Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #2: Bad Owner

The summer of Superman continues with a brand-new mini-series focused on Superman’s best friend, Krypto! Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #2 continues the story of the last days on Krypton through the eyes of Superman’s four-legged friend. After crash landing on Earth, Krypto finds a new friend in a young Lex Luthor. However, Lex isn’t the same kind owners that the Els are. Krypto gets a peek inside the mind of Lex while he abuses him, but this is his first view of Earth. Will Krypto stick by Lex’s side when the day is done? Find out in this heart-warming issue filled with heartbreak, villainy, and sad moments. 

Ryan North has knocked it out of the (dog) park with this series thus far. While the first issue was a delightful and heartwarming comic that brought a fresh perspective to the Superman mythos through the eyes (and paws) of his loyal canine companion, this issue is absolutely heartbreaking. As if Krypto hasn’t gone through enough, now he must be abused by Lex Luthor. However, North gives us insight into the mind of Lex Luthor and his feelings about himself and the world. It’s an interesting perspective on learning about this character, and it works really well. The writing is so strong and feels exactly like how a dog would see the world. I may be a little biased as I just got a new puppy at home, but this issue really broke my heart. It made me give my dog a hug after reading. This issue brings all the emotions and strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted fun and genuine heroism. The writing is playful yet sincere, offering clear morals, clever humor, and enough action to keep things exciting. It’s a testament to how much character and emotion can be conveyed without the main character speaking any lines.

This book is stunning. Mike Norton and Ian Herring have created a comic that is colorful, bold, and accessible. The art leans into an animated style that suits the tone perfectly, full of energy and charm. The panels are easy to follow, which makes it ideal for younger readers or those new to comics. Each page feels alive, inviting the reader to linger just a little longer. Krypto also just looks adorable, and seeing him go through painful things makes this issue even more heartbreaking.