Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come 1-4

There are some comics that I wish I could read again for the first time, so that I can experience anew that thrill of discovering something mind blowing.  There are other comics that I wish I could read again for the first time because I wonder if my feelings are colored by nostalgia and how I think I should feel about it.  

Both scenarios apply to Kingdom Come.  This was a legitimate game changer when it first came out.  Alex Ross’ art, the commentary on the flashier, more violent, emptier (some would argue) comics of the nineties, and the epic final confrontation combined to create a completely unprecedented experience.  I’d love to capture that again.  

Reading this again today, I also see a lot of flaws, primarily with the story.  That none of the fighting up until the very end led to any deaths defies belief.  There’s a preachiness throughout that weighs it down, even if those conversations speak to the very point of the series.  The ending, in particular, starting with Billy Batson’s choice, exhibits a…treacliness that rings false in a way that slowly grows every time I read it.  

None of that takes away from my enjoyment of Kingdom Come in any real perceptible way.  This was a blast to read, and I still love it.  

Alex Ross' Diana.  So good.

Magog's despair is palpable.

A lovely bit of writing.

Heh.

SO epic.

Superman vs lightning is brutal.

The red in his eyes.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Really good

JSA Kingdom Come Special: Superman 1

As part of Geoff Johns’ JSA run, the Kingdom Come Superman crossed over to the main DC timeline.  This issue deals with his struggle to acclimate to what’s essentially his past.  He also tells this Lois how his Lois died.  It’s all beautifully illustrated (and written) by Alex Ross, doing something kind of penciling/painting hybrid that I can’t figure out.  I just know it’s gorgeous.  

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good