Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Pete Woods; Brad Anderson; & Rob Leigh
Cover Art by Alex Ross
SUMMARY:
Published for January 2009 by DC Comics, “New Krypton, Part 2: Beyond Doomsday” picks up directly from Superman # 681. A downtown New York traffic accident reveals that not all Kryptonians share the Man of Steel’s compassion to aid humanity. General Sam Lane vehemently argues with Lex Luthor over their shared viewpoint re: New Krypton. Superman & Supergirl face Doomsday after he disrupts the U.S. President’s public summit with New Krypton’s delegation. An effort to release Zod from the Phantom Zone is met by masked opposition within the Fortress of Solitude.
Note: Though the image isn’t available here, there’s a variant cover by artist Stephane Roux.
REVIEW:
Despite some pedestrian artwork (unlike its immaculate cover image), Action Comics # 871 does its job well enough. Writer Geoff Johns incorporates smart touches to convey the unsettling morality differences Superman & Supergirl have with some bloodthirsty New Kryptonians. The same might also apply to Lois Lane’s father and Lex Luthor, as their shared jealousy of Superman bonds them. Like writer James Robinson’s Superman # 681, Johns is taking his time with his contributions to this storyline, and such an approach generally works. Hence, Action Comics # 871 is a relatively good read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC Nation” column is billed as ‘under construction.’ It offers a thumbnail cover reveal for Supergirl # 35, which is next in sequence for the New Krypton storyline.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
