Superman comic yet.
November 8, 2016
This felt like classic Superman. It was really well put together. The art was nice (nothing special, though) and the dialogue was good enough. I felt that it was engaging plot-wise. I guess the only drawback is that it wasn't anything I haven't really seen before. I wouldn't say that this is an absolutely necessary Superman comic, but it was enjoyable.
January 12, 2021
An absolute gem. Will likely write more about it soon.
UPDATE: I never wrote anything more.
UPDATE: I never wrote anything more.
August 26, 2025
A solid Superman story from Geoff Johns, Richard Donner, and Adam Kubert that brings General Zod and the Phantom Zone villains back into play. The addition of Chris Kent as Superman and Lois’s foster son is a nice emotional thread, but the execution never fully lands for me. The art looks great and the action is big, but overall this one ended up just okay and was a bit flat for me…
June 13, 2013
This collection, in what is sort of a stand alone mini series by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner (which just happened to intermittently take over the pages of "Action Comics" when it was published), seems to take ideas from the film "Superman II" and spin them into then current DC continuity, while also employing stronger narrative and characterization.
Let me just start by saying that I loved the idea of this story. A *NEW* Kryptonian boy rockets to Earth (!!!) just like young Kal-El did all those years ago. Superman finds him and, of course, the young boy takes to Superman instantly. We come to find that he's the son of Kryptonian baddies General Zod and Ursa. These criminal Kryptonians bring their buddy (and also previously imprisoned Krytonian, Non) to Earth to recapture their son and take over Earth.
We've got all the things I love about the Superman mythos in this one. Delving into a bit of Kryptonian history: check. Bizarro: check. Lex Luthor: check. Awesome.
Why didn't I rate this one FIVE stars, then, instead of four?
While this story is co-written by Geoff Johns (of whom I've become a huge fan) and has a lot of my favorite things that go along with Superman, it failed to completely suck me in and I've definitely read better Superman stories.
And though I think Adam Kubert to be an amazing and talented artist, some of the pacing and sequences in here were downright chaotic and confusing to follow.
But anyway... Despite those few little things I've listed, this is a KILLER Superman story that I'd recommend to any fan of comics, Superman, or Richard Donner and the Superman films.
Definitely worth checking out.
*Additions to review upon reading again on 06-13-2013*
I just finished this one again, touching on some Superman books while getting amped up for the release of "Man of Steel".
I think I would go 4.5 stars on this one if possible.
I would only add to my review that I really enjoyed Kubert and co's art this time around. I called it chaotic before and on this reading, I thought the sequences were fitting for the action and perfect for capturing the craziness that is The Phantom Zone.
The story is still excellent, in my opinion.
Let me just start by saying that I loved the idea of this story. A *NEW* Kryptonian boy rockets to Earth (!!!) just like young Kal-El did all those years ago. Superman finds him and, of course, the young boy takes to Superman instantly. We come to find that he's the son of Kryptonian baddies General Zod and Ursa. These criminal Kryptonians bring their buddy (and also previously imprisoned Krytonian, Non) to Earth to recapture their son and take over Earth.
We've got all the things I love about the Superman mythos in this one. Delving into a bit of Kryptonian history: check. Bizarro: check. Lex Luthor: check. Awesome.
Why didn't I rate this one FIVE stars, then, instead of four?
While this story is co-written by Geoff Johns (of whom I've become a huge fan) and has a lot of my favorite things that go along with Superman, it failed to completely suck me in and I've definitely read better Superman stories.
And though I think Adam Kubert to be an amazing and talented artist, some of the pacing and sequences in here were downright chaotic and confusing to follow.
But anyway... Despite those few little things I've listed, this is a KILLER Superman story that I'd recommend to any fan of comics, Superman, or Richard Donner and the Superman films.
Definitely worth checking out.
*Additions to review upon reading again on 06-13-2013*
I just finished this one again, touching on some Superman books while getting amped up for the release of "Man of Steel".
I think I would go 4.5 stars on this one if possible.
I would only add to my review that I really enjoyed Kubert and co's art this time around. I called it chaotic before and on this reading, I thought the sequences were fitting for the action and perfect for capturing the craziness that is The Phantom Zone.
The story is still excellent, in my opinion.
March 21, 2017
Meh. Maybe 2.5 stars.
The big attraction to this book is the fact that the co-writer is Richard Donner, director of the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve (both of whom I hold in high regard.)
