Scan barcode
saramarie08's review against another edition
5.0
Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.
House of El is a story of Kryptonians before Superman is even born. There is an impending doom of the planet that the Tribunes refuse to admit is real, but citizens are starting to act out and investigate what's happening. A group of dissenters recruits Zohn, of the House of Re, who is part of the upper caste and destined to become one of Krypton's future leaders. Zohn knows that the earthquakes are getting worse and could be a sign that the planet is near to collapse. Elsewhere, Zohn's cousin, Lara, wife of Jor-El, is experimenting with rewriting the genetic code of Kryptonians in order to introduce missing elements left out from generations of genetic manipulation. Their chosen subject is Sera, an Ur, a lower caste, genetically engineered soldier bred to be completely loyal to Krypton. Urs are modified to live life without fear, without questioning orders, and without regard to their own lives. Lara hopes to create a better soldier with some semblance of self-preservation, believing that these omitted traits are essential for Kryptonians to fully serve their society.
The pre-collapse of Krypton is an interesting time in Superman's lore, as many people often question how an advanced civilization didn't realize their own planet was doomed. This series has started to explain what happened, and I appreciate the direction Gray is taking in her rendition of Krypton. There are some familiar characters: General Zod, who is Sera’s commanding officer, and Jor-El and wife Lara, Superman's parents. There isn't a ton of prerequisite knowledge needed to jump into this title, so this is a perfect place for new fans to get into Superman stories. There is one heck of a cliffhanger here, the frustration of which is compounded by a volume two release date of 2022.
Zawadzki's illustrations beautifully depict the futuristic society of Krypton. Most of the world is set in a light blue with decadent gold accents. The places frequented by the lower caste are anchored in browns and darker, dingy colors. Action sequences are fluid and easy to follow.
There are some action sequences with explosions, earthquakes that destroy buildings, and gunfire fighting, but no gore is seen on the page. This title would easily find a home on middle school and high school shelves.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-10
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher.
House of El is a story of Kryptonians before Superman is even born. There is an impending doom of the planet that the Tribunes refuse to admit is real, but citizens are starting to act out and investigate what's happening. A group of dissenters recruits Zohn, of the House of Re, who is part of the upper caste and destined to become one of Krypton's future leaders. Zohn knows that the earthquakes are getting worse and could be a sign that the planet is near to collapse. Elsewhere, Zohn's cousin, Lara, wife of Jor-El, is experimenting with rewriting the genetic code of Kryptonians in order to introduce missing elements left out from generations of genetic manipulation. Their chosen subject is Sera, an Ur, a lower caste, genetically engineered soldier bred to be completely loyal to Krypton. Urs are modified to live life without fear, without questioning orders, and without regard to their own lives. Lara hopes to create a better soldier with some semblance of self-preservation, believing that these omitted traits are essential for Kryptonians to fully serve their society.
The pre-collapse of Krypton is an interesting time in Superman's lore, as many people often question how an advanced civilization didn't realize their own planet was doomed. This series has started to explain what happened, and I appreciate the direction Gray is taking in her rendition of Krypton. There are some familiar characters: General Zod, who is Sera’s commanding officer, and Jor-El and wife Lara, Superman's parents. There isn't a ton of prerequisite knowledge needed to jump into this title, so this is a perfect place for new fans to get into Superman stories. There is one heck of a cliffhanger here, the frustration of which is compounded by a volume two release date of 2022.
Zawadzki's illustrations beautifully depict the futuristic society of Krypton. Most of the world is set in a light blue with decadent gold accents. The places frequented by the lower caste are anchored in browns and darker, dingy colors. Action sequences are fluid and easy to follow.
There are some action sequences with explosions, earthquakes that destroy buildings, and gunfire fighting, but no gore is seen on the page. This title would easily find a home on middle school and high school shelves.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-10
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher.
almostlikequake's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
oddandbookish's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
5.0
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (DC Comics) for promotional purposes.
Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know much about Krypton, other than the fact it is Superman’s birthplace. But once I started reading it, I was very intrigued!
I’ve read many of DC’s graphic novels for young adults, and this one leans more on the action packed side (some other titles in the line are more slower paced and introspective). This book is full of adventure and there is never a dull moment.
I found the setting of Krypton to be so interesting. It was a utopia where things weren’t actually perfect.
I also liked the two main characters, Sera and Zahn. They are from 2 different castes (Sera is a solider and Zahn is an elite future leader), but team up due to their doubts about Krypton. They were both so well developed and had an equal amount of storyline.
The artwork worked very well for the story. The colors were vivid and really brought the word to life. The action scenes were also nicely drawn.
Since this is the first book in a trilogy, it does end in a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next one ASAP.
Overall, if you’re looking for an exciting and action filled graphic novel, read this one!
pussreboots's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jdalton's review against another edition
5.0
Big thanks to DC and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this graphic novel!
I’m going to admit that I’m not as versed in the Superman lore as I am other superheroes. (I definitely wasn’t in the dark, having grown up with shows like Lois and Clark) That being said, I immediately knew I wanted to read this book because Claudia Gray wrote one of my favorite novels ever (Lost Stars).
