When I first found out that there would be a comic called Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton, I was convinced that it was definitely aimed at children. Seeing that Ryan North and Mike Norton were leading the project was somewhat confusing, but there was no way that a Krypto comic was a serious book, right? Well, Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #2 proved that this is probably not a book for kids, and it is genuinely both heart-wrenching and well done.
Before even addressing the quality of the issue itself, however, it’s important to judge this book by its cover. By that standard, it is already an extraordinary comic! Drawn by Jae Lee and June Chung, the intentionally simplistic art style means that readers are immediately drawn to the exact right places, as the page’s flow trails from the hot dog to Krypto’s goofy face and right to the bear trap in Lex’s other hand. It’s an effective introduction to a comic that certainly lives up to that promised premise.
Once a reader buys into the cover, however, they are greeted by an immediate content warning, and it should certainly be heeded. Anyone who might be (rightfully) squeamish about animal abuse likely already put this book away after Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 saw Clark’s parents send a dog alone on a rocket ship. Still, it’s important to be aware that the animal abuse does not end with issue #1. In fact, it only gets worse in the second issue.
DC Comics
When Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 ended with Lex finding and claiming Superman’s dog as his own, it felt like the follow-up would inevitably see Krypto as Lex’s first insight into the existence of Krypton and the Man of Steel. Instead, North and Norton took a much less predictable route, offering more insight into Lex’s character.
It naturally exposed his undying ambition, his inner cruelty, and his self-righteousness, but it also revealed a more complicated element of his past. As much as he hurts (and justifies hurting) his dog, a genuine connection to a living being is somewhat good for Lex, even if he is physically incapable of actually naming his supposedly beloved dog.
As for Krypto, it’s amazing how much emotion Norton and colorist Ian Herring can get out of a pure white pup. A glance at Krypto in this issue is more than enough to see his diminishing sense of comfort and safety, and it’s heartbreaking to see. Even his acts of rebellion feel as emotional as Lex’s constant monologuing. As hard as it is to see a dog suffering this much, it makes it easy to root for his eventual escape.
DC Comics
Lucas Gattoni’s lettering remains a crucial element of The Last Dog of Krypton, though it is easily overlooked. The faded gray text makes it easy to understand Krypto’s perspective, even if there is never actually a chance to fully dive into his head. It’s a painstaking attention to detail, but every harsh black text is enough to remind anyone of the moments when black text was actually good in this comic. Unfortunately, those days are long behind Krypton’s best friend.
The coloring is also certainly something worth noting, as it’s interesting to see the flashes of cold and bitter greys quickly evolve into the bright hot red that Lex’s plan demands. The shading on Krypto’s fur is also impressive, giving depth to a character that could easily have come off as a blob of furry white puff.
This is not necessarily the greatest comic on the market, nor is it going to leave much of an impression on most readers. Still, it is fun for what it is, which is a somewhat ridiculous concept about Krypto the Superdog. Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton probably won’t be winning any Eisners (though you never know!), but it is hard not to love a comic about a good-hearted dog who just wants to find his way in the world. Any dog lover will adore this book, and anyone who isn’t already a dog lover isn’t going to be picking it up in the first place.
You must be logged in to post a comment.