The Last Days of Krypton (Mass Market Paperback)

by Kevin J. Anderson (Author)
Key Phrases: seismic scanner, communication plate, big mute, Argo City, Borga City, Commissioner Zod (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
As seen on film and TV, the Phantom Zone where Superman's enemies are exiled is insubstantial and two-dimensional, much like this chronicle of the death of the cape-clad hero's home planet. Best known for sweeping space opera (the Seven Suns series; Sandworms of Dune), Anderson briskly and blandly narrates these events as if voicing a news documentary, completely removing the tension from otherwise dramatic turns of fate. After young artist Lara rescues gifted scientist Jor-El from the Zone, their courtship is lost among a host of fragmentary subplots and minor characters with names pulled straight from the acknowledgments page. Would-be dictator Zod, who twirls his mustache in mostly solitary musings for nearly half the book, disconcertingly insists on conducting the wedding before descending into tiresome megalomania. Frustrated Superman fans will wish that Anderson had instead expanded on Lara's brief private account of Zod's ascendance and Krypton's destruction. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Everyone knows how Kal-El—Superman—was sent to Earth just before his planet exploded. But what led to such a disaster? Now, in The Last Days of Krypton, Kevin J. Anderson presents a sweeping tale of the pomp and grandeur, the intrigue and passion, and the politics and betrayals of a doomed world filled with brave heroes and cruel traitors.

Against the spectacular backdrop of Krypton's waning halcyon days, there is the courtship and marriage of Kal-El's parents, the brilliant scientist Jor-El and his historian wife, Lara. Together they fight to convince a stagnant, disbelieving society that their world is about to end. Jor-El's brother, Zor-El, leader of the fabled Argo City, joins the struggle not only to save the planet but also to fight against the menace of the ruthless and cunning General Zod.

The diabolical Zod, future archenemy of Superman, avails himself of a golden opportunity to seize power when the android Brainiac captures the capital city of Kandor. As Zod's grip on the populace tightens and his power grows, he too is blind to all the signs that point to the death of the very civilization he is trying to rule.

Through all of this, Jor-El and Lara's love for each other, their history, and their son allows for Krypton to live on even as the planet is torn apart around them. For in the escape of their baby lies Krypton's greatest gift—and Earth's greatest hero.

The Last Days of Krypton is a timeless, ground-breaking exploration of a world that has never been fully defined, and reveals the extraordinary origins of a legend that has never ceased to amaze and astound generation after generation.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Harper; Reprint edition (August 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061340758
• ISBN-13: 978-0061340758
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #175,835 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book now!, October 27, 2007

By	King Tycho (Kirkland, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Days of Krypton (Hardcover)

I wasn't sure what to think when I picked this one up. Kevin J. Anderson has written a lot of books, and the ones I've read have been good, but not great. I thought his Star Wars novels seemed.... simplistic. I thought his Dune novels (at least the ones I've read) came across as unfocused, relating a series of events as opposed to a coherent story. But, I picked this one up as I'm a die hard Superman fan, after reading a couple good reviews. Wow. I was totally blown away. The book did a number of things I would have thought possible. It told a remarkable and engaging Superman story, without Superman in it. It made General Zod interesting (I have always hated that character) And it even took what I considered to be the dumbest bit of Superman lore (the bottled city of Kandor) and made it into the Superman equivalent of 9-11. This is not a good book. This is a great book. Highly recommended for Superman fans, Sci-fi fans, and just about anyone who likes a good book. Go pick it up, and read it, and then try and tell me I'm wrong!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but Could Be Better, November 1, 2007

By	Avid Reader (Willow Springs, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Last Days of Krypton (Hardcover)

When I first heard Kevin J. Anderson would be writing a novel about events leading to the destruction of Krypton I was quite looking forward to his take on this classic mythology. For the most part I was pleased with Anderson's version, but I had two major quibbles. One, I thought his portrayal of Jor-El as a rather weak, easily duped man was too different from what we've all come to know from the many comic book variations. Second, I thought Anderson spent far too much time on the Zod story; it really bogged down the middle part of the book. What I do give Anderson credit for is taking the many different variations on the Krypton mythology, including the films and Smallville, while adding his own original ideas, to create his version of this timeless tale. I also thought it was an ingenious idea to make his Krypton a society of Luddites. Overall, this was a good effort, and as with any Anderson novel the final pages concluded at an action-packed, break-neck speed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Leading up to Superman's Birth, September 22, 2008

By	SciFiChick "www.SciFiChick.com" (Fishers, IN USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Superman is known as "The Last Son of Krypton," because everyone else died when the planet exploded. But what were the events that led up to its destruction? And what was General Zod's story, that he and his comrades were sent to the Phantom Zone as prisoners? Anderson creates a backstory for several of the characters only briefly mentioned in Superman comics and film.

Centering on the characters of Jor-El (Superman's father), Lara (Superman's mother), Zor-El (Jor-El's brother), and Zod; we are able to get an in depth look at the people so influential in the last days of Krypton. Scientists Jor-El and Zor-El are easily the most relatable, and have the toughest decisions to make that effect, quite literally, the future of the planet. Wonderfully described, the tragedy of Krypton is felt most through their eyes.

Zod and his followers are also keenly illustrated as characters who descend into the evil and destruction that they create. Wonderful backstories are given to these villains that ultimately escape and wreak havoc on Earth as well. Also included is a cast of main characters and their affiliations, at the beginning of the book. As the characters are numerous and oddly named, this is a very handy addition.

But the technology and Kryptonian culture that Anderson creates is by far the most fascinating aspect of the novel. He brings this fictitious and dead planet to life, with an apocalyptic tragedy looming that readers will know is coming but still futilely hope is averted. Superman fans, young and old, will enjoy this well-developed and interesting look at the mysterious Krypton and its people.