KFC Recommended Reading: Kingdom Come

Kyle's Funnybook Corner (KFC) is a new regular blog section that will cover comic books and the subsequent entertainment inspired by them. All geeks (this isn't an insult, as I am one as well) who are as mild-mannered as Clark Kent, clever as Reed Richards, or as flexible with their opinion as Plastic Man is with his buttocks, are welcome.


Imagine a time of political unrest, global crises, and anarchic undertones. Then add superheroes. Although it features some of the most fantastic and otherworldly characters ever created, Kingdom Come's success stems from its contemporary and postmodern world that makes the reader feel a part in the struggle between the universe's most powerful beings.

Superman has been in exile for years after the death of Lois Lane at the hands of the Joker, turning his back on civilization after a wannabe superhero, Magog, assassinates the Clown Prince of Crime. The Last Son of Krypton is disgusted by the support that the bloodthirsty culture gives Magog, for he crossed the line that Superman knew he never could. He retreats to a rebuilt Fortress of Solitude to conclude his days. With the rest of the Justice League realizing they cannot continue with the absence of Earth's Mightiest Hero, they disband. This gives rise to a new group of heroes that have little tolerance for restraint and discipline. He is called upon to come out of retirement by his former allies to lead them in an upcoming battle that will decide the fated of all living beings of Earth.


Maybe the best single thing about the story itself is the perspective it's told from: Norman McCay, a minister who attends to his old friend Wesley Dodds, the original Sandman. McCay experiences the story when the Spectre, lacking an emotional attachment with humanity, lets him play host to the upcoming superhuman war that is sure to invoke the apocalypse itself. Although this is a story about superheroes, McCay's humility and wisdom make him the truest hero of the epic yarn. At the story's conclusion, McCay stops certain annihilation himself through objectifying the situation that help all reach a peaceful and worthwhile understanding.


This book is filled with plenty of action moments that could only be handled to Alex Ross's scope. Crafting something truly beautiful, it sets comic book art to a standard that will never be equaled, much less challenged. Although what characters say and think it extremely important, the medium relies on its ability to tell stories visually, which is a talent Ross owns like on other before or after him. The characterizations of these classic heroes and villains look as if they've walked off the page and are standing right in front of you. 


The story itself is groundbreaking in its own right, allowing the outcome of it to be decided by a single man who has watched the entirety of the plot's events. It's almost commonplace now for me to imagine each of these characters, despite whatever continuity or interpretation they're represented in, to conclude with this specific story, symbolized by the timeless take that Ross and Mark Waid (the author) invoke through this miniseries. This is not only the ultimate Superman story, but the ultimate DC story that every piece eventually builds up to. Also, the ending is very poignant and for me was the perfect way to say goodbye to the three big characters of the DC universe, of course encompassing Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.


It's not easy to overestimate the impact this one has had on my personal love for comics. This was the story I had always been waiting to see and I felt that everything I had ever read was simply buildup for the colossal epic that this was. It would be a dream come true to see this one adapted to the big screen in spectacular fashion, but that's most likely not going to happen (but one can always dream, can't they?). This one is always my signature answer for favorite graphic novel and I don't expect it to change soon. A+