Review: Superman Unlimited #17

Superman Unlimited #17 came out this week and I hope everybody read it because in a few short pages the biggest plot point of this title, an abundance of Kryptonite being on Earth, is wrapped up. The whole Green K plot has perplexed me. So no surprise, the solution to the plot perplexed me just as much. But more that just the Kryptonite plot, some other smaller plotlines are ended quickly. 

Writer Dan Slott introduced the Green K abundance way back in Superman Unlimited #1, which also introduced the new power where Superman can create a golden aura and become completely invulnerable to everything (although powerless for some time afterwards). 

But much of the Green K plot is unanswered. How did the Green K meteor get coated in intertron. Why would General Zod shoot his biggest weakness on a planet he wants to conquer? Why would he create a version of his weakness that can grow insanely and then put it on the planet he wants to conquer? Why does that Green K seem to wax and wane in its effect on Kryptonians depending on scene, issue, title? 

While the last two issues of Kingdom Of Zod have concentrated on the time travel Krypton story, this one is mostly on Earth. And with one more chapter and a special left, Slott wraps up this side of the event rapidly.

There are some fun moments in the book. There is an All-Star Superman nod. And frankly, I am glad this Green K plot seems to be done as it never grabbed me. But the way it ends feels quick and unsatisfying.

The art is split between Rachel Stott and Montos and the book looks good. The big action sequence in the middle where Superman ends the Kryptonite thread is done well on the page with widescreen pages and solid images of the world.

Will Kingdom of Zod be fondly remembered? We'll have to see how it wraps up. On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1102

Action Comics #1102 came out last week, the next issue in the Kingdom Of Zod event, and the second chapter focusing on a time travel jaunt to Krypton before it exploded. I have struggled with the main plot of a Kryptonite plague happening on Earth. But chapters 5 and 6 of this event have been an interesting diversion, taking us back to Krypton and focusing on the two characters who would have the most interesting take on being on the planet again - Kara and young Clark.

Mark Waid has been doing a great job on the current Superboy stories in Action Comics, letting us see him at the earliest stages, learning his powers, and growing as a hero. But he barely knows about Krypton as a concept. So seeing him on Krypton, experiencing it for the first time, and knowing that perhaps he could change things and have it survive is all interesting. Waid clearly knows young Clark's voice and he makes these stories compelling. 

And Waid also loves Supergirl and she continues to shine in this Krypton arc, weighing her love of the planet and her need to keep the timeline and Superman's legacy intact. Supergirl might actually be the star of this issue.

The action is also great with Kara and Clark trying to escape a Krypton prison, get Ursa to stop talking, and get back to the time bubble. 

Montos is on art and his fine pencil style works well here. His fight scenes really shine as you see the effort and anger on the combatants.

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1101

The first two parts of the Kingdom of Zod event came out last week. Action Comics #1101 is the second chapter and picks up where Action Comics #1100 ended with the return of Superman while sliding into the Zod arc.

Last week I reviewed Supergirl #16 and talked about how I find the Zod plot confusing right now. And I don't know if this chapter makes any of it clearer. Zod has a Green K variant that is expanding over the Earth. It is causing a plague that is harming humans. It is still deadly to Kryptonians. Why would Zod want any of this? Why is he not ill from the effects of the Green K in some way? How did he get this huge Green K meteor, cover it in inertron, and move forward? So far I have too many questions.

We do get great scenes in this book where Lois is using her journalism skills to get Zod to reveal his inner thoughts. I love the Lois in this book. But I don't know if the answers he gives make much sense either. No surprise that writer Mark Waid writes a great Lois and Superman Family. But I am still confused.

The art is by Montos who is relatively new to me. I have seen his stuff in Green Lantern and I like his work here. It has a breathy sort of style. He uses shadows incredibly well. The fight sequences are rendered well. 

But we are two chapters in and I am confused. On to the book.