Superman: The Man of Steel #128 is an issue of the series Superman: The Man of Steel (Volume 1) with a cover date of September, 2002. It was published on July 24, 2002.
Synopsis for "Return to Krypton II, Part Three: Blood and Heresy"
The Book of Rao narrates as Superman is pummeled on the surface of Krypton by zealots of the Holy Order of Rao. The book prophesies that the sun will enlarge, and that armies of the faithless will clash with armies of faith.
The Chronicles of Kal-El tells of how Rao was a warrior god, just and benevolent, who loved Krypton. He tells about how Xon-Ur and his followers were trying faithfully to preserve Rao, through by condemnable means. In the middle of the battle, Kru-El swoops in and saves Superman from a particularly bad situation. Kru-El tells Superman that they are now allies, for the time being. They then notice that the sun has gotten much bigger.
Kru-El takes Superman back to Jor-El, who heals him. Superman finds out that he is completely drained of his yellow solar energy. Here, Jor-El reveals that Kru-El is on his side because Jor-El has promised him cloning technology. Jor-El, over Superman's objections over allowing Kru-El to resurrect Zod, indicates that the lab he was going to use to save Lara was in ruins, which killed any chance he had of saving her life. Kru interjects, pointing out that Faora, his mate, found where Xon-Ur had placed the stolen technology they all need. They all agree to go after it, putting all of their hands into a circle, with one paw by Krypto. On the way, Superman asks what is happening to the sun.
Outside, Krypto flies alongside the craft. Superman lets him in and they share a moment. The flight is interrupted by Mundrovian fire eagles attack, sent by the Raoists. Jor-El goes down, and Kru-El tries to save him. The dragons herd them towards a solar crys-lens array. Kru-El choose to sacrifice his life by putting himself in front of Jor-El's, dying in his place, but not before beseeching Jor-El on keeping their promise of resurrecting Zod.
The group cascade down towards a temple, and Superman follows. Inside, they are ambushed by Raoists wielding fire shurikens. Krypto goes after one of them, and they slash through Krypto with the shurikens. Superman is suddenly overtaken, and a flash of light knocks all of the people around Superman out of the fight. It is Faora, comeing to the rescue.
Superman pauses to mourn his dog, Krypto. Faora tells them that the Raoists are trying to accelerate the coming of the Super-Man by cloning birth tissue from Lara's unborn child, believing that the baby can save the world from the growing sun. Superman looks at the Heart of Krypton in horror, realizing it to be B13.
Appearing in "Return to Krypton II, Part Three: Blood and Heresy"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Holy Order of Rao
- Xon-Ur
Other Characters:
Locations:
- Krypton
- Mt. Mundru
Items:
- Hearth of Krypton
- B13 Technology
Vehicles:
Notes
- The previous issue of the Return to Krypton II arc is Adventures of Superman #606 and the last issue is Action Comics #793
See Also
- Cover gallery for the Superman: The Man of Steel series
- Images from Superman: The Man of Steel Vol 1 128