Earth 2 #21

Review by Randall Smith

Writer: Tom Taylor
Penciler: Nicola Scott
Inks: Trevor Scott
Colors: Pete Pantazis

Shattered Fate

           Our story resumes with the World Army broken and retreating under Brutale's onslaught. The former Superman is relentless in his assault on the Earth's champions. A heavy cost is paid, and the triumphant Kryptonian moves onwards. Meanwhile, James Olsen is putting the resources within the Batcave to good use as Red Tornado continues to try and cure the newly-freed Kryptonian Val's agorophobia. 
           Meanwhile, on the island of the amazons, Commander Khan recieves some disturbing news about the World government's last ditch plan, which ends up to disasterous results. Atlantis now under Aquawoman (Don't call her that!)'s control forges an alliance with Khan and the new Batman's groups, as Brutale learns that he is no longer the last Kryptonian thanks to Terry Sloan's mind laid bare. 

          The visuals are as solid as the last few issues have been, Brutale's dark might is showcased well with the powerful sketches, his darkness contrasting with the lights of Earth-2's backgrounds. These characters are very well developed, even the recent additions, showing that whatever story notes the team has about their world, they're fairly in-depth. I'd love to see a comprehensive bible of Earth-2's past outside of what little flashbacks we've seen in the series and World's Finest.

All in all, this is by far my favorite title out of the New 52 universe, and I look forward to each new issue.

Reccomendation: This is a book that doesn't get credited enough. Keep your eyes on it, it's going to be remembered.