Kingdom Come by Mark
Waid and Alex Ross was released 1996. In many ways, this comic was ahead of its
time in questioning “do superheroes hurt or do they save?” The ideas and themes
written and questioned in this comic are something that I can imagine becoming
a DC Comics movie if the upcoming Batman V Superman and Wonder Woman films are
successful.
Kingdom Come focuses on
Batman, Wonder Woman, Norman McCay (I will tell you more about him shortly),
and of course, Superman. The story begins with premonitions from a dying man
are given to Norman McCay, a priest (with no powers other then these dreams and
visions). The premonitions are of an apocalypse brought on by the destruction
and power created and given by superheroes.
Superman is alone and in
hiding after the death of his human loved ones. But Wonder Woman seeks him out
to tell him about his son, Magog. Magog was fighting another person with powers
(as we expect in comic books) but that fight lead to the death of many. A crime
that is against everything Superman believes. No justice was given. Magog faced
no consequences. This, and Wonder Woman’s urgings cause him to seek control over
the ‘metahumans’ and to force them to live according to the dream he originally
had when the Justice League was created. But many of the metahumans do not
share this dream. They use their power without control and use it to their own
ends; not justice or peace.
The humans, including
Lex Luthor and Batman, have finally had enough. They see the lack of control
metahumans have, and the power that they are inflicting upon humans. Lex Luthor
claims to want to give humans control over their own lives without living in
fear of metahumans. Lex Luthor’s motivations are very clear but I questioned
Batman’s. They become clear throughout the story. Lex, as usual seeks a way to
destroy the metahumans, including all those on Superman’s “good” side and even
those against it.
This journey is seen
through the eyes of Norman McCay. Norman has no control over his visions, and the
Spectre leads him through the visions as the apocalypse begins.
Overall, I enjoyed the
read. I have not personally read many, if any, comics that question superheroes’
effect on society and humans or the government, economy and policing. And when
we do it is simply fear and lack of understanding (clear example from Marvel-
all of the X-Men comics). Humans fear the power and try to control it but
ultimately bow down to the superhero or metahuman with admiration (example:
Batman and Ironman). This comic showed the aftermath of that original bowing
down. Currently, Marvel is also attempting to discuss this type of aftermath
with Captain America: Winter Soldier and Agents of SHIELD. Though, Marvel’s is
very different and is focused on SHIELD and not just the superheroes
themselves.
I recommend this comic
to anyone who is a comic book fan but is in a midst of frustration with all the
storylines, reboots, and ten year movie plans. Anyone who ponders this question
and ponders the outcome of superheroes almost running the planet (and in many
ways, the judicial system) will enjoy the way the comic unfolds. Also, the art
is beautiful.
My favorite character
throughout the comic is the priest, Norman. I was surprised by the realism of Shazam.
The development of his character is a very realistic outcome of his origin
story.
Overall, this comic
deserves 9 out of 10. A point was withdrawn for a lack of women and the
epilogue. The most prominent woman in the comic was, of course, Wonder Woman.
Power Girl was also present but, as far as I remember, did not speak. Any other
women floating around on the background of the gorgeous art barely spoke, if at
all. But Wonder Woman herself was a very well developed character and her
character design was not overtly misogynistic. None of the female drawings
jumped out at me as overly sexualized which I found to be very refreshing for a
comic. The epilogue, on the other hand, slightly undid my enjoyment of Wonder
Woman (as I want to be spoiler free, I will not discuss this further). As a
writer, I understand the want to give closure but epilogues always seem to
disappoint. Like many other disappointing epilogues, it was very much focused
on the cute and happy. For me personally, it was too neat and tied with a bow.
Feel free to disagree in the comments.
