You have to give DC credit for taking risks.They've pulled Superman out of his regular titles (Superman and Action Comics) and isolated him in this maxi-series.
Here's the story: the bottle city of Kandor has been returned to normal size, and a new planet has been created by the Kryptonians and placed in orbit on the far side of the Sun from Earth. Superman has decided to take up residence on New Krypton, presumably in an effort to maintain peace between the two planets.
It's an interesting premise, but does it make for a great comic book? So far, the answer is: no.
Superman is learning about this new world, where everyone is placed into a specific class: military, science, art, labor - you get the idea. Superman is made an officer in the military (although his lack of military experience would throw that into question) and given command of a unit.
So he spends his time bucking the system, arguing with his commanding officer, General Zod, and chafing at the class system. Since he's divorced from his usual supporting cast and his own Clark Kent identity, and since he's just another citizen in Kandor (where everyone has super-powers), it's difficult to connect with the character.
Part of the problem is the art by Pete Woods. It's often difficult to tell which character is Superman, since everyone (in the military) wears the same gray uniform. But in his defense, the cityscapes and the costume designs are excellent.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment is with the citizens of Kandor. I always liked the idea of Kryptonians as an advanced race. You would expect a futuristic city to have solved problems like class warfare. But virtually everyone Superman has met is childish, racist and thuggish.
I guess you really can't go home anymore.
Grade: B-
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