Kingdom Come
Creators: Writers (Mark Waid, Alex Ross) Artist (Alex Ross)
Original Date(s) of Publication: May-August 1996
Publisher: DC Comics
Kingdom Come is a four comic mini-series set twenty years in the future of the DC universe that focuses on themes of conflict between the heroes of old (such as the Justice League) and the new heroes that are short of inhibited vigilantes. Meanwhile Batman is attempting to move between groups to prevent a war of superheroes spurred by Lex Luthor.
Plot Summary
Twenty years into the future the mantle of the superhero has become corrupt and amoral as modern heroes have lost their way in the fight for justice. After the murder of the Joker by Magog (who was acquitted for his crimes) the iconics retreated from public view, disgusted with the turn of society and views of justice. Without the restraint of the iconics’ ways, the new gallery of heroes takes a fight with Parasite too far causing him to decimate Kansas in his death.
Years of isolation have left Superman disenfranchised with the modern world until Wonder Woman convinces him that he must take up the mantle again to provide a strong influence on the new wave of heroes. Batman, however, strongly opposes this move and breaks away to form his own team to solve the problem in a way that won’t exacerbate issues, who then form an alliance with Lex Luthor’s new group the “Mankind Liberation Front”. Meanwhile Superman has been imprisoning law breakers into a super prison, the “Gulag”, that is at maximum capacity.
Naturally, Lex Luthor has ulterior motives and has taken control of Billy Baston’s, Captain Marvel, mind in order to use him against Superman. In the process a riot breaks loose in the Gulag, releasing all the prisoners, and thus forcing a conflict of supers. In response to the potential threat, the United Nations also step in with force to put down the war of heroes and villains. Superman manages to break through Billy’s mind control, which then prompts Billy to attack the incoming warhead to save as many supers as possible, while sacrificing himself in the process.
Heartbroken and enraged by the massacre, Superman flies to the United Nations’ building and berates them for their cowardice and response to the situation. It is then the narrator of the story, Norman McCay who now holds the visions of the Spectre, finally steps forward from his removed position to remind Superman why humans are afraid. Superman calms down and places Captain Marvel’s cloak as a flag amongst the other nations, promising that supers will no longer take a strong hand approach in human affairs.
The epilogue consists of Wonder Woman taking the prisoners of the Gulag to Paradise Islands to rehabilitate them, Batman opens his mansion as a hospital, and Superman takes it upon himself to rebuild the Midwestern farmlands so people may live there again.
Significant Features
Kingdom Come is significant in its approach to the morality of the vigilante superhero. Very much in the Watchmen style Ross approaches the need for heroes in a normal human’s world. In the end finding that the Superman is more of a plight than an aid when the supers take on roles of authority over mortals’ affairs.
Publication History / Historical Context
In response to his work Marvels Alex Ross wanted to create a similar story in the DC Universe similar to Alan Moore’s Watchmen. DC teamed Ross with Mark Waid due to his prolific knowledge of the DC Universe.
Impact / Influence
Alex Ross’s cover art for Kingdom Come would inspire future artists to capture the classic strength and style of the iconic hero, while bringing a gritty edge and epic feel of clashing titans.
Critical Reception
Kingdom Come is widely received by critics and won an Eisner Award.
References
Further Reading
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