Kingdom Come

I cannot say enough about this exceptional piece of work by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. More than ten years after it was first released, Kingdom Come remains one of the essential volumes (I think) of comics-related reading that anyone who loves the genre should own. It would also make an excellent gift for anyone interested in science fiction, superheroes, fantasy, and art, even if they aren't interested in comic books.Although Mark Waid is the writer here, the genius of Kingdom Come belongs really to artist Alex Ross, who came to DC with a proposal for the story and the broad outlines already in his head. Waid was writing at the height of his powers, while still doing a seminal run on DC's Flash, where he had earned genuine superstar writing status. Ross' genius was in suggesting a story that was both forward looking and a commentary on the state of the comics industry at the time. Kingdom Come is arguably the series that truly put the nails in the 'grim and gritty' wave of the previous decade, although the story is fairly dark in and of itself. Waid's contribution was also pretty significant however, in tying what were fairly loose ideas into an intricate and very coherent narrative that pulls the reader in and never lets go. The team works well together here to craft an exceptional story, the significance or influence of which, neither men are likely to replicate in the latter parts of their careers unfortunately. (It's unlikely Ross will ever do something on that scale again, at least, not on his own, and Waid's powers have been waning of late; his most recent writing often being too 'clever' for its own good, and is also less natural, or is more "constructed" than his best writing - see any Flash issue or trades by Mark Waid set before Flash #120 or so.)The story concerns the return of a Man of Steel who has been in self-imposed exile, to a world which has moved on dramatically since he last frequented it. Populated by superpowered beings who epitomize the phrase "power without responsibility," Superman's re-emergence in a not too distant future, sets off a chain of events that lead to tragedy on an epic scale. Principally a love letter to a version of Superman that DC had disowned up to that point, the story also focuses a fair degree on an aged Batman and ageless Wonder woman. Dense, lyrical, mythical, epic and beautiful all at once, Kingdom Come is a tale dealing with power, responsibilty, loss, alienation, what happens when different philosophies collide, and yes, hope.If there are any criticisms of the work, most are fairly minor in my view and easily dimissed. For example, some have argued that the multitude of new characters aren't sufficiently fleshed out to make you care enough. That's like going to an indian restaurant and complaining there are no burgers. These people completely miss the point. Kingdom Come isn't about the multitude of characters in the background, and the writer and artist waste no time on them, because they're intended to be a direct commentary on the multitudes of interchangeable/nameless/forgettable characters the comic industry was throwing up in the late 80's, early 90s, specially after Image launched. More significant problems are that issue one of the story is a little weak in comparison to the remaining three, as it is almost exclusively set up. Had Waid and Ross been doing it now, I doubt they might have taken the slightly decompressed approach they took originally for that issue. Finally, Batman was pretty obnoxious ever since Frank Miller put his hands on him, and the Batman written here is a fairly logical extension of the obnoxious, dislikeable Batman DC was enamored with at that period in the 90s. But other than a cynical and somewhat stupid/unfortunate historical tension with Superman, Waid and Ross never really provide a compelling, convincing argument as to why Bruce adopts the role of obstructionist here. It doesn't ruin the story in any serious way or affect your enjoyment as a reader too much, but it's a niggling irritation if, like me, you like the Batman and think, 'being difficult' doesn't do the character justice.As for format, this volume of Kingdom Come actually bucks the trend by being a superior printing to the original trade paperback. The cover here is one of Ross' most beautiful and striking images created for the series, which is saying a lot considering the number of beautiful images Ross created in the story and for its promotion. Whereas the previous cover was a bit cluttered and somewhat clumsily staged, Ross' cover here is a beautiful emerald green projection of the mythical, epic nature of the confrontation contained in the pages of the actual story, for three reasons. First, because the location of Green Lantern's satellite plays a central role in the story, second because it highlights Superman's new Justice League, which sets off the central conflict in the story, and most importantly because it is yet another wonderful example of Ross' superb Superman. If ever there was a fictional character and an artist who were meant to be together, it's Ross and Superman. The artist's take on the character is always amazing. Ross clearly enjoys painting him and he renders the Man of Steel with love, but always as an imposing, powerful, and compelling fictional character that demands your respect and must be taken seriously. This first printing is also a steal because it contains a 'gatefold' cover, meaning that the cover is front, back, and an extra foldout, for a larger image. Amazon seems to only have an early pencil version here, but one of the customer images shows more clearly what the actual volume will look like. Whatever the case, it's a striking image that, more than ten years on after the initial release, reaffirms why Kingdom Come is one of the best pieces of graphic fiction ever produced by anyone, anywhere.

