REVIEW: World Of Krypton #5

World Of Krypton #5 brings us the penultimate issue of a series that I have really enjoyed. Writer Robert Venditti should really be allocated more Superman-related titles, I for one would love to hear more of his take on the character and his world.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The standard cover is by Mico Suyan and Annette Kwok and continues a stunningly detailed series of covers. This one just showcases pure emotion as Jor-El and Lara embrace during the destruction of their world. The detail is spectacular and the realistic artwork, colours and shading really add to the affect of this piece.

The variant cover is by Marguerite Sauvage and is another stunning piece which shows Lara studying her world. I have to say I love how Sauvage has really given Lara her own identity, she really feels like a real person and is instantly recognisable, to me anyway. I love the neon colour palette to this piece, it really adds a sci-fi feel to it.

World Of Krypton #5 picks up right where we left off with General Zod trying to recruit people to fight for the future of Krypton in an Uncle Sam propaganda style recruitment message. This clearly goes against everything the people of Krypton want, as protests begin to pop up and are not received in a polite manner, in fact a rather violent one.

I love how Venditti has touched upon issues that relate to today’s society in terms of the protests to save a planet and the manner in which they are received. It’s also painful to see Jor-El & Lara’s reaction to all of this. Whilst we know the outcome you can’t help but find their belief in hope contagious, it’s inspirational and against all of their odds. It’s clear where Superman gets this mindset from and I love how Venditti has acknowledged that.

In this issue we also see the start of the demise of Zod’s plan, despite the effort and resources he had put into it. The realisation that this isn’t enough to save Krypton is devastating to him, and just at that moment Jor-El shows up to save what little is left of Krypton. Without giving too much away, this moment put a huge smile on my face and that is mostly to do with his choice of attire – which is fantastic.

Venditti really allows the artwork to do the talking on several occasions in this issue, which is filled with incredible and action packed splash pages throughout by Michael Avon Oeming and Nick Filardi. The artwork is vibrant, with drastic proportions yet detailed and poignant moments. It adds a great contrast to such a heavy and emotional issue.

World Of Krypton #5 is another hard hitting issue which perfectly showcases the hope within the House Of El. This penultimate issue is filled great writing and vibrant yet poignant artwork, and I can’t wait to see where the final issue takes us emotionally.