Superman: Last Son by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner

Johns, Geoff and Richard Donner. Artist, Adam Kubert. Superman: Last Son DC Comics, 2006 ISBN 978-1-4012-1343-5

Plot

Superman, has grown up thinking that he is the last Son of Krypton, but he is in for a surprise. A young boy crashes into downtown Metropolis in a pod. Scientists take him right away to find out where and what he is. Everyone soon realizes that the boy possess super powers. When the boy speaks, Superman is shocked to find out the boy is speaking Kryptonese. Superman takes it upon himself to take care of the child, he quickly becomes attached to him and discusses with Lewis about adoption. They name him Christopher Kent which the boy is vey excited about since he has grown to love the both of them. Meanwhile, in the planet Krypton, three prisoners have escaped from the Phantom Zone, Non, Ursa, and Jor-E (General Zod). These three criminals were banishes for crimes of treason never to be released again. General Zod and Ursa are looking for there child, Christopher and will stop at nothing to get him back. A battle ensues between those from the Phantom Zone and those of the Justice League. Superman must try to save Metropolis and Christopher at the same time.

Critical evaluation

The plot line as well as the illustrations are clever and unique in the Superman genre. The best thing about the graphic novel are the 3-D glasses that come with it. When Superman is in the Phantom Zone, the pages are in 3-D so the reader is experiencing it the same way the protagonist is. The graphics follow great with the story line, when there is no evil present the colors are bright but when there is it becomes darker. Johns gives an in depth analysis of the reason why the three main evil characters were sent to imprisonment and why Christopher was an innocent who was still locked up. He also gives a clue that Superman and Lois both want a child…maybe in the future.

Readers annotation

Superman realizes that he is not the last son of Krypton and grows fond of the boy, Christopher, but his evil parents would stop at nothing to gain him back. Criminals from the Phantom Zone crash in Metropolis and create havoc amongst its citizens and it is up to Superman and others to protect them.

Information about the Author

Superman: Last Son received a lot of hype because of Geoff Johns and Richard Donners collaboration.

Genre

Graphic Novel - Superhero

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking ideas

1) First person narrative of Christopher – different world, evil parents, who he wants to stay with

Reading level/interest age

13 and up

Why book included?

The title was luring.