Robinson, Rucka, and Woods have really hit their stride with Superman: World of New Krypton. While working with the tropes of a traditional superhero comic, they're still crafting something that feels fresh and unpredictable.
In this issue, Kal-El is on trial for treason, having previously defied General Zod's orders regarding the capture and detainment of a wanted criminal. If convicted, Kal-El will face the death penalty. While any Superman reader worth her/his floppies knows there's no way Kal will actually be executed, Pete Woods (along with colorist Brad Anderson) bring the Kryptonian justice system to life with their pages depicting the trial of Superman, setting the tone/pace for the whole issue. And the last page cliffhanger I never saw coming was the exclamation point at the end of this solid issue.
Even putting aside the twists in this single issue, World of New Krypton is one of those rare in-continuity books that really does change the status quo. Of course Kal will return to earth as Superman eventually, that's inevitable, but the path this series will take to that conclusion is one I'm having a hard time predicting. The return of Kryptonian society to Kal's daily life feels new and exciting, and, precluding the destruction of new Krypton, will be just a quick flight around the sun once Kal does make earth his permanent residence once again.
Bravo, Team W.O.N.K., bravo!
Story: 4 - Very Good
Art: 4 - Very Good
/cover-large.jpg)
