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Claudia Gray
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House of El 1 Paperback – January 5, 2021

by Claudia Gray (Author), Eric Zawadzki (Contributor)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 49 ratings
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Welcome to a brand-new vision of one of comics’ most famous tragedies, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray and illustrator Eric Zawadzki. In this first graphic novel in a trilogy, explore Krypton like never before: through the eyes of two young people on opposite sides of the same extinction-level event. 
 

Zahn is one of Krypton’s elites: wealthy, privileged, a future leader. Sera is one of Krypton’s soldiers: strong, dedicated, fearless. Their rule-bound society has ordained that their paths should never cross. 
 
But groundquakes are shaking the planet’s surface. Rebellious uprisings are shaking the populace. Krypton’s top scientists—Jor-El and Lara—conduct a secret experiment that is meant to reform their planet from the cellular level up. Zahn and Sera must join forces to investigate the hidden dangers truly threatening Krypton. In the process, they form a bond that will endure past the end of the world... 
 
Previous page
  1. Part of Series
    House of El (2021-)
  2. Print length
    207 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Dc Comics
  5. Publication date
    January 5, 2021
  6. Grade level
    7 - 9
  7. Reading age
    13 - 17 years
  8. Dimensions
    5.94 x 0.63 x 8.94 inches
  9. ISBN-10
    1401291120
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1401291129
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-In comic lore, the planet Krypton self-destructs right after Superman's parents send the infant to Earth for his survival. This first installment in a new series from Gray explores the downfall of Krypton through a pair of intrepid teens and a few familiar faces. Zahn, a wealthy member of the Re family and a cousin to Lara, who is pregnant with Kal-El (Superman), keeps conveniently bumping into Sera, a lower-caste soldier who's part of the effort to terraform other planets. Sera and Zahn don't fit in with their genetically appointed caste systems-Sera questions the effectiveness of her ill-fated missions, while Zahn aligns himself with an underground group attempting to save Krypton. General Zod picks Sera to help the scientists Jor-El and Lara in a secret mission to undo some of the genetic strictness that has formed most Kryptonians. Lara argues that leaders and scientists need creativity and soldiers need humanity and compassion, whereas the current genetic caste structure prohibits both of those from happening. Meanwhile, Krypton is being rocked by extreme earthquakes, which the government denies are happening despite the obvious evidence to the contrary-a plotline that will feel especially relevant given current events. Most characters are white, although Zahn and Sera have friends who are people of color. Zawadzki's artwork is engaging while propelling the story forward. Sera and Zahn must team up in the end, and the next phase of their adventure promises to be just as exciting. VERDICT A strong start to this trilogy about the last days of Krypton. Will thrill Superman fans and action fans alike.-Gretchen Hardin, Bee Cave P.L., TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Claudia Gray is the New York Times bestselling author of many science fiction and paranormal fantasy books for young adults, including the Defy the Stars series, the Firebird series, the Evernight series, the Spellcaster series, and Fateful. She's also had a chance to work in a galaxy far, far away as the author of the Star Wars novels Lost Stars, Bloodline, and Leia, Princess of Alderaan. Born a fangirl, she loves obsessing over geeky movies and TV shows, as well as reading and occasionally writing fan fiction; however, she periodically leaves the house to go kayaking, do a little hiking, or travel the world. She will take your Jane Austen trivia challenge any day, anytime. Currently she lives in New Orleans.

Eric Zawadzki grew up in Vancouver, but he's recently relocated to Calgary. He's most well-known for the critically aclaimed THE DREGS and ETERNAL. His most recent work in comics is HEART ATTACK, for Image/Skybound comics, which he co-created and illustrated.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dc Comics (January 5, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 207 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1401291120
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1401291129
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.94 x 0.63 x 8.94 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 49 ratings

About the author

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Claudia Gray

Claudia Gray

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Claudia Gray has worked as a lawyer, a journalist, a disc jockey, and an extremely poor waitress. Her lifelong interests in old houses, classic movies, vintage style, and history all play a part in creating the world of Evernight.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
49 global ratings
An action packed adventure!
5 Stars
An action packed adventure!
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!
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Top reviews from the United States

Scott King
5.0 out of 5 stars Great writing great art
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
Verified Purchase
Great Book I’ve Already pre-ordered the second book!
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MK French
4.0 out of 5 stars Before the destruction of Krypton...
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2021
Review first posted at Girl Who Reads. A free copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Zahn-Re is from one of Krypton's elite families, genetically destined to be a leader. Sera-Ur is engineered to be one of Krypton's fearless soldiers. Both question the strict caste system in their society, especially as the tribune seems to do nothing about the massive groundquakes shaking the planet. Top scientists Jor-El and Lara conduct a secret experiment that is meant to reform their planet from the cellular level up. Zahn and Sera are drawn into the center of the discontent and must join forces to investigate the hidden dangers truly threatening Krypton.

