World of New Krypton # 3

[Retro315]

This issue rocked!

In brief;

* Superman solved the Labor Guild dilemma with no violence and impressed Alura.
* Supergirl had his back, and Gor has been embarrassed in front of Zod.
* Gor felt the need to low blow Superman the next day.
* The Military Guild apparently has a "duel system" for this sort of thing, and Zod demands it be a legit duel.

* Superman shows once more why he's above and beyond even other Kryptonians who supposedly "are his peers".

Beyond that? Some nice bits about the day-to-day use of the super-powers. Superman's plans to kind of "subversively" prove the merits of his optimism to the stuck up Kryptonians is working, slowly but surely. He's actually impressing Zod in addition to making himself more and more of a threat to Zod.

Oh ... and Hal, John and Yat show up at the end after Superman has trounced Gor in hand-to-hand combat, ready to do some talking about New Krypton and it's status in the scheme of Green Lantern and Sector 2814 business ...

Now, my questions ...

Firstly - Supergirl is back on New Krypton (no doubt "between" arcs in Supergirl). I'm sure the overlap will be easy to figure out once "Superwoman" is over in that book ... that's not my problem. My problem is, and I know there isn't much time to do it, but they'd make time - at this point does Superman know that Lucy Lane is Superwoman, and if so ... how's a guy handle that? My sister-in-law is out killing people with superpowers like mine and wearing my symbol to do it ...

Secondly ... shouldn't Ursa be getting back by now? (It occurs to me that Ursa's black bag operation could last a while, since she wouldn't want to return empty-handed and would make a nice recurring thorn-in-the-side for Action.

Cannot wait for next issue and the political overload we're going to get between Zod, Alura, Superman, Supergirl, Hal, John and Yat ...

Rucka and Robinson make a damn good team.

[Alex Smith]

Another excellent issue. Anyone know if it's 12 or 15? Last issue said 15, this one didn't have any number.

Anyway, seeing Superman fight all Batman/Karate Kid was excellent. Can't wait for next issue.

Edit: I didn't really like the cover, though. I know I like a thin Superman, but Zod just seemed a bit off, to me.

[DeadXMan]

I'm sure that somewher in the distant future Bruce's ears are burning.

My chef complainet is this should be in the regular series.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Thus far, this whole story has been much better than I expected it to be given my general dislike of Robinson & Rucka's recent writing, but this has been very entertaining.

Kryptonian society has been given a level of depth never seen before by incorporating elements from virtually every incarnation of the planet.

Zod is shaping up to be far more than the one-note moustach-twirler he's usually portrayed as.

And Superman is being portrayed as Superman, regardless of where he's at.

[Sanlear]

Another excellent issue. Anyone know if it's 12 or 15? Last issue said 15, this one didn't have any number.. It's a 12 issue series. Didio has confirmed that the 15 on the last issue was a mistake.

Really good issue. I'm enjoying this series alot so far.

[ĐØМ]

I liked that Superman has learned how to fight, it's nice to know he doesn't have to always rely on his powers. GLC next issue, that should be fun. I wonder, would the Oans want to recruit a Kryptonian? I know they're part of Sector 2814 now, but one of them would make a formidable Lantern.

[Mat001]

Now, my questions ...

Firstly - Supergirl is back on New Krypton (no doubt "between" arcs in Supergirl). I'm sure the overlap will be easy to figure out once "Superwoman" is over in that book ... that's not my problem. My problem is, and I know there isn't much time to do it, but they'd make time - at this point does Superman know that Lucy Lane is Superwoman, and if so ... how's a guy handle that? My sister-in-law is out killing people with superpowers like mine and wearing my symbol to do it ...

Well, two things here. Lucy being Superwoman might be a red herring. The other is even though they've brought back the triangles, Supergirl's title just flows one right into the other and doesn't blend in with the Superman books as readily. So I place the Supergirl issues back-to-back before the Superman books during this arc. That way, Clark doesn't know yet and Kara's story can follow it's own run. I'd say that right now, Clark doesn't know and Kara is probably waiting to tell him.

Secondly ... shouldn't Ursa be getting back by now? (It occurs to me that Ursa's black bag operation could last a while, since she wouldn't want to return empty-handed and would make a nice recurring thorn-in-the-side for Action.

Considering she hasn't succeeded and just got her butt handed to her, I'd say that she's going to be staying on Earth until she's done.

[KandouErik]

Finally - seeing this issue - maybe Supergirl's mother will finally start to see how crazy she's become.

