Eisner nominee Tom King, legacy artist Andy Kubert, and legendary colorist Brad Anderson finally deliver their once Walmart exclusive penultimate issue to comic shops around the world. As Superman continues his search for a missing child, the Man of Steel must race to the far reaches of the galaxy in search of answers before it is too late. The artistry of Andy Kubert remains the selling point of the series, while Tom King jam packs each page with an overabundance of repetitive dialogue attempting to portray a child-like wonder.

While Superman attempts to make a deal with the Lord of Apokolips himself, Darkseid, the Man of Tomorrow, is left with only one choice as all hope seems to be fleeting. With visions of a happy life at home with family, it is all but a farce to trick the Last Son of Krypton at the hands of the New God to break his will. With this chapter coming to a close, the final with promise two gods coming to blows.

Andy Kubert’s ability to display a whole story with one single image is reason enough for him to be on the title, but it’s his signature pencil work that sets the tone for the series and drives it home. Nothing short of incredible work, Kubert brings pride to his family name and proves his weight in gold. Brad Anderson continues to deliver a throwback aesthetic of colors and set it apart this series other current titles from the publisher.

Another creative who manages to keep the top talent around him at all times, Tom King never straying from dense prose to the point of nausea. King’s dialogue speaking as the kidnapped child comes off as repetitive and purposefully dumbed down rather than actually capturing the voice of the youth. Reminiscent of the terribly out of touch adult attempting to relate to the kids, King only accomplishes laying far too much monologue and dialogue over Kubert’s beautiful artistry.

Continuing to feel all around uneven, the once Walmart exclusive reprints bring forth spectacular artwork and only lukewarm dialogue to back it all up. Luckily for King, Kubert’s artistry more than makes up for his ineptitude, even if most of it was covered in dialogue. With one issue still remaining, the last vestige of hope resides in the showdown between Superman and Darkseid. Hopefully, Clark doesn’t go the way of Scott Free.

Grade: B+