DC Comics
Action Comics # 872
By Koppy McFad
December 26, 2008 - 21:52

DC Comics
Writer(s): Geoff Johns
Penciller(s): Pete Woods
Cover Artist(s): Gary Frank/Chris Sprouse
$2.99 US 32 pages



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This latest chapter of the "New Krypton" storyline has the newly-revived Kryptonians refusing to cooperate with or even acknowledge the human race, putting Superman in an uncomfortable dilemma: side with his native people or with his adopted planet.

The humans are preparing to strike back, the Kryptonians are becoming more defiant, Lex Luthor is experimenting on Brainiac and Metallo and Reactron make a surprising attack.

And as a special added attraction, we also get the return of the Creature Commandoes, GI Robot and an even more-unexpected DC hero-- one who truly comes out of left field.

With all the things happening in this issue, one would think it would be an unwieldy mess. But it actually comes off quite well with the plot still being easy to follow and with all the characters getting some time in the spotlight even when they are limited to only a few words of dialogue. While some readers may feel that they crammed too much into one comic, the result is still exciting and fairly comprehensible. A nice antidote to the comic books which have 12 pages of people sitting around a desk while talking.

The art helps a lot. The action is easy to follow even if some of the panels are rather overcrowded. The tension between the characters is evident, even during the scenes where they are just conversing. If there is any shortcoming, it is in the action scenes which could use some work. At times, it is difficult to tell Metallo from Reactron, except by their colours.

This issue ends with a nice cliffhanger that heightens the conflict in this book. It should be interesting to see what develops.


Rating: 7/10

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