Written by Greg Rucka and James Robinson
Penciled by Pete Woods
Cover by Gary Frank
Hal Jordan, Jon Stewart, and Sodam Yat arrive on New Krypton with special orders from the Guardians to recover any vital information about the lifestyles on the planet. Hal questions Superman about General Zod being able to hold such a high stature but Superman asks him to keep the trust in him.
Zod recalls fighting with Hal Jordan on his first arrival back on Earth, commending him on his passion to protect his home when the threat arrives. He instructs Kal to go with his "labor guild friend" Tyr-Van and show them around as there is nothing on New Krypton to hide from anyone.
Tyr explains to the Green Lanterns that Kandor is very similar to the Earth city Manhattan, where various cultures came together looking for new jobs and a chance at new lives. Sodam Yat seems unimpressed and Kal is quick to inform him that he is close friends with one of his own kind, Mon-El. Sodam's expression to this news is intent concern.
Once again Kal-Els time of enjoyment is interrupted with news from Zod. Thirteen of the Phantom Zone escapees have been realized and each military unit is given certain assignments for each prisoner. Commander El's unit, the Red Shard, is instructed to stay behind in support rather than go in for combat until Zod deems them ready. He encourages Kal-El to show the Green Lanterns how criminals are dealt with on New Krypton.
On their continued tour, Hal notices a an armada of battleships being constructed. Kal was oblivious to these doings and inquires with Tyr-Van. Tyr explains that the ships are there only for defense should they be needed.
One of the fugitives Val-Ty also known as Greyline, causes an explosion and the Red Shard unit as well as the Green Lanterns pursue him. Hals ring notes that this man is on Oa's most wanted list for past crimes. Zod orders for his death but Commander El interjects and tells his team to capture Val and hand him over to the Corps.
As the Green Lantern Corps attempts to leave with Val, Zod arrives and is angered, stating that OA has no extradition rights on New Krypton. Hal argues back but Jon Stewart tells him to calm down and leave him here for now to avoid further conflict. Hal sarcastically snaps back before leaving, "Nice home you've got here, Kal."
Zod keeps his word and doesn't harm Val-Ty. Though all seems well he orders that Commander El and Nar be put under arrest for treason.
Story:
The story continues to move forward at steady pace. Each issue has ended with an interesting cliffhanger that keeps me in anticipation of the next. Issue 4 is no different. The Green Lantern Corps coming in to check on the lifestyle of the Kryptonians is a good set up for things to come. Hal obviously isn't happy with General Zod but he puts enough trust in his friend, Kal-El, to keep things in order. It will be interesting to see what the treason charge is exactly, and how Superman plans to get out of this one
Art:
I wasn't too pleased with Pete Woods art in the first few issues, the lines around his figures seemed to bold. It seems like he is really coming into the book now though and his work is shinning through. I still have some issues with the facial features of his Superman, but its nothing that takes me out of the story. He does extremely well with the big action pieces which makes up for any other minor dislikes.
Cover Art:
Very dynamic. Seeing this cover alone I would pick it up expecting a good read. Its a bit misleading though as we never get to see Hal and Kal (clever rhyming, no?) duke it out. The color palette for the background is a nice switch up. We've been treated to more blues for the past covers but here is a nice warm orange. Another great cover by Gary Frank. After this story is finished, I would love to see an oversized book with all of Gary's covers and maybe some sketches and inside info on his creation of them.
Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:51PM 
