I thoroughly enjoyed the two-part Superman: Last Son of Earth released two or three years back; it was one of DC's finest Elseworlds stories to date. So I was thrilled to hear the same creative force behind that series was teaming up again to deliver this one-shot sequel, since there was plenty of potential in the original story for a sequel. The good news: this story is as good as its predecessor. The bad news: there is none. Even if you missed Last Son of Earth, you'd be well advised to check out this new book.
Though he heralded a new age of life above ground on his homeworld of Earth, Kal-El soon realizes that those who have risen to political power now resent him. He opts to return to his adopted world, Krypton, to reunite with his family. Unfortunately, upon his return, he discovers a civil war is brewing between the cold, technology-driven establishment and a nature-oriented group led by his father, Jor-El. And unbeknownst to Kal-El, he was followed from Earth by a lunatic bent on destroying him and everything he holds dear.
Wheatley's art is easily the greatest strength of the book. It's remarkably detailed, and at times, boasts what I'd call a clear Kevin Nowlan influence. I'm also put in mind of the works of Phil Jimenez and various European artists who do work for Humanoids Publishing. The artwork is so meticulous and crisp, one gets the impression at times that it's painted comic artwork. Of course, some of the credit is due to colorist Chris Chuckry, who brings a stunning array of texture to the visuals, especially when it comes to skin tone. Wheatley brings the alien flora and fauna, technology and energy to life, but the characters never lose a vulnerable, human tone either.
One of the most interesting aspects of the script is Gerber's use of genetics and cloning as an integral part of the plot. Mind you, such notions are hardly new in the world of Superman, but in this day and age of Raelian ridicule and Dolly's death, it's surprising to see the protagonists of a story embrace cloning as a means to achievement enlightenment and happiness. Of course, both sides in this conflict embrance, but the dividing line is that Jor-El et al use it to restore nature, while the villains use it as a means to either repress and stifle nature, or to distort and pervert it.
Though there is a familiar super-hero/super-villain dynamic at times in this book, the story seems to be more about politics and philosophy, about a rising regime creating a scapegaot out of its founder, and about the establishment attempting to quash anyone who doesn't follow the same beliefs. Sound familiar? It may be sci-fi, and it may be peppered with purple prose, but Last Stand on Krypton is also chock full of a little thing I call relevance.