Thankfully I knew enough about Supes and Krypton to not be lost and I was easily sucked into the story of Zhan and Sera, two young people from different walks of life who’s lives are entwined. As a fan of the aforementioned Lost stars, which dealt with a similar set up, it was right up my alley.
The art from Eric Zawadzki was appealing in a way that made this planet seem familiar but strange and alien at the same time. The colors worked perfectly to easily showcase what caste people were a part of.
My only qualm? That it wasn’t longer! I’m eager to read the next installment (well over a year away) especially since I plowed through this pretty quickly.
This graphic novel is great for the major Superman fan to the casual, and can be a gateway to wanting to learn more about the faster than a speeding bullet superhero.
I’m going to admit that I’m not as versed in the Superman lore as I am other superheroes. (I definitely wasn’t in the dark, having grown up with shows like Lois and Clark) That being said, I immediately knew I wanted to read this book because Claudia Gray wrote one of my favorite novels ever (Lost Stars).
Thankfully I knew enough about Supes and Krypton to not be lost and I was easily sucked into the story of Zhan and Sera, two young people from different walks of life who’s lives are entwined. As a fan of the aforementioned Lost stars, which dealt with a similar set up, it was right up my alley.
The art from Eric Zawadzki was appealing in a way that made this planet seem familiar but strange and alien at the same time. The colors worked perfectly to easily showcase what caste people were a part of.
My only qualm? That it wasn’t longer! I’m eager to read the next installment (well over a year away) especially since I plowed through this pretty quickly.
This graphic novel is great for the major Superman fan to the casual, and can be a gateway to wanting to learn more about the faster than a speeding bullet superhero.
antonique_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emma_not_watson_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
nightc0urt's review against another edition
5.0
Growing up on Krypton means one thing, being genetically modified to fit the mold you will grow up in. For Sera, that means being from House Ur, a solider who is committed to being strong and courageous. While Zahn comes from house Re, the upper class of Krypton.
So what would happen if two citizens of Krypton started to question their entire being and the way they live their lives? Sera and Zahn, were never meant to intermingle but their paths keep crossing and they both are questioning their government and what is really happening to their planet and they must figure out a way to save them all.
Coming from someone who doesn’t have a ton of Superman and Krypton background information.. I thought House of El was EXCELLENT! We’re able to see what exactly is happening to Krypton and it’s citizens before it was ultimately destroyed! I’m a sucker for prequel(ish) kind of stories and was excited to find out that’s exactly what we were getting!
The world was beautifully developed and the plot is believable (as believable as space and genetic modification can be lol) and let’s not forget to mention the ART!
Seeing that this is a graphic novel, I always feel the need to talk a bit about the art and did I love this style!! The colors and the characters are just so beautiful, I couldn’t stop staring at the pages long after I finished reading the text! I really had a grasp of what the characters were feeling and thinking and just all around enjoyed the heck out of this novel!
So what would happen if two citizens of Krypton started to question their entire being and the way they live their lives? Sera and Zahn, were never meant to intermingle but their paths keep crossing and they both are questioning their government and what is really happening to their planet and they must figure out a way to save them all.
Coming from someone who doesn’t have a ton of Superman and Krypton background information.. I thought House of El was EXCELLENT! We’re able to see what exactly is happening to Krypton and it’s citizens before it was ultimately destroyed! I’m a sucker for prequel(ish) kind of stories and was excited to find out that’s exactly what we were getting!
The world was beautifully developed and the plot is believable (as believable as space and genetic modification can be lol) and let’s not forget to mention the ART!
Seeing that this is a graphic novel, I always feel the need to talk a bit about the art and did I love this style!! The colors and the characters are just so beautiful, I couldn’t stop staring at the pages long after I finished reading the text! I really had a grasp of what the characters were feeling and thinking and just all around enjoyed the heck out of this novel!
melissasfandomworld's review against another edition
4.0
I don't read Graphics that often, but I couldn't pass up on buying this one way back before it's release. I put in a pre-order and the rest was history. Written by Claudia Gray, set on Krypton before it's destroyed and a interesting synopsis... Count me in!
And I wasn't dissapointed, now that I finally got around to actually read it!
I liked the detailed graphics by Eric Zawadzki; it all matched the story written by Gray very well.
There's a solid story line build up towards the end and I'm excited to see how the story continues.
So the next installment will definitely be bought as a pre-order when the time comes.
This was a fun, fast paced read and if you're into graphics, DC Comics and especially interested in reading a story set on Krypton, I definitely recommend this. You'll be meeting new characters but some already know ones will make appaearances as well, so that was great!
And I wasn't dissapointed, now that I finally got around to actually read it!
I liked the detailed graphics by Eric Zawadzki; it all matched the story written by Gray very well.
There's a solid story line build up towards the end and I'm excited to see how the story continues.
So the next installment will definitely be bought as a pre-order when the time comes.
This was a fun, fast paced read and if you're into graphics, DC Comics and especially interested in reading a story set on Krypton, I definitely recommend this. You'll be meeting new characters but some already know ones will make appaearances as well, so that was great!
shadowhuntedwizards's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5