Krypton: When I first learned that there was a comic called Krypton’s Last Dog, I was sure it was definitely aimed at children. I was a bit confused when I saw Ryan North and Mike Norton leading the project, but there was no way Crypto’s comics were serious books, right? Well, Crypto: The last dog in Crypton #2 proved that this is probably not a children’s book, but heartbreaking and well done.
However, it is important to judge this book on the cover before addressing the quality of the problem itself. By that standard it is already an extraordinary comic! The intentionally simple art style drawn by Jae Lee and June Chung means that the flow of the page is drawn in the right place right away, from the hot dog to the Crypto goofy face, to the bear trap with Rex’s other hand. This is an effective introduction to the comic that certainly lives on the premise of that promise.
However, when readers purchase on the cover, they are greeted by an immediate content warning and certainly need to be careful. Anyone who might squeal about animal abuse (of course) is likely to have already put this book away after seeing Clark’s parents send the dog alone to a rocket ship. Still, it is important to note that animal abuse does not end in problem #1. In fact, it gets worse in issue 2.
DC Comics
Crypto: When the last dog in Crypton #1 ended with Rex deeming Superman’s dog as his own, it felt that the follow-up would inevitably see Crypto as Rex’s first insight into the existence of Crypton and Steel’s people. Instead, North and Norton made their predictable routes much lower and offered more insight into Rex’s character.
It naturally exposed his immortal ambitions, his inner cruelty, and his self-righteousness, but it also revealed more complicated elements of his past. As much as he hurts (and justifies hurting) a dog, his true connection with the dog is a bit good for Rex, even if he can’t actually name it his beloved dog.
When it comes to Crypto, the emotions Norton and colorist Ian Haring can get out of a pure white puppy are amazing. A glance at Crypto in this issue is more than enough to see his loss of comfort and safety, and it is heartbreaking to see. Even his acts of rebellion feel as emotional as Rex’s constant monologue. It’s hard to see a dog suffer so much, so it’s easy to eradicate his final escape.
DC Comics
Lucas Gatoni’s lettering remains an important element of Crypton’s Last Dog, but is easily overlooked. Faded gray text makes it easy to understand Crypto’s perspective, even if you don’t actually have the chance to jump completely into his head. It’s a painstaking note of details, but all the harsh black text is enough to remind anyone of the moments in this comic that black text actually is good. Unfortunately those days are long behind Crypton’s best friend.
Also, it’s interesting to see the cold and bitter grey flashes evolve into the bright hot red that Rex’s plans demand, so the coloring is certainly worth noting. The shading of Crypto’s fur is also impressive, giving the character a depth that could easily be removed as a chunk of furry white puffs.
This isn’t necessarily the greatest comic on the market and I don’t intend to leave a lot of impression on most readers. Still, it’s fun to see what it is. This is a rather ridiculous concept about Crypto the Superdog. Crypto: The last dog of Crypton probably won’t win Eisner (though you’ll never know!), but it’s hard not to love comics about heartfelt dogs who want to find their way in the world. Dog lovers adore this book. And no one who isn’t a dog lover yet is planning on picking it up in the first place.
“Crypto: The Last Dog of Crypton” #2 continues to be the best friend of the man
Crypto: The Last Dog of Crypton #2
This isn’t necessarily the greatest comic on the market and I don’t intend to leave a lot of impression on most readers. Still, it’s fun to see what it is. This is a rather ridiculous concept about Crypto the Superdog. Crypton, the last dog in Crypto, doesn’t necessarily have an Eisner, but it’s hard not to love comics about heartfelt dogs who want to find their way in the world. Dog lovers adore this book. And no one who isn’t a dog lover yet is planning on picking it up in the first place.
Instead of diving into predictability, Ryan North introduced some interesting twists.
It’s difficult to not love Crypto, despite him suffering so much under Rex.
This is a book about alien dogs. Even if it’s fun, there’s not much material here.
