REVIEW: Krypto: The Last Dog Of Krypton #4
Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4, “Spring”, is another heart wrenching issue. There’s even a disclaimer on this one as Krypto’s powers continue to manifest in response to tragedy. The Dog of Steel takes on a fairly significant threat that also explains why the remains of his rocket have never been utilized.
The standard cover is by Jae Lee and June Chung. Krypto showcases a more naughty side as he playfully terrorizes some birds with heat vision. Obviously the birds are not amused, but it is a fun reminder that even being an alien, Krypto is still very much a dog.
Karl Kerschl’s variant has Krypto flying above the streets of a city while other dogs look up. It’s a rather comedic cover once you realize the group of dogs are standing near a No Dog Walking sign at a crosswalk, suggesting the city may only be populated by dogs. There’s also a nice nod to Joe Shuster as the street they’re waiting to cross shares his surname.
The variant by Dan Mora is sadly uncredited, but it’s the full cover version of his corner box art. Displaying his sustain for chains, and possibly leashes in general, Krypto bites through the steel restraint. All of Mora’s corner box art is in tribute to Neal Adams’s Superman #233 and it’s fun to see that aesthetic applied to the Superman family of comics.
Mike Norton and Colorist Ian Herring continue their amazing work in ‘Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton’. The emotional impact of this story hits close to home for anyone who’s lost a pet, and their artwork doesn’t sugar coat the grief. There’s also a decent amount of super heroics as more of Krypto’s powers start to manifest. Although this issue isn’t as “silent” as some previous instalments, the art still carries a lot of the story and heightens the emotional rollercoaster effect it has.
Ryan North gives Letterer Ferran Delgado a bit more to do in ‘Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4’ as a group of children come across a dangerous presence in the woods. The issue starts innocently enough as Krypto encounters another young stray dog and the two instantly become friends. While wondering about, a group of children find them and all seems to be looking up for our lonely alien canine. That is until the result of last issues cliffhanger rears its ugly head. A Brainiac scouting program has commandeered Krypto’s crashed ship and is aimlessly trying to find parts to complete its upgrades. Here things take a sad turn as Krypto is able to protect the children, but not his new stray friend from the robotic threat. During the fray, the children run off for help leaving Krypto feeling left behind once again. However, this issue does leave us on a more hopeful note as we see Krypto crossing the Kansas State Line.
(9/10) In a series full of tragic and emotionally taxing issues, ‘Krypto: The Last Dog Of Krypton #4’ hits a little harder. It’s a good thing there’s only one more chapter as it’s killing me seeing Krypto so sad and alone all the time. Still, this is another fantastic issue in a series I plan on recommending to people for a long time.
