I have pretty interested in the overall plot of the book, giving us a deep dive into the persona of General Zod. We have seen him in a sort of 'mid-life crisis' mode of ennui as he rebuilt New Kandor. He is haunted by visions of Jor-El. Then there was a moment where he was sort of down and out with Ursa taking over. And then there was rage as he bashed his way through several attacks and ships.
While this peek into Zod's mind has been interesting, the issues seemed a bit light with many pages filled with over the top, brutal action.
This issue is much more story-driven than action driven which made me happy. I don't know what Zod's plans with New Krypton will be. I think it is fascinating that he seems interested in leading an army out for unknown conquest. Writer Joe Casey is peeling back Zod's gruff exterior to show me a more complicated being.
But the big thing about this issue is that it is chock full of Legion of Super-Heroes mythos. From character races to 9-panel grids, this felt like an 'evil Legion' book. For a Legion fan like me, this was wonderful. Made me realize how much I miss the IP.
But the big thing about this issue is that it is chock full of Legion of Super-Heroes mythos. From character races to 9-panel grids, this felt like an 'evil Legion' book. For a Legion fan like me, this was wonderful. Made me realize how much I miss the IP.
Artist Dan McDaid continues to bring a sort of rough, grungy style to the book, perfect for this prison ship environment. I love how his Jor-El is clean and unblemished, a stark contrast to everything else in the book.
I still don't know how I fully feel about this book. Pieces really grab me. But this issue sparkled. On to some specifics.
Zod has healed up a bit from that skeletal burn victim we saw last issue. Still, scarred, bald, and grimy ... but better.
Having taken over, he seems to have decided to go full 'pirate captain', including bedding a Talok VIII prisoner.
A beautiful woman from Talok VIII? Holy Shadow Lass!
Still, seeing Zod sort of wade into debauchery is a departure from his pressed uniform, military man persona I am used to see.
Look at how clean and pristine Jor-El looks. I think this tells us what Zod not only thinks of Jor-El - perfection.
This idea, that Jor-El haunts Zod, is the best wrinkle of the book for me.
But wait, there's more Legion stuff!
We zip into a 9 panel grid, used in the 5YL Legion. And this darker story fits that story-telling mode and that memory of the 5YL wonderfully.
Peek at the prisoners Zod is molding into a mobile strikeforce. There is someone from Tharr. Someone from Slyggia, someone from G'Newt! We are dipping into DC Cosmic for sure.
There's even someone from Tyrraz. This guy was king of the prison yard but little more than another pawn right now for Zod.
Tharr! Talok VIII! Tyrraz!
Makes my Legion heart sing!
Meanwhile the rest of the universe has noted that New Kandor is gone.
Not blown up or destroyed but gone.
We saw this in a past issue although it wasn't explained. Where did Zod send it too? Is it in another dimension like the Bronze Age Rokyn??
I do like that the universe was keeping tabs on Zod knowing what a hothead he is.
While Zod is trying to force loyalty out of the prisoners he has, making them into an army, he learns that there are 2 even more fortified cells in the basement of the ship.
When he turns off the dampening field, one of the 'prisoners' escapes.
It is the Emerald Eye of Ekron .. and being semi-sentient, it heads straight to the engine room and blows up the warp drive.
It vaporizes some of the prisoners it finds on the way and blasts Zod as well.
The Emerald Eye of the Legion was a formidable weapon, capable of hurting Superboy and other invulnerable heroes.
Here it can put Zod down.
And then the Eye releases the other prisoner, the Emerald Empress ... or at least an Emerald Empress.
As if all the races and 9 panel pages weren't Legion-y enough, we get a present day version of one of the Fatal Five!
Will she befriend Zod? Battle him? Who is she??
Yes, my love of the Legion probably colors my take on this issue overall. But I am still processing this take on Zod. Frankly, I used to find him dull. So this version - violent, alone, mentally suffering, and almost schizophrenic is the most interesting take on him that I can recall. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Overall grade: B+
I'm not tempted even a little bit to read this but I am enjoying your reviews.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder when a planet is destroyed or removed why there's hardly ever upheaval in its solar system. Shooter was the only writer to ever address this when he had Titan destroyed in his last Legion run.
And about the Legion, did you ever wonder why Orando and Talok VIII (at least under Levitz) were member planets? Neither were very advanced. I always wondered if each had some important mineral to the UP and the UP didn't give a fig about culture/future shock if it meant they got what they wanted.
What's wrong with the Eye's self-repair system? It stuck itself back together almost immediately after Karate Kid shattered it that one time, so why all the cracks now? If it's taking down Zod (who is, admittedly, no Kal-El at any age) it can't be low on power or something, if that's even possible.
ReplyDelete