Action Comics Annual #11

The Obligatory Warning: head squishing, execution style gunshot to the head.

In Action Comics Annual #11, Superman joins forces with Lex Luthor, Parasite, Metallo and Bizarro to take down General Zod and his band of renegade Kryptonians. Kryptonite is bandied about,  the Phantom Zone is reopened, and the fate of Lois and Clark's adopted son, Christopher Kent, is decided.

The first three parts of the Last Son storyline were phenomenal. Geoff Johns' imagination and Richard Donner's vision made Last Son fun and entertaining. Unfortunately, this fourth installment disappoints. Parts 1 through 3 built up to a cataclysmic confrontation that boils down to a mere handful of punches between Zod and Superman. Still, this fourth part continues to make the Kryptonian back story that surrounds Superman seem vital and interesting.

The real star is Lex Luthor, who is entertaining, megalomaniacal, and completely believable in Donner and Johns' hands. "So this is what it feels like to kill a Kryptonian. Feels GOOD," he says, dispatching one of Zod's soldiers. This Lex is sympathetic, reptilian, and surprisingly enjoyable.

Adam Kubert's art remains as stunning as it was in the first three parts of the Last Son saga. The way he contrasts intricate background detail with deceptively simple-looking characters seems to mimic the juxtaposition that lies at the heart of Superman's character: how can a man of godlike powers pull off tights like those?

Worth the money? An absolute yes for Superman fans. Casual readers, skim it and see if it piques your interest.