Review: Superman:World of New Krypton #6

Superman:World of New Krypton #6 marks the halfway point in the series and I have to say that this mini-series has impressed me.

Rucka and Robinson have really done a great job of having a clear direction for the series and are moving the story forward in vignettes all the while showing us more and more aspects of Kryptonian culture. The main story here is Superman's reaction to life on Krypton and conversely Krypton's (and especially General Zod's) reaction and response to Kal and his ways.

The conflict here is that Krypton's ways don't easily jibe with the 'aw-shucks' morality of a Kansas farmboy. But as more and more people see the wisdom of Superman, the old guard of Krypton might feel the need to respond, to grasp control even tighter.

So while the assassination attempt on General Zod last issue might be looked upon as dangerous progress (people wanting to move away from a militaristic and expansionist society), the cynic in me says Zod has orchestrated this to ensure his place in power. Fear is a great motivator. Martyrs and near-martyrs are rallying figures.



The fact that it was a member of the Military Guild who shot Zod makes me all the more suspicious. Outside of the Red Shard unit, most guild members have walked in step with Zod completely.

But even a military trained Kryptonian would have a hard time escaping a crowd after shooting one of the world's leaders. Here the masses at the celebration swarms over the assassin, nearly pummeling him to death. Luckily Kal, Kara, and the Red Shard unit are able to cordon off the assassin and bring him to justice.

The shooter is identified as Ral-Dar, a young member of the Cobalt Sky unit specializing in infiltration and intelligence. That sort of CIA training comes in handy as Kal and Gor question him while he is an 'interrogation sphere' which is like a lie detector.

Ral-Dar is able to give fairly cryptic answers which are true, circumventing the intent of the question.

For example, when asked if acted alone, Ral answers 'something had to be done to assure our survival'. Not a yes or no but still registered as true. He then says 'everything I have done, I've done to save my people' which is also true.

But those answers would also be true if Zod told Ral-Dar to shoot him. Zod isn't dead. But this attempt might be the impetus for Zod invoke martial law when he recovers. Ral may feel Zod in charge is the only way to assure survival.

Before the questioning can be completed, Kal is called to the infirmary. Zod's condition has deteriorated. It is unclear what type of weapon was fired at Zod but it has caused tremendous cellular damage, enough for the doctors to put him in stasis. Unfortunately the weapon was destroyed in the melee and Supergirl hes only been able to gather up some of the pieces.

Doesn't this also seem a bit convenient too? If Ral-Dar wanted to kill Zod, wouldn't he have used one of the red sun rifles and put a bullet through the General's brain? My guess is this weapon was designed to do some initial damage but not kill the target and not have any permanent effects.

Yes, I know I am insinuating that Zod manufactured his own assassination attempt. But knowing he would survive and knowing what the fallout could be, wouldn't that make him a political powerhouse? Remember Zod saw what executing Kal for treason might have done ... make Kal a martyr and a unifying figure.

But Zod's being shot has made everyone afraid and fear is a great motivator. The people of New Krypton are just getting over the trauma of having been in Brainiac's bottle. Their psyche is fragile. Upon hearing of the attack on Zod, crowds begin to amass outside the hospital with most people panicking, fearing they will be attacked again.

What happens next is my favorite scene in the book. Kal feels he needs to say something to calm the crowds. But Alura rightfully tells him it is her job as leader of New Krypton.

She then delivers a powerful speech about the strength of the Kryptonian spirit, how they have survived and endured. She tells them Ral-Dar acted alone and that they are safe. Her words resonate with the people and the crowd disperses.

This is the first time that I have really felt we have seen Alura act as the leader of her people. This isn't sending Kara out on errands or spouting war-mongering propaganda. This is her truly leading her people.

After having been a fairly one-dimensional character, I feel like we are finally seeing a more well-rounded Alura. Scenes like this (as well as her mourning in Supergirl #43) make her a more realistic character, someone with width and depth.

We see even more of those flourishes here when Alura says she hates speaking in public, her hands shaking. There is more to Alura than we have initially seen. I am starting to see where some of Kara's strength comes from. Look at how proud Kara looks behind her mother. We certainly haven't seen Supergirl react like that to her mother.

And I am beginning to feel some sympathy with Alura, understanding that her brusque demeanor might be a veneer over a grieving widow who might feel overwhelmed by her new role as world leader. She is probably scared of a world without Zod too!

That slow rethinking of Alura is the sign of great writing by the whole squad of super-writers. I have disliked Alura for most of the time she has been in these titles. Now, I want to learn more about her and her motivations.

Unfortunately, Kal isn't going to learn more from Ral-Dar. When Kal and Kara return to the holding cell they find the guards unconscious and Ral-Dar gone. A sunstone replicator device is found by the door, the means of his escape.

That clue is actually a nice twist. Kal has only seen that in the hands of Tyr so he might feel that Ral was working with and freed by the Labor Guild. We have seen early on that the Labor Guild in unhappy with their lot in life and don't mind resorting to violence to make that point. They certainly would be suspected in the assassination.

But we know that Tyr was working in conjunction with Zod when he showed Kal the device. It loops back a bit that the Military Guild might have access to this tech, strengthening my suspicion that this is a Zod plot.

Ral-Dar is long gone, found to be flying to Earth.

This must be disconcerting to Kal and the others. Does Ral's flying to Earth mean his orders came from Earth? We know the Kryptonians are already suspicious of the people of Earth. What better way to start a war than by sowing those seeds. Moreover, Earth has outlawed Kryptonians on Earth. Ral's fleeing there might be looked upon as a threat of war by Earth.

That one simple act fans the fires of unrest by both sides. And an interplanetary war won't help anyone ... anyone except Zod.

Kal realizes he needs to head to Earth to get to the bottom of this. 'This is a job for Superman' indeed. What a great way to end the issue.

I really liked this issue and this series overall. Maybe it is because I enjoy mysteries in my comics, trying to figure out just where everything is going. Sifting through what Zod's assassination attempt will mean, who it will benefit, who is behind it ... I love that stuff.

Sometimes one well done scene will make the whole issue stand out in my mind. Here it was really the growth in Alura in that one scene that put this over the top. I have been waiting to learn more about Alura and this month has really made her more three-dimensional. She is really a compelling character.

And of course I need to mention the fabulous art by Pete Woods. He is really shining here. He draws such a great Supergirl.

Overall grade: A