This is the first of a trilogy outlining the last days of Krypton from the POV of two teens from different classes. Those classes are defined not by race (it was wonderful to see different skin colors and even disabled Kryptonians in the background on many panels) but by the genetic codes they were programmed with. The upper echelons all manipulate genetics of offspring in order to have selected traits be prominent, while the poor living on the broken ground level of the planet have children the old-fashioned way and are looked down on for it. Zahn has a darker skin tone than Sera, and is part of the upper class that generally resents even having to see the lower classes; visually it's distinct by the colors used in their clothing even when the styles are different.

I really liked seeing more of Lara in this, as most movie renditions seem to forget her or don't give her a voice. She's a big part of the experiment, and she doubts the tribune as much as some of the poor do, even though she's from the House of Re before marrying Jor-El. She even says one of the lines that struck me while reading the book: "You weren't designed to enjoy your life. Only to sacrifice it." This is said to Sera, and it's certainly true. The warrior class looks at cold calculations and the end result of the mission, so that lost lives don't matter as much to them as lost equipment. Zahn is more idealistic than calculating, which is why he's drawn to the protestors and the underground resistance movement. As awkward as he is trying to help, his heart is in the right place. Both teens want to make a difference on Krypton and save the people when it seems like the government is ignoring any evidence that would invalidate their claim to Kryptonian supremacy.

The reader knows that this cannot last, and they're racing against a clock they don't even know is ticking. For their sakes, I hope they work as fast and find their way off-world before the end comes. There are two more books coming, so fingers crossed!
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Jessica
5.0 out of 5 stars An action packed adventure!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
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!
Customer image
Jessica
5.0 out of 5 stars An action packed adventure!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
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!
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Abigail Krus
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2023
If you are a fan of Superman, this is the book for you!
Go back in time before Krypton explodes and go on a journey with Sera and Zahn as they embark on a new discovery.

Love love love this graphic novel. A perfect read for dc fans!
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Quirky Cat
4.0 out of 5 stars Love this Author!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021
The Shadow Threat (House of El #1) is the tale of Krypton, before everything went so horribly wrong. Written by Claudia Gray (the detail that caught my attention to begin with) and illustrated by Eric Zawadski, this is a fascinating tale that shows a darker side of Krypton.

Zahn is one of the elites on Krypton. He was born into wealth, power, and privilege, and only recently has he realized just how much farther ahead that has brought him in life. How many times it has saved his life, or changed it for the better. Perhaps that is the reason why he's intent to join a rebellion.

Sera was born and bred to be one of Krypton's soldiers – literally. It's her job to protect the people, and to take on all of the risky missions specifically designed for the soldiers. She's one of the best at her job, despite all of the constraints.

You'd think that these two would never meet, but you'd be wrong. Their paths are about to collide in the events of The Shadow Threat, as both struggle to come to terms with all of the signs they've been seeing.

I'm going to be honest with you here, I really wasn't sure what to expect from The Shadow Threat. While I do read a lot of comics, I'm arguably the weakest when it comes to Superman knowledge. That being said, I just knew that I had to give it a try when I saw Claudia Gray's name on the project.

I'm actually pretty happy that I took a chance and gave it a go. Though I'm certain my experience will be drastically different from somebody who knows everything about Superman and his home planet.

The art style felt almost Atlantean at times, yet it actually worked quite nicely for Krypton and all of the advancements it has available. I adored the color palette, and for the most part, liked the character designs as well.

The differing plots revolving around Zahn and Sera were fascinating. Both had such strong personalities, and plenty of reason to be questioning the status quo (even if it is truly the last thing they wanted to be doing).

It raised a lot of questions along the way, and I for one am actually really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next installment of the series. That may be my lack of knowledge speaking there, I'm not certain. I'm not worried though, as it will be a fun read regardless.
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