Written By: Kurt Busiek
Pencils By: Rick Leonardi
Coloring By: Brad Anderson
Lettering By: Comicraft
Edited By: Matt Idelson
Associate Editor: Nachie Castro
Cover By: Stanley “Artgerm” Lau
The Plot
Let’s trail back a few years to Geoff John’s literary masterpiece, Infinite Crisis. Remember how, after the crisis was complete, Superman went missing for a while? #712 of Superman brings us an untold tale of our favorite comic book superdog, Krypto, during this time. The “Grounded” story arc has been put into suspension for right now to take the time to remember one of DC’s most successful and groundbreaking series in their history. But, as the last page indicates, this isn’t a tale told in one issue.
My Awe Inspiring Opinion
I love it when writers take the time to give these big name titles a break from all of the chaos and destruction to allow for a much more light hearted story told in 22 pages. Krypto has never been my favorite DC character in the Superman family, but every time he’s included, it’s genius.
I’m a huge lover of dogs. They are some of the most expressive animals on the planet. You can tell when they are upset, sad, angry, or happy. There’s never a grey area with them, you just know! Rick Leonardi took extra special care in showing Krypto’s excitement when anything in air would fly by, followed by an immediate disappointment when it turned out not to be his Kryptonian master.
My favorite aspect about this issue was, in fact, the lack of dialogue. (wait,what?) That’s pretty unusual for me, I understand that, but the issue didn’t really need it. Dialogue was only used minimally to help serve as reminders of the events that transpired during this time, but was also irrelevant to the book’s emotional center.
Being an artist myself, I simply love comics where the story’s focus is driven by the artwork, and Leonardi does this in fine style. Along with the great coloring work by Anderson and inking by Sibal, the unique style was the perfect touch to give this issue that edge it needed over the rest of the comics that have come out this month. I would dare say that this issue was a much needed break for the haters of the “grounded” arc.
My Majestically Climactic Conclusion
Without saying very much, I give this issue a very high rating due to its originality and creativity in how it involved Krypto. You’ll burn through this issue faster than most others, but I’ll bet you everything I own that you enjoy it more than all the rest.
10 out of 10
+ 1 incentive point.