[RunningWithJuanPablo]

Another splendid issue and I now wonder just what may be going through Zod's head as Superman continues to succeed and shine in New Krypton. I really like how we get to see some of the problems of New Krypton society regarding the guilds and how "change" is on the horizon. That's so 2009. ;p Anyways, who was Superman refering to when he said he was taught hand-to-hand combat by someone on Earth?

[Doc Goblin]

I have never enjoyed a Superman title as much as I enjoy this one. It's such a surprise because I wasn't looking forward to it at all when it was announced. But then Kreisberg got switched out for Rucka/Robinson and they're blowing me away.

I'm really interested in all these supporting cast members. They all seem like they have interesting things going on in their own rights. Like Clark's Red Shard unit and Tyr-Van. I hope there a plans to explore them more.

The portrayal of Zod is pretty great too. We know he's a villain, but he's not two-dimensional. It was great seeing him actually take Clark's side on how to handle the hostage situation. He's up to no good, but he's not being stupid and petty.

The only thing I didn't care for the was fight with Gor. I did like that Gor got his butt handed to him and that Clark was a better fighter. But Clark busting out with those kung fu/nerve point moves was a little too much for me.

[Retro315]

Another splendid issue and I now wonder just what may be going through Zod's head as Superman continues to succeed and shine in New Krypton. I really like how we get to see some of the problems of New Krypton society regarding the guilds and how "change" is on the horizon. That's so 2009. ;p Anyways, who was Superman refering to when he said he was taught hand-to-hand combat by someone on Earth?

Supes said "the best practitioner of martial arts on Earth" and I assume it's Karate Kid he's talking about.

It could be an obvious Batman reference, but if I'm not mistaken, Batman is NOT in fact the greatest martial artist on Earth, there are several better. Richard Dragon, for starters ... and then many competitors like Lady Shiva, and so forth, before you even get into "super-powered" martial artists like Deathstroke. Batman is the pinnacle of human conditioning and is a master of several martial arts, but the reason why he's the "peak human" has as much to do with his mind, detective skills, morals and dedication as it does his top notch skills.

I'll go with Karate Kid until Greg Rucka tells me otherwise personally ... (and Rucka being as huge of a Denny O'Neill era Question fan as he is and writing Dragon himself, would know intimately well who's the top kung fu master in the DCU).

I liked the two-fingered kung-fu nerve points. If you're Superman and have nigh unbreakable fingers ... might as well bust them out.

[AllisterH]

Can't be Karate Kid.

The Kid was 1) Born in the Legion's timeframe and 2) was never born on Earth to my knowledge...

[RunningWithJuanPablo]

Supes said "the best practitioner of martial arts on Earth" and I assume it's Karate Kid he's talking about.

It could be an obvious Batman reference, but if I'm not mistaken, Batman is NOT in fact the greatest martial artist on Earth, there are several better. Richard Dragon, for starters ... and then many competitors like Lady Shiva, and so forth, before you even get into "super-powered" martial artists like Deathstroke. Batman is the pinnacle of human conditioning and is a master of several martial arts, but the reason why he's the "peak human" has as much to do with his mind, detective skills, morals and dedication as it does his top notch skills.

I'll go with Karate Kid until Greg Rucka tells me otherwise personally ... (and Rucka being as huge of a Denny O'Neill era Question fan as he is and writing Dragon himself, would know intimately well who's the top kung fu master in the DCU).

I liked the two-fingered kung-fu nerve points. If you're Superman and have nigh unbreakable fingers ... might as well bust them out.

Excellent explanation. I had initially thought it may have been a Batman reference, but you've shown me that it could be a number of people. Thanks.

[Karl O'Neill]

Good issue, I am not sure if i love the pacing of this mini so far. It seems a bit fluffed out with talking heads when I want to see punching heads more

Great art by pete woods.

And of course, GL's showing up at the end was fun.

Looking forward to next issue and still very much intrigued with New Krypton.

G O R(commander) is such an idiot. loved seeing superman knock him around with zod as the ref.

[Retro315]

Can't be Karate Kid.

The Kid was 1) Born in the Legion's timeframe and 2) was never born on Earth to my knowledge...

Fair enough ... it does say "Earth's greatest proponent" ... specifically. But that doesn't mean it's gotta be Bats ...

Although that being said ... Superman also says "hand-to-hand combat" and not "martial arts".

