Story Title: Last Son part one
Reviewed by: Mathan “I want my Black Pete Ross!!!!!!!!!” Erhardt
Written by: Geoff Johns & Richard Donner
Penciled & Inked by: Adam Kubert
Colored by: Dave Stewart
Lettered by: Rob Leigh
Editor: Matt Idelson
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins with Kal tinkering with his kryptonian crystal (not a euphemism) in the Fortress of Solitude. He has a heart to heart with his pops Jor about this time on Earth and the future of Kryptonian culture.
After that we’re at the Daily Planet where Perry is yelling at Jimmy about his lack of quality Superman pics. Perry goes on and on about the good old days. Clark spots a UFO about to land in Metropolis and rushes off to save the day. Inside is a stark naked kid, who speaks Kryptonese!
Kal drops the kid off at the Department of Metahuman Affairs and develops a bond because of the, y’know, “rocketed to Earth” thing. Clark then checks up on Lois, because they’re married and all, plus he’s pondering taking the kid in and that’s really a couple’s decision.
The next day Kal’s excited to pay a visit to his new alien buddy. However that excitement is dampened because the kid is gone. In fact the whole DMA is cleared out. Clark’s less than happy and actually explodes into a rage. We get a glimpse at Lex in his hideout reacting to the news of a new Kryptonian on the planet.
The issue ends with Clark showing up at Ma & Pa Kent’s door with the kid in tow, asking for tips on (kryptonian) child rearing.
Johns and Donner put some pretty cool moments into this issue. The scene in the Fortress is pretty nifty. Lex’s cameo is expertly played. Every scene is very well scripted, though Perry’s speech goes on a bit too long. The scene with Kal and Lois is a nice touch, and allowing Superman to actually show rage was a bold touch, but it works. The story ends the perfect note.
I really enjoyed the art. I’ve not seen Kubert’s art since his last work at DC, so seeing how far he’s grown is pretty cool. There are some panels where you can see he’s his father’s son, but for the most part his style is all his own. The UFO landing sequence is expertly paced, and again, seeing Superman barely in control of his temper was refreshing. Stewart’s colors meld perfectly with Kubert’s art to create a visually stimulating page.
