Source: Superman: World of New Krypton #1-12 (2009-2010)
Type: The real deal
I know it was controversial to put Superman off Earth and out of both his costume and his traditional books (including, strangely, "Superman"), and it seems especially so because it was followed by a story line that once again kept him out of Action Comics and sent him on the road, out of Metropolis (and out of character) in "Grounded". But darn it, I still LIKED the year he spent on New Krypton!
Here he was, connecting to the Kryptonian culture he'd never really known, simultaneously serving under General Zod in the military and making sure New Krypton stayed out of Earth's affairs. As usual, he was saving us. But even better, he brought the best of human values to Krypton and instigating social change there, our ambassador born of their blood, a man of two worlds, trying to make bring peace to both. It's a really great Superman story, made even more interesting by its exploration of Kryptonian society and ecology, rooted in every vision of the planet (Silver Age, Byrnification, movies...). Kal and Zod, working as uneasy allies, made for very readable drama as well.
Granted, it had its problems. The Superman books were filled with replacements instead of following Superman's new story. It predictably ended with the destruction of New Krypton, something that seems futile now that a reboot looms. And it had to wrap up in a couple of event-type mini-series. As a result, the Superman family of books just seemed bloated with characters you didn't want or need to follow, and extra series that were doing the continuing series' job. And yet, I was a fan. Anyone else?
Type: The real deal
I know it was controversial to put Superman off Earth and out of both his costume and his traditional books (including, strangely, "Superman"), and it seems especially so because it was followed by a story line that once again kept him out of Action Comics and sent him on the road, out of Metropolis (and out of character) in "Grounded". But darn it, I still LIKED the year he spent on New Krypton!Here he was, connecting to the Kryptonian culture he'd never really known, simultaneously serving under General Zod in the military and making sure New Krypton stayed out of Earth's affairs. As usual, he was saving us. But even better, he brought the best of human values to Krypton and instigating social change there, our ambassador born of their blood, a man of two worlds, trying to make bring peace to both. It's a really great Superman story, made even more interesting by its exploration of Kryptonian society and ecology, rooted in every vision of the planet (Silver Age, Byrnification, movies...). Kal and Zod, working as uneasy allies, made for very readable drama as well.
Granted, it had its problems. The Superman books were filled with replacements instead of following Superman's new story. It predictably ended with the destruction of New Krypton, something that seems futile now that a reboot looms. And it had to wrap up in a couple of event-type mini-series. As a result, the Superman family of books just seemed bloated with characters you didn't want or need to follow, and extra series that were doing the continuing series' job. And yet, I was a fan. Anyone else?
Comments
Nope, although I'll confess I didn't read it out of general distaste for what was happening to the whole S frnachise at the moment.
But upon your recommendation, I'll have to try the trade.
However I learned of the ending you mention after finishing World, and it's made me reluctant to continue at all with the whole saga! Can't help but feel the many haters were vindicated in the end, even if they were wrong about individual components. Alas.
Wayne: The Superman book in which Superman actually appears was the better one. As it should be.