The plot starts off with an idea that I tire of: Superman is no longer the last son of krypton. Another young boy lands on Earth and speaks Kryptonese. Despite all of the reasons that it wouldn't work, Lois and Clark decide to raise him, much like Clark was raised. Ignoring how the idea would affect the DC Universe for a moment, having those two try to bring up a boy might have had some good character moments. While Clark can at times be annoyingly perfect and he may just end up being a perfect father, there are some opportunities there, at least for a short time for some entertaining stories.
However, this lasts for about two seconds and the plot changes. I'll leave the rest for spoiler territory but there's not much original here. The pieces are all variations of things that have been done before, and some of it was even rehashed for the mega story art "Last Son of Krypton" that ran through all of the Superman books about 5 years later.
And the art: It says Adam Kubert drew it, but I've been reading his stuff at Marvel for years and it doesn't look like any of that. There are some things I recognize: he does some type of work, almost sketched covers that I've seen before, some of the poses and angles he used are visible as well. Also, the backgrounds have a soft texture to them when colored yet the characters don't, making them sort of pop off the page. I'm not sure that was intentional. Maybe one artists did the backgrounds and the other everything else? Plus the inking varied across a couple issues, none of which I felt had a likable finished look. And to nitpick, the costumes of the bad guys had a horrible design.
I tried to think of something worthwhile to bring it up to 3 stars for me and there isn't much there.
The big attraction to this book is the fact that the co-writer is Richard Donner, director of the first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve (both of whom I hold in high regard.)
The plot starts off with an idea that I tire of: Superman is no longer the last son of krypton. Another young boy lands on Earth and speaks Kryptonese. Despite all of the reasons that it wouldn't work, Lois and Clark decide to raise him, much like Clark was raised. Ignoring how the idea would affect the DC Universe for a moment, having those two try to bring up a boy might have had some good character moments. While Clark can at times be annoyingly perfect and he may just end up being a perfect father, there are some opportunities there, at least for a short time for some entertaining stories.
However, this lasts for about two seconds and the plot changes. I'll leave the rest for spoiler territory but there's not much original here. The pieces are all variations of things that have been done before, and some of it was even rehashed for the mega story art "Last Son of Krypton" that ran through all of the Superman books about 5 years later.
And the art: It says Adam Kubert drew it, but I've been reading his stuff at Marvel for years and it doesn't look like any of that. There are some things I recognize: he does some type of work, almost sketched covers that I've seen before, some of the poses and angles he used are visible as well. Also, the backgrounds have a soft texture to them when colored yet the characters don't, making them sort of pop off the page. I'm not sure that was intentional. Maybe one artists did the backgrounds and the other everything else? Plus the inking varied across a couple issues, none of which I felt had a likable finished look. And to nitpick, the costumes of the bad guys had a horrible design.
I tried to think of something worthwhile to bring it up to 3 stars for me and there isn't much there.
January 8, 2009
A very fun, action-oriented story. Even if it's steeped in silver age pastiches it does modernize those tropes very well. It brings back all kinds of elements of Superman's continuity that have long been gone from his mythos, but it does so in a completely natural way totally organic to the storytelling. And the things it brings back are just cool, so who cares? It's just a good superhero story, period.
The only thing that seemed like it didn't fit was Kubert's art. It felt a bit ill-suited to this kind of story to me because his people look a bit wrong for a superhero book. The villains look great and are well-designed but his regular people like Jimmy and Lois seem a bit off. And Superman himself didn't seem in keeping with the way the character should look, if you ask me. The tones of the colors were a bit muted and odd as well, and the gimmick of the 3d issue just took me out of the story too much. Also some of the layouts were a bit odd, leaving important panels in the cracks of the book. But still it was a great read, very fun.
The only thing that seemed like it didn't fit was Kubert's art. It felt a bit ill-suited to this kind of story to me because his people look a bit wrong for a superhero book. The villains look great and are well-designed but his regular people like Jimmy and Lois seem a bit off. And Superman himself didn't seem in keeping with the way the character should look, if you ask me. The tones of the colors were a bit muted and odd as well, and the gimmick of the 3d issue just took me out of the story too much. Also some of the layouts were a bit odd, leaving important panels in the cracks of the book. But still it was a great read, very fun.
