After Superman (2025) brought DC’s most adorable four-legged superhero back to the big screen, Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton Book provided a detailed exploration of Superman’s oldest friends. The first two issues featured Crypto on his final voyage from Crypton, then encountered his master’s ultimate enemy, Lex Luther. Now alone in the whole world, Crypto is left to his own device as Ryan North, Mike Norton, Ian Herring and Lucas Gatoni continue this inspiring story.
Like the previous two issues, Krypton’s Last Dog #3 benefits from the artworks of Mike Norton and Ian Herrin. There is no dialogue on the first four pages at all. Art tries to convey all the complicated emotions of Crypto perfectly. His total loneliness is obvious and painful, and his body language tells the entire story.
It was interesting to see the whole problem painted in the same style, but that was somewhat expected. After all, it wasn’t necessary to see bubbles of thought and dialogue appearing at any point. Even when Crypto encountered an unexpected friend, Silence could have easily told this story without resorting to words that the dog really couldn’t understand.
DC Comics
Speaking of understanding, Crypto: The last dogs in Crypton #1 and #2 utilized the clever lettering to convey Crypto’s attention and understanding, but #3 quickly broke the convention. Just like in the previous issue, I couldn’t truly separate keywords or phrases, so I drew the entire page with grey wash lettering. After all, it’s incredibly hard to believe that no dog can respond to “Good Boy”, especially after Rex spends much of #2 alternating between “good dog” and “bad dog.”
Aside from inconsistent lettering, the quality of the book remains strong. Although it shares dark quality, Crypto’s overall message and tone: The last dog in Crypton #3 is much lighter than the previous release. Crypto has found his first friend since leaving Crypton, but this is a matter that actually has a semi-hap consequence. Given that his story has been devastating to date, I hope that it is a good sign that it will come for Crypto.
North also does an amazing job of communicating major developments without making it overly obvious. One panel in particular sees Crypto making one huge leap for something like a dog, but is portrayed in an ambiguous way that guides readers to sit down and reflect on the possibilities for a while.
In a universe filled with animals talking to superheroes, this is a great break from the interests and forces that shatter the epic world, simply providing Crypto with the opportunity to become a realistic hero for change. Even if the yellow sun begins to change him, Crypto’s good heart remains at his highest quality.
DC Comics
This issue also offers a great change in pace. It ultimately gives Crypto the opportunity to meet a friendly face. He had no real allies as his family tied him to a rocket ship and sent him out into space, even if it was not intentional. Crypto: The last dog in Crypton #3 gives him much needed rest, which can be very useful as a reminder that all humans aren’t as abusive as Rex. It’s not a Superman comic, but these reminders are very necessary at times, as this is still within the Superman franchise.
Crypto: The Last Dog in Crypton #3 offers a truly emotional story, even if it’s a bit cliched. Crypto’s mission to save a little girl is a natural step towards his personality, and proves that his natural love for others continues to be a consistent part of his personality.
While fun, Crypto: Crypton #3’s Last Dog is a painful and quick read. It’s difficult to justify paying in full for a book that can be read within five minutes, but it’s still a fun experience. Anyone who has read the previous issue has more issues than the last dog of Crypton #3, especially the near future. It’s definitely worth reading, even if it doesn’t exactly match the height of previous releases. At this point it’s becoming increasingly difficult to wait for Crypto to reunite with Clark.
“Crypto: The Last Dog of Crypton” #3 is all bitten, no bark
Crypton #3’s Last Dog
It’s difficult to justify paying in full for a book that can be read within five minutes, but it’s still a fun experience. Anyone who has read the previous issue has more issues than the last dog of Crypton #3, especially the near future. It’s definitely worth reading, even if it doesn’t exactly match the height of previous releases.
Artistic quality remains consistent, fun and tells the story perfectly.
This issue provides a much-needed pace change, while also providing an emotional narrative.
This is a very quick read and is difficult to justify the full value tag.
