Review: Superman World of New Krypton #4

Superman: World of New Krypton #4

Well, it was bound to happen - the Green Lantern Corps had to get involved, especially with Blackest Night coming up. You can't just set up a new planet and expect the universal police force to go "whatever"...

Hal Jordan, Jon Stewart, and Sodam Yat arrive on New Krypton for a fact finding mission from the Guardians. How weird, though. I mean, can't they use telescopes? Secretly, my theory: you know the Guardians sent Hal to stir up trouble, Stewart because he destroys planets (Mosaic), and Sodam as a reminder that there are other races out there as powerful as the Kryptonians. Sneaky blue guys.

Zod shows up, verbal barbs shot out and parried, the Green Lanterns are welcomed with open arms. This gives us readers more of a plausible reason for explanations of how things work on New Krypton - which is nice.

Zod pulls Kal-El to go over his new assignment - not capturing the 13 renegade Kryptonians that were used the last time they tried to take over Earth. Kal-El wants a more active role in the capture, Zod says nuh-uh. Methinks Zod is up to something, if not only to show "I'm Superman's Boss"

Oh, good, Zod is building an armada of spaceships in plain sight - "a need for defensive readiness". Hal balks, Kal-El at least is honest with saying he doesn't know what to say.

Explosions. Kryptonian fugitive #1 spotted. Cue "Bad Boys" music. Green Lanterns also have a warrant out for this guy. Cue "Buddy Cop Internal Strife" music. Zod chimes in on a secure channel for Kal-El's #2 radio - ice him. Hal's ring picked it up, Kal-El heard it as well.

Kal-El says to belay that order? And instead, Kal-El's #2 listens and captures the fugitive? And they say this over a public channel? What are they - five? Pretend to kill him, yet he lives. Use code words. Nope, not here. Guess what that is... TREASON!

Too bad the Green Lanterns had already left, Hal being disgusted that they weren't able to extradite him. Jon Stewart reminds him they have no claim, and he's still mad? So the only law that matters is the Green Law? That's pretty racist, Hal.

And at the end of the issue - Kal-El and his #2 get arrested for... well, I already said it.

Overall:
It's a fun read, with it's perks and low points. Enjoyed the manner of explaining more about New Krypton. Disappointed that the fight on the cover didn't happen anywhere in the issue - not even closely. I would have liked to have seen a fight over jurisdiction. Enjoyed the involvement of the Green Lantern Corps. Disappointed that Zod/Krypton seems to be running wild after only a few issues.

Just like watching "24", the gray areas of ethics vs. society seem to play key roles in the story, with Kal-El as a guest star. And that's pretty cool.