Bendis continues to layer the Superman lore, recounting the destruction of Krypton with additional intrigue. In an oh-so-logical manner, it is revealed that Krypton did not exist in an interstellar vacuum. Rann, Thanagar, Tamaran, and the Guardians of the Galaxy are always cognizant – and to varying degrees, involved – in what transpires on Krypton.

Perhaps it’s a benign First Contact sort of thing. More advanced worlds monitoring Kryptonian technology until such time as it develops interstellar travel. Or, it may be more nefarious, with the evolved races pulling strings, like some sort of intergalactic Illuminati. Either way, it doesn’t sit well with Superman as Jor-El relates it all to him.

Last issue promised answers, which we are provided, though not in full. I don’t begrudge that of the creative team, as they are obliged to extend the drama. But this chapter does indicate next issue is the conclusion. It’s been a long time coming (perhaps too long), and I look forward to sitting down with all the chapters and reading it in one fell swoop.

Like many of DC’s recent comics, the next big thing promises to be “the Year of the Villain,” with a Spectre-like Lex Luthor traveling the DCU and handing out boxes of unknown offerings. We just had Heroes in Crisis, we’re in the midst of DCeased and Event Leviathan. Do we really need YET ANOTHER event to get sucked into? Can’t DC just tell us good, engaging stories for a while?

Rating: 8/10