Preparing for Batman V Superman: A Review of the DC Comic Kingdom Come

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.