This book is a classic. Mark Waid is able to create a world that has a lot of truth to is that is then beautifully rendered and painted by Alex Ross. The story isn't a complicated one. We see the world through the eyes of Norman McCay, a pastor who lives in a (potential) world where most of the classic heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman have retired and been replaced by a younger, much more dangerous generation of "heroes" who live only for themselves and for the fun of playing hero. Norman begins to see visions of the possible end of the world, which he "received" from an old man who told of the glory days of superheroes. He is then visited by the Spectre, a force from on high that takes Norman on a journey based around his visions that will determine the fate of the world.Mark Waid has an incredibly solid grip of the personalities of each character, adding changes to classic characters like Superman here and there so that they are the same characters that we know and love, but are still different and "new". The book also has a lot of emotion in it, from happiness, sadness, wonder, and many more. The characters all feel real, which is greatly helped by the art of Alex Ross.The art in this book is fantastic to say the least. Ross makes each character feel like they're really there. Every panel has so much detail. The book looks great. End of story.This graphic novel is one of the best out there now, effectively using both art and text to tell a great story. Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5.Note: Read the introduction after you've read the entire book. It flat out tells you what the story is really about, so if you don't want to find out beforehand, read it afterwards. Thankfully, I avoided it on my own.

Absolutely beautiful. It carries the heft of the entire DC universe on its shoulders with the reverence it deserves. This story presents familiar heroes as gods, through the eyes of an ordinary priest and his ominous guide. "Kingdom Come" explores the DC universe when the main Justice League members are past their prime or receded into obscurity, and their misguided offspring are running wild. The world's only hope is for Superman to put on his cape again and rally the golden age JL into action. But it is this same action that sets off the chain of events witnessed by our awestruck priest that may lead to disaster.The plot careens forward, toward an inevitable, tragic climax the reader wishes to avoid, but cannot wait to see unfold. Epic battles, unlikely alliances, and a dramatic conclusion are framed beautifully by Ross's watercolor-like scenes and expressive portraits. The author manages to balance the might of the heroes' superpowers with the insecurities and weakness of uncertainty. Faced with no-win scenarios, what is the "right" choice? Where does said choice lead? Can morality remain unstained when the greater good is at stake? These are the kind of questions this story forces on the reader and the priest, whose role is not merely of an observer, and will be challenged towards the end.This graphic novel is not for the fast reader. It begs for a slow savoring of the individual panels, and reflection at the end of each chapter. It's a must - read for the life - long DC fan, but a little difficult for the casual reader. Familiarity with all the characters (especially many that seldom have made a cover) and stories of the Justice League series will greatly help grasp all the references and subplots. Having some wiki handy is also a plus.

Einer der epischsten Comics, die je veröffentlicht wurden. Helden auf die Ebene der Mythologie gehoben. Die Kunst und das Schreiben in diesem Buch ist absolut großartig.

It’s a larger than life story with my favourite ending I’ve ever read HOWEVER it’s too loaded with DC Universe information (characters, cities and planets, past storylines, etc.) that I wouldn’t recommend it to new readers. DC and then come back or have internet next to you so you can do research while reading! It’s still perfect from the story to the art so add it to your reading list! Read more

Obra fenomenal que pega toda a mítica dos super-heróis e trasporta para uma história profunda e trágica. Um daqueles momentos em que "uma revista em quadrinhos" se torna profundo e capaz de causar comoção e reflexões profundas no autor. Mark Waid é um gênio e os desenhos de alex ross...não há palavras para descrever.

KINGDOM COME due chiavi di letturaKingdom Come metafora, Mark Waid utilizza la storia di Kingdom Come per lanciare la propria critica personale al mondo dei supereroi anni ’90.la trama rappresenta il conflitto tra la vecchia generazione dei supereroi (esempio Batman e Superman) ed una nuova generazione, molto più violenta, dura e non propensa alla conservazione di vite umane come principale scopo. Supereroi per cui il potere è divertimento e popolarità . Fino a quando la drammaticità di quanto accade ad un certo punto della storia riporta all'azione la “vecchia guardia”.Waid critica i nuovi supereroi che ai tempi furono lanciati sul mercato, dalla Image, Todd McFaralane, Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Mark Silvestri, Rob Liefield e Jim Valentino, lasciarono la Marvel in cerca di più notorietà e più soldi.Al di la delle chiavi di lettura della storia spettacolari anche le tavole di ALEX ROSS, spettacolare tecnica pittorica iperrealista.cit.«Aveva lasciato Metropolis. Era successo qualcosa, un… processo? Non… ricordo in cos’era coinvolto… ma ricordo una sensazione di… ineluttabilità? Ovvio, qualsiasi cosa sia successa, lo ha condotto qui. Ma, mio Dio… è così solo.»

Arrived in a timely manner. The story was great. I am older, so it is easy for me to sympathize with a Superman that wanted to impose the decency, responsibility, and honor of old on an ever irresponsible and violent group of "heroes." The art was fantastic and beautiful. This is story is definitely a shining star of excellence in a mediocre dark time of American comics.