October 23, 2013
Interesting to see the direction Donner would have taken Superman. This is rumored to have been the plot for Superman III before Donner was foolishly fired. This would have built beautifully on the first two films. The story was exciting and original and honored the early Superman cannon. Great story for a one off. Too bad the proposed series by Donner never took place.
March 9, 2016
The two stories included have some promising concepts but in the end they represent everything I hate about bad comics: bland, senseless action without a hint of depth, character, or emotion.
Read
October 19, 2025Two Superman stories in one graphic novel. the first seems to be a tribute comic where Superman is drawn to look like Christopher Reeves. Both comics aren't bad, but they are not great. Maybe worth it for the fans as for the uninitiated reading these might make you jump on team bandwagon "comics are not literature" and in this context I hard agree.
The second Brainiac story never passes my Superman vibe check. it's also a take on Brainiac I can't quite connect with. take that as you will.
I like the first story better than the second, and as for me they are both sub par. on to the next!
The second Brainiac story never passes my Superman vibe check. it's also a take on Brainiac I can't quite connect with. take that as you will.
I like the first story better than the second, and as for me they are both sub par. on to the next!
December 1, 2017
8.5 out of 10.
It was really fun to see Superman team up with none other than Lex Luthor, Bizarro, Metallo and Parasite to fight with General Zod and his Kryptonian super-criminal squad!
It was really fun to see Superman team up with none other than Lex Luthor, Bizarro, Metallo and Parasite to fight with General Zod and his Kryptonian super-criminal squad!
May 8, 2013
The 4th book in my Superman journey was “Superman Last son of Krypton”. The novel is really the telling of two distinct stories. The first is about a boy who crash lands in Metropolis. If Krypton was destroyed where did this young boy come from? The second story is “Brainiac.” This is the story of Superman’s clash with Brainiac when discovering he had encapsulated the Kryptonian city of Kandor and actually caused Krypton’s destruction.
The First story was written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner director of Superman. These were the Superman movies/ stories I grew up with. I like the innocence of his character and the vulnerability. I can see that he brought that to this version also.
When superman finds a young boy who crashes into the heart of Metropolis, he has an instant desire to safeguard him. He quickly discovers the boy is Kryptonian! This leads to many questions. Kal-El has always been known as the Last Son of Krypton, so who is this boy, where did he come from, and how did he end up here? Clark knows how different his life would have been, had he been discovered by the government and not his loving parents. Clark and Lois, who cannot have children of their own, invent the story of a family member passed away and leaving his/her child with Clark and Lois. Clark knows that he would best be able to teach another Kryptonian how to survive in this world and protect his identity. We soon discover that General Zod is behind the appearance of the boy. Superman must protect not only his new son (Chris Kent), but also the world from General Zod’s plans of recreating Krypton here on earth.
The story is touching, we see how Clark who never thought he would be a father bonds with Chris and how he risks exposing his secret identity to protect him. We see the love he has for his family and how he would sacrifice himself for them. We witness through him, the vulnerability parents must feel when their child is in danger as he struggles to protect Chris. This story has lots of action and is sort of a different version of Superman II, in which General Zod, Ursa and Non attempt to use their superhuman abilities against humanity. This version was rich with back story and twists including the teaming of Superman and Lex Luthor.
I enjoyed the artwork, thought it felt inconsistent. This was however originally published in several issues. Probably the largest problem for me in the story was that some of the wording was too close to the binding. When this happened, I had a hard time reading which caused me to lose my immersion in the story. This was probably not as big of an issue in the individual works.
The Second story was not co-written by Richard Donner, but the art resembles the Superman/ Clark Kent from his movies. I enjoyed the novelty of it. This story is a very personal one for Kal-El. He discovers that Brainiac was responsible for the destruction of his first home Krypton and is now planning the same for his new home.
Being new to comics, I did not know much about Brainiac. I assumed he was highly intelligent, but for some reason thought his brain was showing from the top of his skull. So, this story was my introduction to him. It was such a revelation to me that he not only sought intelligence but wanted to covet it for himself to the extent of genocide.
Brainiac has been actively searching for Kal-El. He wants to destroy the last Kryptonian who may possess any of their knowledge. We learn that he does keep a token of each society, by encapsulating a portion of the populace and shrinking them into a sort of snow-globed specimen jar. While Superman is opposing Brainiac on his ship, Supergirl must face her worst fear – Brainiac’s invasion. She was on Krypton when Brainiac invaded and now must do what she can to save Earth.
