This book provides a detailed account of what led to the demise and destruction of the planet Krypton. Why is this important? Moments before its doom, a brave couple - Jor-El and Lara - sent their only son, Kal-El, into the vast expanse of space headed toward Earth. This boy would be adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent. The bravery and sacrifice (born of desperation) of his first parents and the morality and gracious of his adopted parents - combined with his staggering powers given by Earth's yellow sun - would create the Messiah of all Superheroes: Superman, the Man of Steel, the Man of Tomorrow, the Last Son of Krypton! (For added effect, hum the Superman theme song in your head!)
We all know the amazing stories of Superman's adventures, but now we have the story of Superman's true parents. This is an epic, majestic, glorious tale of a world doomed to disaster. Having achieved a perfectly peaceful society, the Kryptonian Council has grown inept and cumbersome to true scientific and social progress. Furthermore, most Kryptonians have lost the desire to excel, settling for mediocrity. The brothers, Jor-El and Zor-El, are the exception. Jor-El is a brilliant scientist, but the Council has banned any technology that could be used in a harmful way. That is why his invention, the Phantom Zone, is seized by Commissioner Zod. But Zod's plans for Jor-El's inventions are suspect.
You have to read the book for the rest. I found the character development very satisfying. Jor-El and Zor-El prove that Superman's heroic character is rooted in his genes. These brothers may have been able to save Krypton had it not been for the inept Kryptonian Council. Zod and his minions are well-developed. If you read this, you will never watch Superman 2 the same way again. Brainiac and Martian Manhunter also show up in this tale. We also are given insight into the survival of Argo City and the source of Kryptonite. Finally, the powerful ending of this book had me in tears. If you are a Superman fan, get this book!
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