But there's still plenty of options besides just Batman. It's impossible to say either way ... it could've been a "nice, subtle moment, remembering Batman", or it could've just been a hint that Superman's friendship with all the random super-heroes of the world has some perks and sometime in his past he's hung out with one of the many other top combatants in the DCU and learned a thing or two. (Although Batman would be the most likely to be like "Hey, Superman, listen ... your powers get stripped sometimes ... we better teach you some choke holds, pressure points and armbars just in case ...".

[Karl O'Neill]

I instantly though batman.

[Alex Smith]

I'm not sure how much training Superman has done with Batman, actually. I'm sure it's happened, but I dont' recall reading it ever. I do know, however, that he's trained with Karate Kid, who is known for the whole pressure point thing. Hard to say, with the "death" of batman so recent it was probably an homage to him.

[CYOTI]

It's Batman. Him training Superman has always been a background thing though never specifically shown.

[Karl O'Neill]

Love the Green lantern's appearance at the end.

Always bring sodam yat. That guy is powerful. I totally dig all the attention yat is getting lately in GLC and his upcoming superman appearance where he will meet Mon el.

[Vidocq]

It is Batman, it was shown that he trained him early on (Dick was still Robin) in The second Superman/Batman annual where he lost his powers, at the time it seemed that forever. So i'm sticking with Batman, unless someone quotes an issue with someone else training Superman.

[Peter Woods]

For the record- I figured it was Bruce as well- in fact I tried to stylize the cracks in the wall to subtly hint at a Bat logo behind Kal. The script doesn't actually say however,so I may have gotten it wrong...

[Retro315]

For the record- I figured it was Bruce as well- in fact I tried to stylize the cracks in the wall to subtly hint at a Bat logo behind Kal. The script doesn't actually say however,so I may have gotten it wrong...

Aha! So it is. That's a nice, subtle visual cue. And the smirk kind of lends itself to a memory of Batman as well.

It's easy enough to say all answers are true. He was fondly remembering working with Batman, but the style reminiscent of Karate Kid is true too - Superman has of course, picked up some moves from various combat masters he's met through the years.

Everybody wins.

[Will.S]

You know, I wasn't the least bit interested in the World of Krypton stuff but I decided to finally give it a chance and bought the first 2 issues the day before and really enjoyed them.

Regarding this issue, I thought this advanced the story in a nice and even pace and the characters were portrayed very well especially Zod and Superman. I also liked the whole political angle with the Labor guild which has been progressing nicely so all the world building and details remain to be among the most interesting aspects. I think the story could still move a little faster but with the Green Lantern part things should be ramping up soon.

Great Pete Woods art as usual although I'm still not sure if the whole pencil shading with quite works since it seems to clash with Pete's usual clean artwork and Brad Anderson's colors and it seems a bit random at times in its usage but that's just a minor nitpick.

8.5/10

[Tra-EL]

As reference to the hand to hand combat, as a DC reader, and Batman being his buddy, and a big part of the JL, even though it could be others, Batman's your guy, hands down.

As far as the issue goes, loved it. I've been loving this whole New Krpyton/WONK ark, and it seems to get better and better as far as understanding and characterization is concerned.

We are seeing a more sincere and fair (if you want to call it that) side of Zod that is making the character more enjoyable, and with the addition of KAL making a difference, maybe it'll change the whole mindset of New Krypton and Zods intentions all together. We will see, but its shaping up quite nicely.

[Karl O'Neill]

Just checked that panel now peter!

You can see the batman ears in the wall so to speak. That's a cool visual.

[iamboredr]

this is a drag i lost track of the story line

[ĐØМ]

For the record- I figured it was Bruce as well- in fact I tried to stylize the cracks in the wall to subtly hint at a Bat logo behind Kal. The script doesn't actually say however,so I may have gotten it wrong...

Nice! That's a neat visual cue, even if it wasn't Bruce he was talking about ( I thought it was him, myself).

[Mat001]

Clark has learned some things from Batman, Karate Kid, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Mongul Jr., during the course of his life. So he knows a thing or two about fighting. He may not be on par with their combat skills, but he's no slouch either. He's come a long way from when he fought Doomsday by just throwing punches.

[Bruce Castle]

Here's a review of the issue:

James Robinson and Greg Rucka, the writers of Superman and Action Comics respectively, team up each month on a third Superman title – World of New Krypton. As I’m sure you know by now, WoNK is the only of the Superman titles actually starring Superman at this time, but as luck would have it, it’s also the most consistently impressive of them.

