Book Review: The Last Days of Krypton

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Last Days of Krypton     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Kevin J. Anderson
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction   Superman
Eos, Oct 2007, $25.95

Jor-El is the greatest scientist that Krypton has ever known, but few of his discoveries are approved by Commissioner Dru-Zod of the Commission for Technology Acceptance. The Kryptonian Council is insular and fears new technology could be made into a weapon of mass destruction. Thus society stagnates while space travel is forbidden and other creative theories outlawed using the patriotic rationalization that Krypton is perfect.

When the alien Donodon lands, he and Jor-El become friends from the onset; however an accident happens and the alien dies. The Kryptonian Council blames Jor-El and intends to send him to prison for murder, but Brainiac shrinks the capital city of Kandor taking it with him in a bottle. Zod takes advantage of the power vacuum and the fears of the people to get them to follow his leadership. He uses Jor-El to gain weapons in exchange for scientific research. Jor-El saves the planet from a comet, but his actions make Zod realize the peaceful scientist could be a threat to his plans.

THE LAST DAYS OF KRYPTON is a journey into an advanced but stultified culture in which political agendas stifle science and technology from advancing. The story line focuses on a hero Jor-El who with his wife Lara and brother Zor-El of Argo City put the people’s need before their own. Although the action is somewhat limited by the insight into Krypton society especially Zod’s personal agenda to stifle science from interfering with his plans, fans of Superman will appreciate the interesting look at his biological parents.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner