Kingdom Come TP New Edition

Why I waited so long to buy and read this book is anyone's guess, but now I have all I can is that if you are a comic book fan of any variety, this is a MUST READ. The story depicts a dystopian future in which Superman has hung up his cape after failing to stop the Joker from killing thousands of people, including Lois Lane. A new breed of superheroes have emerged handing out their own version of justice, which includes death and torture. After a catastrophic event in the heart of America, Superman and other golden aged heroes are forced out of retirement so they can try and prevent any further losses to human and meta-human kind. Opposed by Batman and his band of 'Outsiders', who have their own agenda as to the best way to save humanity from extinction, tensions rise, friendships are splintered and the end of days seem to drawing ever closer. Mark Waid has written an amazing story with fantastic pace, dialogue and a depth of mythology whilst Alex Ross's paint work is second to none and the best example of photo realistic artwork within the comic genre. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - THIS IS A MUST READ

The characters really jump off the page with Alex Ross' art work which is to be expected, Mark Waids story is awesome. Before getting this I read a lot about it but there was still a lot of surprises in it. As everyone already probably knows or can tell by the cover, it is very Superman centric, supported by wonder woman who I've seen in a few other stories but nothing stand alone, but I will say this is the best wonder woman cameo I've seen. I don't have any complaints at all, the JLA's individual characters in this story line doesn't seem to have much panel space for The Flash or Green Lantern which would have been nice, although they do make an appearance. All in all I will say that this is great, set in a bad future without the JLA and then their heroic return, a real pleaser, it's artwork and reputation is what I bought it for and then I was took even further buy the superbly written supporting cast.

Simply the best! Good artwork! Plot is superb and good paced. Superman in his most inspiring story ever. It's the story about how the fallen Justice League assembles again to bring down the newer, more brutal superheoroes. Metahumans are at their peak and seriously need some persuasion. This story gives us an insight on how the League-members struggled to get along when they had to. How they fought alongside each other even putting aside all the hatred. I'm getting of words right now. But I think this is simply the best graphic novel ever written. I've even read Watchmen and the story telling was on par with it. But Watchmen is still quite a mature storyline. Cheers to the makers. You've surely made the Superman-lover in me cry! :*

The very first thing you have to say about this book is that the art work is absolutely beautiful. Alex Ross' work as both artist and writer on this project is of as high a quality as you could hope to find. In a time where many of the DC/Marvel runs tend to take on a familiar and polished glean to the art work, Alex Ross' work truly stands out as original and instantly recognisable. The narrative of the piece was really engaging and very imaginative, but it's the art work that really makes this book stand out. I highly recommend any fan of comics to read work by Alex Ross and this is a perfect place to start. Highly recommended.

I've been a fan of Alex Ross since reading 'Marvels' so have been meaning to read this for a while, and it didn't disappoint. Fantastic artwork and a great story. Would love to see this adapted to the big screen someday. Would make for an epic and mature superhero tale.

Hands down one of the greatest comic books ever written, not only written but also drawn. I found myself reading the entire thing as soons as i opened it, both mark waid and alex ross were able to create a unique story with a vast amount of characters and make it one of the best graphic novels ever created. It's definitely in favourite comics of all time along with watchmen, the dark knight returns, batman year one, all star superman and superman red son. Im now about to start reading Justice, which was also drawn by Alex Ross. Again i will say...the artwork is magnificent!

Fantastic story and beautiful art work by Alex Ross. An absolute must read for any comic book fan

Great story, different take on aging superheros, probably my favourite graphic novel, and I love and have a lot of batman ones! Lol

I cannot say enough about this exceptional piece of work by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. More than ten years after it was first released, Kingdom Come remains one of the essential volumes (I think) of comics-related reading that anyone who loves the genre should own. It would also make an excellent gift for anyone interested in science fiction, superheroes, fantasy, and art, even if they aren't interested in comic books. Although Mark Waid is the writer here, the genius of Kingdom Come belongs really to artist Alex Ross, who came to DC with a proposal for the story and the broad outlines already in his head. Waid was writing at the height of his powers, while still doing a seminal run on DC's Flash, where he had earned genuine superstar writing status. Ross' genius was in suggesting a story that was both forward looking and a commentary on the state of the comics industry at the time. Kingdom Come is arguably the series that truly put the nails in the 'grim and gritty' wave of the previous decade, although the story is fairly dark in and of itself. Waid's contribution was also pretty significant however, in tying what were fairly loose ideas into an intricate and very coherent narrative that pulls the reader in and never lets go. The team works well together here to craft an exceptional story, the significance or influence of which, neither men are likely to replicate in the latter parts of their careers unfortunately. (It's unlikely Ross will ever do something on that scale again, at least, not on his own, and Waid's powers have been waning of late; his most recent writing often being too 'clever' for its own good, and is also less natural, or is more "constructed" than his best writing - see any Flash issue or trades by Mark Waid set before Flash #120 or so.) The story concerns the return of a Man of Steel who has been in self-imposed exile, to a world which has moved on dramatically since he last frequented it. Populated by superpowered beings who epitomize the phrase "power without responsibility," Superman's re-emergence in a not too distant future, sets off a chain of events that lead to tragedy on an epic scale. Principally a love letter to a version of Superman that DC had disowned up to that point, the story also focuses a fair degree on an aged Batman and ageless Wonder woman. Dense, lyrical, mythical, epic and beautiful all at once, Kingdom Come is a tale dealing with power, responsibilty, loss, alienation, what happens when different philosophies collide, and yes, hope. If there are any criticisms of the work, most are fairly minor in my view and easily dimissed. For example, some have argued that the multitude of new characters aren't sufficiently fleshed out to make you care enough. That's like going to an indian restaurant and complaining there are no burgers. These people completely miss the point. Kingdom Come isn't about the multitude of characters in the background, and the writer and artist waste no time on them, because they're intended to be a direct commentary on the multitudes of interchangeable/nameless/forgettable characters the comic industry was throwing up in the late 80's, early 90s, specially after Image launched. More significant problems are that issue one of the story is a little weak in comparison to the remaining three, as it is almost exclusively set up. Had Waid and Ross been doing it now, I doubt they might have taken the slightly decompressed approach they took originally for that issue. Finally, Batman was pretty obnoxious ever since Frank Miller put his hands on him, and the Batman written here is a fairly logical extension of the obnoxious, dislikeable Batman DC was enamored with at that period in the 90s. But other than a cynical and somewhat stupid/unfortunate historical tension with Superman, Waid and Ross never really provide a compelling, convincing argument as to why Bruce adopts the role of obstructionist here. It doesn't ruin the story in any serious way or affect your enjoyment as a reader too much, but it's a niggling irritation if, like me, you like the Batman and think, 'being difficult' doesn't do the character justice. As for format, this volume of Kingdom Come actually bucks the trend by being a superior printing to the original trade paperback. The cover here is one of Ross' most beautiful and striking images created for the series, which is saying a lot considering the number of beautiful images Ross created in the story and for its promotion. Whereas the previous cover was a bit cluttered and somewhat clumsily staged, Ross' cover here is a beautiful emerald green projection of the mythical, epic nature of the confrontation contained in the pages of the actual story, for three reasons. First, because the location of Green Lantern's satellite plays a central role in the story, second because it highlights Superman's new Justice League, which sets off the central conflict in the story, and most importantly because it is yet another wonderful example of Ross' superb Superman. If ever there was a fictional character and an artist who were meant to be together, it's Ross and Superman. The artist's take on the character is always amazing. Ross clearly enjoys painting him and he renders the Man of Steel with love, but always as an imposing, powerful, and compelling fictional character that demands your respect and must be taken seriously. This first printing is also a steal because it contains a 'gatefold' cover, meaning that the cover is front, back, and an extra foldout, for a larger image. Amazon seems to only have an early pencil version here, but one of the customer images shows more clearly what the actual volume will look like. Whatever the case, it's a striking image that, more than ten years on after the initial release, reaffirms why Kingdom Come is one of the best pieces of graphic fiction ever produced by anyone, anywhere.

In a world that is evolving and embracing new values, can Superman continue his fight for Justice the same way he always did? New gods and "heroes" are now willing to act more violently to meet their goals, making them not that different than villains. Superman, now retired for several years in isolation after the last of his link to humanity has died (Lois), feels more than ever useless and unappreciated by society. We see the story from a normal man's point of view and how the DC universe has aged for the worst. Old age has caught up with most of the heroes and those that don't age, have also followed Superman's self-imposed exile. The story is masterfully written and will pull on our most basic fears in aging, the change in the society and the new values that aren't that reassuring compared to what we were told as young kids. A clever way to make an invincible man, vulnerable. The art is outstanding and painted by none other than Alex Ross! Ross' unique ability to portray our beloved heroes in the most realistic fashion really add great gravity and quality to the story! Heroes will seems real in their looks and expressions. A great read for anyone, not just comic fans! I'd be very happy if this book was made into a movie! DC/WB, if you're reading this and don't know which Superman story to cash in, then this is the one!

Obra fenomenal que pega toda a mítica dos super-heróis e trasporta para uma história profunda e trágica. Um daqueles momentos em que "uma revista em quadrinhos" se torna profundo e capaz de causar comoção e reflexões profundas no autor. Mark Waid é um gênio e os desenhos de alex ross...não há palavras para descrever.

Unlike the review here on amazon, this is a brilliant book. Mark Waid time and again proves he's one of the great writers. The imagination of the future where golden age has gone old, retired and some even in exile, and the world being run by new breed, is simply amazing. Superman being the central character and the leader must bring order and justice which has been completely vanished in deeds of young superheroes. This book tells what it is to be a superhero, a true superhero. Superman's not so humble nature and Bruce Wayne's badass attitude are some of the good parts. Coming to art, Alex Ross's paintings are a visual treat. Each page is colourful and visually stunning. Overall, a book to owned if you read graphic novels. And compared to other graphic mini series or one shots, this is a better offered price. Good job amazon, although delivery's late.

Arrived in a timely manner. The story was great. I am older, so it is easy for me to sympathize with a Superman that wanted to impose the decency, responsibility, and honor of old on an ever irresponsible and violent group of "heroes." The art was fantastic and beautiful. This is story is definitely a shining star of excellence in a mediocre dark time of American comics.