You can read the rest here:

http://readrant.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/review-superman-world-of-new-krypton-3/

Please, check it out!

[dupersuper]

Clark has learned some things from Batman, Karate Kid, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Mongul Jr., during the course of his life. So he knows a thing or two about fighting. He may not be on par with their combat skills, but he's no slouch either. He's come a long way from when he fought Doomsday by just throwing punches.

He's also mentioned learning from boxers he's talked to as a reporter, and I remember him teaching Will Payton some tricks long before his Bats/WW/Mongul training made him such a formidable fighter.

[Retro315]

He's also mentioned learning from boxers he's talked to as a reporter, and I remember him teaching Will Payton some tricks long before his Bats/WW/Mongul training made him such a formidable fighter.

Hell yeah!

In fact, Muhammed Ali beat him with no super-powers! There was a great teacher.

[Pinnacle]

Great issue in my opinion. I'm, like many of you, loving the exploration of Kryptonian culture in this series.

Zod's portrayed very well. Villain but complicated as all great villains are.

And I think the reference was to Batman. It was my first thought as I believe it was of most fans. And the stoic look on Zod's face was priceless. I also believed he used some moves he learned from Karate Kid as well though.

I'm anxious to see what the next issue is about, and I'm really glad Hal and John brought Sodam Yat with them. It shows they came prepared (which is how they should be portrayed).

[carabas]

It says proponent, not opponent. Very large difference. And this is Greg Rucka co-writing this.
I'd say it is far more likely to refer to Wonder Woman than to Batman.

Excellent issue. Best one so far.

[Booma151676]

Superman: World of New Krypton is getting really good along with Action Comics and the liitle bit weaker Superman title. I think it is cool to see some new characters and Superman in a world where he is just like everyone else ans so it is nice that Batman taught him some moves. I am loving that Rucka and Robinson brought in the Green Lanterns and I am curious to see what happens next.

Also, Howard Chaykin's variant cover is pretty damn cool.

[G. Wayne]

I'm enjoying the series. Just curious, anyone else interested in seeing Superman and Zod in a "team-up" against somethingerother threatening New Krypton?

[Toonimator]

It says proponent, not opponent. Very large difference. And this is Greg Rucka co-writing this.
I'd say it is far more likely to refer to Wonder Woman than to Batman.
"Proponent" rather than "opponent" doesn't make it any more likely to be Wonder Woman than Batman. Neither of them are "opponents" of hand-to-hand combat.

As for Zod & Kal teaming up to avert some threat to New Krypton, I'd be surprised if we DIDN'T see that before this is over.

I really wonder what Zod's game is... Kal keeps dropping lines that he knows Zod's up to something, etc, but Zod keeps playing innocent. And in this issue, you've got Kal saying something like "Well, if the Labor Guild kills me at least you won't have to worry about me any more" and Zod replies "Is that what you think?" Of course, in his mind "...cause you're RIGHT!" could've come right after that, but maybe his goals aren't quite so sinister. Or, rather, he doesn't view Kal as an obstacle/enemy. Although he did realize Gor was the one disobeying orders and trying to assassinate a guy who had peacefully stood down, and merely told him off rather than officially reprimanding him.

[carabas]

"Proponent" rather than "opponent" doesn't make it any more likely to be Wonder Woman than Batman. Neither of them are "opponents" of hand-to-hand combat.I have no idea what this means.

Zod's plan? First take over New Krypton, then take over a real planet. I don't see what else it could be.

[Toonimator]

I have no idea what this means.

Well, from what you said here:
It says proponent, not opponent. Very large difference. And this is Greg Rucka co-writing this.
I'd say it is far more likely to refer to Wonder Woman than to Batman.

it seems like you're relating the "very large difference" between proponent & opponent and the fact Greg Rucka is co-writing it to a greater likelihood that it's Wonder Woman, not Batman.

[carabas]

Well, from what you said here:Well, I still have no idea what an 'opponent of hand-to-hand combat' is.



it seems like you're relating the "very large difference" between proponent & opponent and the fact Greg Rucka is co-writing it to a greater likelihood that it's Wonder Woman, not Batman.
Proponent and opponent have extrememy different definitions.

And Rucka never did write Batman as the Batgod, master of everything, or even master lartial artist. He did write Wonder Woman as someone who could take Superman when she was holding back, and the rest of the JLA, blindfolded. He was more into the detective angle.

