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.

Trash Talk Tuesday: Watchmen and Philosophy

"All we ever see of stars are their old photographs."

- Dr. Manhattan, Watchmen

 

Over the summer between my sophomore year and junior year of college I took a Graphic Novel class (perks of being a Creative Writing major), and one of the comics we read was Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen and it blew my mind. I then watched the movie, and was intrigued but as usual disappointed by changes made in the adaption from book to movie. 

I also discussed the comic with several people, including my class. I was struck to find that not everyone loved Dr. Manhattan. He is my favorite character, and probably my favorite superhero. Quickly, I was taught about the theory that of the characters in Watchmen whichever one you side with, or call your favorite states a lot about your personality and outlook on life. I was told to read Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test edited by Mark D. White. I finally read it, and while reading it I also re-read the comic and then upon completion re-watched the movie. 

Review of Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test edited by Mark D. White:

Genius and thought provoking. I drunkenly talked about the philosophy of being stoic for hours (apparently). At first I felt as though the articles were hating on Dr.Manhattan but that changed. I wish women in relation to the comic were discussed more, there is a lot to say about both Silk Spectre's. But the philosophy was easy to understand and it gave my brain an exhausting but exciting run. I loved it. I love Alan Moore as well, and I hope to read more of his work. In response to one of the articles I have this to say: Watchmen IS literature. How is that a question?

Best articles:

J. Keeping, Superheroes and Supermen: Finding Nietzche's Ubermensch in Watchmen

Christopher M. Drohan, A Timely Encounter: Dr. Manhattan and Henri Bergson

Andrew Terjesen, I'm Just a Puppet Who Can See the Strings: Dr. Manhattan as a Stoic Sage

 Sarah Donovan and Nick Richardson, Watchwomen

For the movie, I have this to say:

Zack Snyder or whoever had the decision making power to do so, ruined the ending. I did not like or approve of the change. BUT: The music of the film was genius. If the comic could have music in it, then it would be pure perfection. The scene of Bob Dylan's Times They Are a-Changin' was an inventive way of showing the influence the Minutemen had on history, and the way we see the world today. And Adrian Vedit saying "War is obsolete" with the Twin Towers in the background was intense for anyone who was in America on 9/11.  

 I would give this book a 4.5, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' a 5, and the movie I would give a 3.5. 

Now what should I read next?