REVIEW: Krypto: The Last Dog Of Krypton #5
‘Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #5’, “Summer” concludes Krypto’s tumultuous journey in a heartfelt way. Seriously, this issue is a contender for the feel good comic of the year. Emotions still run high, but in the opposite manner than the rest of the series.
The standard cover is by Jae Lee and June Chung. Enjoying some quality time together on the Kent farm, Superman points out a distant star to Krypto. This possibly indicates the general location of Rao, Kryton’s sun, or they’re simply stargazing on a clear rural evening. Either way it’s a great piece showing the deep rooted connection these two characters share.
David Talaski gives us the only variant cover for this issue. Set closer to the time the series takes place, Krypto stands triumphantly near the Kent farm with Superboy flying high in the background. It’s very realistic work that expresses the joyful nature of the scene well. Krypto is definitely a super hero in his own right and it’s expertly captured with this piece.
Mike Norton and Colorist Ian Herring finish out the series as interior artists. Their art has been emotionally fueled the entire run, and this chapter is no exception. Fortunately this part of the story is more positively charged so we get to be teary eyed for happy reasons. They also give us insight to Krypto’s heightened intellect as he weighs his actions during a fight to avoid causing unnecessary harm. It’s absolutely brilliant and gorgeous work that elevates the heartwarming story to the best levels the comic genre can achieve.
Ryan North, lettered by Lucas Gattoni, delivers a satisfying ending in ‘Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton’ #5. The issue begins similar to previous installments with Krypto finding himself in a position to help those in need. This time, however, he’s near Smallville and Clark Kent has made Superboy fairly known. After displaying several powerful feats that save a family in jeopardy, he gets a whiff of something familiar which coincides with a reunion he never expected to find. Not only is this a joyful ending to Krypto’s year long journey, but Clark’s excitement to discovering a connection to his heritage is nothing short of jubilation. There’s a nice nod to how Krypto came to have his symbolic dog tag, but there’s no real twists or jaw dropping reveals, just the payoff of a road wearily traveled and a happy ending well deserved.
(10/10) In a time where it’s easy to get caught up in the travesties happening in the world, this issue is a helpful reminder that a small act of love can have a huge positive impact. ‘Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton’ has definitely entered my all time favorites list and I’ll be recommending it to new and seasoned readers alike.