When Rucka describes someone as Earth's greatest proponent (advocate, adherent, champion...), I kinda doubt he's talking about Batman.

[Toonimator]

Well, your confusion is my confusion, too. Why did you even bring "opponent" up in the first place? Unless I missed a message you were replying to, I don't see why the "very large difference between proponent and opponent" was even mentioned. I guess i'm not explaining it very well...

Clark says he was taught by the greatest proponent of hand-to-hand combat on Earth, or words to that effect. With you bringing up proponent vs opponent, apparently as evidence supporting your WW theory, I just replaced "proponent" with "opponent" in what Clark said to show how that doesn't favor either WW or Batman anymore than "proponent" would. The fact that "opponent of hand-to-hand combat" is pretty much nonsense isn't the point, I was just trying to figure out how the difference between the two was at all a factor in your belief that Clark was referring to WW instead of Bats.

[carabas]

Unless I missed a message you were replying to...Well, quite a lot of posts were going on and on abou who might be the greatest hand-to-hand opponenet early on.

My biggest argument is how, admittedly subjecitive, Rucka views Batman and Wonder Woman.

[Den]

One of the best minis I've read in a long time. I'm really impressed with the creative team's work, and finding myself looking forward to the next issue.

[eggie]

I have enjoyed the first 3 issues of World of New Krypton and am looking forward to what will happen next with the GL Corps! I thinks its interesting seeing the interaction between Kal and Zod...I know Zod is still a villian, but this series is giving him so much more depth than he has ever had before which can only be a good thing.

[Kage Kisaragi]

I have a few questions about this story arc. Some of it isn't relevent though. Since i've been out of the loop for awhile when it comes to Supergirl and Superman

1.) Is Cat Grant the character who was supposed to be Chloe Sullivan like from Smallville?

2.) If she isn't why does she look so much like Chloe?

3.) Why do writers feel they need to continue bring up things that are better left alone. I speak of Zor-El's questioning Kara about the earlier issues of Supergirl, and the stories there contained. They didn't need more reflection, and Kelly's stories despite their nature came to a explained end no matter how much people feel they were a cop out or were silly. Not to mention the character was rebooted some what again when the next writer came along with their uh interrpretation of the character.

[Mat001]

I have a few questions about this story arc. Some of it isn't relevent though. Since i've been out of the loop for awhile when it comes to Supergirl and Superman

1.) Is Cat Grant the character who was supposed to be Chloe Sullivan like from Smallville?

No. Chole was supposed to be brought into the book, during Kurt Busiek's run. But word came down that she couldn't be used and so Busiek had to rewrite Superman #674 or 675, I think it was, to exclude her. Cat is as she was in the early days.

2.) If she isn't why does she look so much like Chloe?

She isn't. Gary Frank just updated her look to make her look different from her last appearences a few years ago.

3.) Why do writers feel they need to continue bring up things that are better left alone. I speak of Zor-El's questioning Kara about the earlier issues of Supergirl, and the stories there contained. They didn't need more reflection, and Kelly's stories despite their nature came to a explained end no matter how much people feel they were a cop out or were silly. Not to mention the character was rebooted some what again when the next writer came along with their uh interrpretation of the character.

Sterling Gates, Geoff Johns and James Robinson sat down and cleared everything up because it was too confusing. Johns, Busiek, Mark Waid and Tony Berard (sp) wrote Kara in a different way from what Jeph Loeb and Joe Kelly. They needed to redo things to make it all fall in line with what's going on in the Superman books now. That includes getting past Kara's parental issues since the two of them were going to be a part of "Brainiac" and "New Krypton". Kelly Puckett's run started to clear things up, but without much explaination. Gates and Johns needed to go further in order to have things tie-in more closely, while still making sure that everything that came before was not ignored.

[Solaris01]

I'm enjoying the series. Just curious, anyone else interested in seeing Superman and Zod in a "team-up" against somethingerother threatening New Krypton?

That'd be awesome!

Oh, and the issue rocked. Supes' characterization is spot on, plus is great to see that he can be really smart, and a good fighter without his powers. :cool:

One thing I'd love to see is to know how Superman is feeling inside; ya know, being away from Lois (his beloved wife) and Ma Kent. I'm sure he misses them a lot.. right?

Keep up the good work, and the strong storytelling. I have such high hopes for these series. So much potential!

[Karl O'Neill]

It's a great series, Okay I said it was a bit slow, but now that i have re read it I see all the detail in the writing and I love it.