I enjoyed being introduced to a new villain. I can see how Brainiac would be a formidable enemy. He has accumulated so much information and has built a vast army. He is able to devour information and destroy worlds in a small amount of time, he could soon wipe out all life. Though to be honest, I am not sure what good it does to be smarter than everyone else, if there is no one else, but I guess a sociopath does not think in those terms.
We do see how being Superman has its turmoil. While Superman is saving the planet from annihilation, he is unable to save his father. This is a very tender aspect of the story. Though, in both stories he is reminded he is not human, he feels these losses as hard as any of us. Maybe more so, we are “just human” and he is after all Superman.
I enjoyed the art, in large part because of the homage to the movies. It was fun to see the Superman I grew up with again. Though, not as noticeable as the first story, some of the writing was close to the binding. This may only be an issue for me, but I don’t like to crease/bend the binding of my books. I am a little OCD about my books.
The First story was written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner director of Superman. These were the Superman movies/ stories I grew up with. I like the innocence of his character and the vulnerability. I can see that he brought that to this version also.
When superman finds a young boy who crashes into the heart of Metropolis, he has an instant desire to safeguard him. He quickly discovers the boy is Kryptonian! This leads to many questions. Kal-El has always been known as the Last Son of Krypton, so who is this boy, where did he come from, and how did he end up here? Clark knows how different his life would have been, had he been discovered by the government and not his loving parents. Clark and Lois, who cannot have children of their own, invent the story of a family member passed away and leaving his/her child with Clark and Lois. Clark knows that he would best be able to teach another Kryptonian how to survive in this world and protect his identity. We soon discover that General Zod is behind the appearance of the boy. Superman must protect not only his new son (Chris Kent), but also the world from General Zod’s plans of recreating Krypton here on earth.
The story is touching, we see how Clark who never thought he would be a father bonds with Chris and how he risks exposing his secret identity to protect him. We see the love he has for his family and how he would sacrifice himself for them. We witness through him, the vulnerability parents must feel when their child is in danger as he struggles to protect Chris. This story has lots of action and is sort of a different version of Superman II, in which General Zod, Ursa and Non attempt to use their superhuman abilities against humanity. This version was rich with back story and twists including the teaming of Superman and Lex Luthor.
I enjoyed the artwork, thought it felt inconsistent. This was however originally published in several issues. Probably the largest problem for me in the story was that some of the wording was too close to the binding. When this happened, I had a hard time reading which caused me to lose my immersion in the story. This was probably not as big of an issue in the individual works.
The Second story was not co-written by Richard Donner, but the art resembles the Superman/ Clark Kent from his movies. I enjoyed the novelty of it. This story is a very personal one for Kal-El. He discovers that Brainiac was responsible for the destruction of his first home Krypton and is now planning the same for his new home.
Being new to comics, I did not know much about Brainiac. I assumed he was highly intelligent, but for some reason thought his brain was showing from the top of his skull. So, this story was my introduction to him. It was such a revelation to me that he not only sought intelligence but wanted to covet it for himself to the extent of genocide.
Brainiac has been actively searching for Kal-El. He wants to destroy the last Kryptonian who may possess any of their knowledge. We learn that he does keep a token of each society, by encapsulating a portion of the populace and shrinking them into a sort of snow-globed specimen jar. While Superman is opposing Brainiac on his ship, Supergirl must face her worst fear – Brainiac’s invasion. She was on Krypton when Brainiac invaded and now must do what she can to save Earth.
I enjoyed being introduced to a new villain. I can see how Brainiac would be a formidable enemy. He has accumulated so much information and has built a vast army. He is able to devour information and destroy worlds in a small amount of time, he could soon wipe out all life. Though to be honest, I am not sure what good it does to be smarter than everyone else, if there is no one else, but I guess a sociopath does not think in those terms.
We do see how being Superman has its turmoil. While Superman is saving the planet from annihilation, he is unable to save his father. This is a very tender aspect of the story. Though, in both stories he is reminded he is not human, he feels these losses as hard as any of us. Maybe more so, we are “just human” and he is after all Superman.
I enjoyed the art, in large part because of the homage to the movies. It was fun to see the Superman I grew up with again. Though, not as noticeable as the first story, some of the writing was close to the binding. This may only be an issue for me, but I don’t like to crease/bend the binding of my books. I am a little OCD about my books.
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