We continue to learn about this world and this Jor-El. As lone survivor, he has been trying to protect Earth, not only through super-heroics but through science. He is trying to elevate towards his ideal, Krypton. What is interesting is that no one seems to be happy about it. Not his friends. Not the military. Not his enemies. That is an interesting take.
Writer Kenny Porter is showing us this sort of well-intentioned Jor-El who unfortunately seems to be opening Pandora's box with his technology. Moreover, Porter throws in a line that makes me wonder if Jor-El is even more flawed than we know right now. Porter does do a good job of broadening this Elseworld universe, giving us other versions of famous characters.
Danny Earls remains on art and continues to give us a sort of brutish look at the world. I think his art style amps up the nature of this world. This isn't a perfect utopia. His rougher style lends itself to this undercurrent that Jor-El isn't helping things.
I still don't know exactly how I feel about this book where there isn't someone to necessarily root for.
We start by meeting the Batman and Robin of this world trying to stop this world's version of the Scarecrow who is amped up with Kryptonian tech to distribute his fear toxin. Superman shows up and help the dynamic duo subdue the villain.
Superman calls Batman a friend but it doesn't sound like they are bosom buddies. Batman is unhappy that Superman is continuing to push Earth forward rapidly with his Kryptonian tech. Batman doesn't think the world is ready.
And then we learn that Thomas and Martha were killed with Kryptonian weapons. There was no chance of survival. That has to add to the friction between them.
So even other heroes aren't too sure about Jor-El.
Last issue, we also had John Constantine giving Lex a map to Fate's tower.
It was a ruse. Constantine gave Lex a fake map. But the tables turn. Lex used a counterspell to make it a real magical map and find Fate. Moreover, in his quest, Lex has killed the other magic-users.
I like that Renee Montoya is the Spectre on this world.
But a counterspell making a fake magic map into a real magic map? Makes my head spin.
Lex continues his quest for ultimate mystic powers to battle Superman because he doesn't like Jor-El either.
He kills Fate and then fashions the helmet into a broadsword.
Exxtreeeme!
Anyways, one thing I do like about this book is how it is completely leaving the established take on Lex as a scientific genius, giving us something much different. It's what Elseworlds are for.
We also see that Lois isn't too happy with Superman, also questioning his pushing science forward.
But Jor-El is bullheaded and decides to solve the world's energy crisis with a new generator/battery.
The nations of the world decide to reject it. Superman has caused too much turmoil.
To add to the rejection, General Lane plays some doctored tapes making it seem like Jor-El wants to take over. Lois knows it's a lie but the others buy it. Now the Governments of the world don't like him.
Suddenly Superman is on the outs. And Lane becomes Captain Atom and starts the fight.
Between Captain Atom's red sun energy and the powers of the 'Authority', Superman gets pretty battered.
Earls has done a good job in designing these new versions of this world's heroes and villains. Like this Grifter and GI Robot in particular.
As I said in the intro, there aren't many people to root for in this world.
But maybe here is someone who might become the hero of the work.
With everything going to Hell, Lois tells Jimmy it is time to make their move.
We haven't really seen Lois that much the past couple of issues, just her jabbing Superman. So I wonder what she is planning and how she did it.
Jor-El is beaten pretty badly and has to escape. He flies to the only place the others won't know to look, the Kent Farm.
And then this bombshell. Jor-El says Lara and Kal are dead because of him.
Did he do something to them? Is it his fault the planet blew up? Is he trying to help Earth out of guilt and not out of benevolance? Hmmmm ...
This grabbed my interest.
Yes, Lex doesn't like Superman.
Turns he doesn't like Lane's goon squad either. He kills Green Lantern. He says he is going to kill Lane and the other military metahumans. I assume he wants to kill Superman too.
I have to say I love Earl's look here, a mix of the classic green and purple Power Suit but more ornate like a sorceror. Pretty sharp!
This was the strongest issue of the mini-series mixing in interesting plot points, a protagonist who is universally disliked and possibly flawed, and a solid foundation of what this Earth is.
Overall grade: B
No comments:
Post a Comment