When I first heard that DC was developing Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton, I assumed that it would be a book aimed at younger readers. Krypto would solve one-off crimes, save some children, and maybe befriend dogs around the galaxy. I imagined something akin to DC’s League of Super Pets or Bolt. I did not expect a book that would include a content warning instructing readers to have “someone to hug nearby.”
In Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4, Ryan North, Mike Norton, Ian Herring, and Ferran Delgado came together to create a truly devastating issue. In doing so, they continue the legacy of a book that has been as surprising as it is effective. From the very moment that Superman’s parents banished Krypto to the depths of the universe, this book has taken a heartwarming premise and twisted it on its head.
It’s difficult not to see the lengths that Herring goes to with the color in this issue. The bright tones early on help speak to a potential change in Krypto’s fortunes after three straight issues of suffering. Even the relatively somber shot of Krypto cuddling his newfound friend feels warm in its darkness. It stands out sharply against the relatively pale and lifeless panel that sees the two reprising that very same pose later in the issue.
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The creators also did an amazing job at setting Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4 apart by easily defining the relationship with the two dogs in a breathtakingly short amount of time. It takes just five pages to get the reader buying into their friendship, and it is truly a relief just to see Krypto finally happy for once.
The slow revelation about Krypto’s powers is also a welcome element of this book. Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #3 introduced some of the first hints at his abilities, but seeing them in full force helps to reintroduce the character to the audience. This may not have the same goofy tone as Krypto’s characterization in James Gunn’s Superman, but that difference only helps to set this new (yet classic) take on Krypto apart.
Unfortunately, the revelation was somewhat stripped by the cover. Anyone trying to imagine how a relatively powerless Krypto would take down this seemingly unstoppable foe is forced to think about the cover, which features Krypto shooting laser beams at the sky as birds circle him. It’s an amazing cover, but it does betray a powerful moment.
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The various child characters in this issue were somewhat interchangeable, but it is hard to criticize North for it. They were nothing more than caricatures, which was intentional. Krypto is left to be a guardian for people that he knows nothing about, which is something that will follow him for the rest of his life. These characters don’t necessarily need much depth, and North made the right decision by electing to leave them relatively undefined as individuals.
It is notable, however, that the villain of the issue does draw from a classic Superman antagonist. Without giving away too much about that enemy and falling into spoiler territory, this does represent a significant shift in stakes from the rest of this book.
As opposed to more down-to-earth threats, this is a return to Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1‘s style, which saw an entire world falling apart as Krypto is sent rocketing off into space. The threats to the world are slowly being defined through Krypto’s journey, and it is an interesting way to foreshadow his master’s own adventures.
DC
Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4 is not a perfect issue, of course. To a certain extent, a reader eventually reaches the point where they are forced to demand that something good happens for this poor puppy. It is becoming somewhat inconceivable that Krypto could even continue to push on to find Clark Kent when he has seen this much horror in such a short period of time.
It’s an emotional experience to be kicked in the face with every turn of the page, but the constant depressing atmosphere in Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton makes the lighter moments feel less like levity and more like an intermission before the next tragic beat. It feels impossible to enjoy Krypto’s friendship to its fullest because the rug always seems to be mere moments from being pulled. This could have worked perfectly without four issues of tragedy leading up to it, but the twist is painfully predictable (especially given the content warning).
It’s hard not to enjoy Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton, and Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4 continues to prove that this is an impressive comic that continues to defy expectations. It is certainly worth reading, even if the creators desperately need to offer this good dog a happy ending.
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