Comic Book Review: Last Stand of New Krypton #3 (of 3)

Book Information

Writer: James Robinson & Sterling Gates

Artist: Pete Woods

My All-Inspiring Opinion

It becomes very difficult to decipher when a comic book company is seriously trying to make decent storylines verses when they are just toying with us.  Last Stand of New Krypton is nothing more than an extension of the upcoming series “War of the Supermen.”  This final issue in the three part series doesn’t do much to clear up the questions that have been lingering in the background.  All in all, #3 of 3 takes a turn for the worst and accomplishes nothing except taking a few extra bucks from DC and Superman fans.

The story begins with a fiery metallic skull plummeting to the city of Kandor head on.  Superman’s attempt to save the city fails, leaving him broken and pierced with no life left in him.  Zod’s attempt to destroy Brainiac as revenge is thwarted by the Legionnaire Brainiac who mysteriously zaps both he and Brainiac the first away to, one can only assume, another period in time.  Zod now presents himself to the people of New Krypton and officially declares war on the planet Earth.

In the tradition of Grant Morrison, James Robinson has delivered a complex story that served no purpose except to merely start the War of Supermen series.  The story had some exceptionally intense moments, especially when Brainiac strikes Lex Luthor, snapping his neck!  Of course, we find out later this was only a Luthor Android to help distract everyone from Luthor’s real purpose, which I’m sure will be revealed sooner rather than later.  But having truly shocking events in a story will not actually save the story, Despite the incredible explosions and fiery artwork displayed by Mr. Pete Woods.

Woods’ art, just like James Robinson’s writing, is always a toss up.  Brainiac’s ship was a sight to see as it fell towards Kandor followed by a few blazing columns of smoke.  Likewise, any panel that displayed a large object or a far away scene was as artistic and intricate as any I’ve seen.  But once you close in on someone’s face or have too many people in one setting, the artwork becomes quite wooden and way over inked.  His moments of brilliance does not outweigh the consistent flaws that occur in every issue.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

To be honest, I could have waited until War of the Supermen began with issue #0 and still have been able to figure out what was going on.  This Mini did nothing to help prepare us for the WOTS storyline and I pray that Robinson will actually deliver seeing as how this will be somewhat of a new start for him.  Redemption is at hand Mr. Robinson, please don’t disappoint.

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars