The Kingdom Come comics is a four-issue comic book limited series published by DC Comics in 1996. The series was written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross. The story takes place in the future of the DC Universe, where the world has become a darker and more violent place, with a new generation of heroes who are more brutal and willing to kill.
The older heroes, who have retired or become inactive, are called back into action by Superman, who is still active, to help bring the new heroes in line and restore order to the world.
Kingdom Come Volume 1 #1
The first issue of “Kingdom Come” begins with a prologue that introduces the setting of the story and the new generation of heroes. The story then shifts to the present day, where Superman is visiting the graves of his fallen comrades at the Superman Memorial.
As he reflects on the past, he is confronted by a vision of Wonder Woman, who urges him to return to the world of heroes and stop the new generation of heroes from destroying the world.
The story then shifts to the city of Gotham, where Batman and Robin are fighting a new villain, Magog, who is leading the new generation of heroes. The battle is intense and brutal, with Magog displaying a willingness to kill that shocks, Batman and Robin.
Meanwhile, the Green Lantern, Alan Scott, is in Metropolis, where he and a group of heroes are trying to stop a group of villains from destroying the city. The heroes are outmatched and outgunned, and the situation looks dire until Superman arrives to save the day.
The issue ends with Superman calling a meeting of the older heroes, where he tells them of his vision of Wonder Woman and his belief that they need to come out of retirement and stop the new generation of heroes before they destroy the world. The older heroes are reluctant to return to action, but Superman’s words, and the dire state of the world, convince them to join him.
The art in the comic book is beautifully done, Alex Ross brings a photorealistic style and this specific issue starts with great introspection and then the tension rises with the confrontation between Batman and Magog, and the dramatic rescue of Metropolis by Superman. The art style is perfect to reinforce the tone of the story, a futuristic, dark, and dire world, that contrasts with the bright, vibrant, and colorful characters’ costumes.
The first issue of “Kingdom Come” sets the stage for an epic story that explores the themes of responsibility, power, and redemption. The story is richly drawn and well-written, the art is beautiful and realistic, and it leaves the reader eager for more.
Kingdom Come Volume 1 #2
The second issue of “Kingdom Come” picks up where the first one left off, with Superman and the older heroes starting to gather their forces to take on the new generation of heroes. Superman goes to Gotham City to recruit Batman, and the two have a heated conversation about the differences between their methods and philosophies.
Batman is hesitant to join Superman, but he ultimately agrees when Superman tells him that the new generation of heroes is out of control and must be stopped.
The issue also introduces other characters and elements to the story. It shows the arrival of Wonder Woman, who joins Superman to help gather other heroes. The issue also introduces a new villain, Magog, who is revealed to be a powerful being from another dimension that is manipulating the new generation of heroes to his own ends.
The issue also delves deeper into the themes of responsibility and power, as Superman and Batman talk about their differing perspectives on how to handle the new generation of heroes. Superman believes that the heroes should use their power to protect and guide the new generation, while Batman believes that the heroes should use their power to stop the new generation, by any means necessary.
The second issue also establishes the divide between the new and older heroes and the consequences that come with it. The new heroes, led by Magog, refuse to listen to the older heroes and continue to act recklessly and violently. This leads to a confrontation between the two groups in the streets of the Metropolis which causes great destruction, injury, and loss of lives.
The art in the second issue continues to be breathtaking, Alex Ross’s detailed and photorealistic illustrations reinforce the tone of the story, a world in chaos, and the character’s faces express the emotional weight of the situation. The artist also masterfully depicts the fights and action, making them look intense, destructive, and real.
Overall, the second issue of “Kingdom Come” continues to build on the story and themes established in the first issue, and it raises the stakes by introducing new characters and elements to the story. The issue provides a deeper look into the characters’ motivations and beliefs, and it sets up an epic conflict between the new and older heroes that will determine the fate of the world.
Kingdom Come Volume 1 #3
The third issue of “Kingdom Come” continues to develop the story and the conflict between the new and older heroes. It shows the older heroes trying to reason and negotiate with the new generation, but their efforts are in vain as the new heroes, led by Magog, refuse to listen and continue to act recklessly and violently.
This leads to an all-out battle between the two groups in the streets of Metropolis, which causes great destruction and loss of life.
The issue also explores the characters’ motivations and beliefs more deeply. Superman struggles with the weight of responsibility and the guilt he feels over the actions of the new generation of heroes. He also deals with his own doubts and insecurities, as he is not sure if he is still capable of leading the older heroes and saving the world.
The issue also introduces a new element to the story, the arrival of the Spectre, an angel of vengeance, who is sent by God to judge the heroes for their actions. The Spectre offers Superman a deal, where he can judge the new generation of heroes and punish them for their crimes, but in return, Superman must give up his own life.
Meanwhile, Wonder Woman struggles with her own beliefs as well, as she does not agree with Superman’s methods of controlling the new heroes and wants to find a peaceful solution. She also tries to reach out to Magog, the leader of the new heroes, to reason with him and try to stop the violence.
The issue also explores the consequences of the actions of the heroes, as the world is in chaos, people are dying and the older heroes are getting divided in their beliefs. It also shows the rise of a new hero, Captain Marvel Jr., as he tries to stop the fighting and tries to help the people in need.
The art in the comic book is beautifully done, Alex Ross brings a photorealistic style and this specific issue continues to reinforce the tone of the story, a futuristic, dark, and dire world. The artist also masterfully depicts the fights and action, making them look intense and chaotic, while also showing the aftermath, the destruction, and the suffering of the people.
The third issue of “Kingdom Come” raises the stakes and tension even higher, as the conflict between the new and older heroes reaches its climax and the world is on the brink of destruction. It offers a deep exploration of the character’s motivations and beliefs, and it sets up an epic finale for the series.
Kingdom Come Volume 1 #4
The fourth and final issue of “Kingdom Come” concludes the epic story and brings the conflict between the new and older heroes to its climax. The issue begins with Superman and the older heroes making a final stand against the new heroes, led by Magog, in a massive battle that takes place in the streets of Metropolis.
The fighting is intense and destructive, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
The issue also explores the characters’ motivations and beliefs in more depth, as Superman struggles with the weight of responsibility and the guilt he feels over the actions of the new generation of heroes. He also deals with his own doubts and insecurities, as he is not sure if he is still capable of leading the older heroes and saving the world.
As the battle rages on, Superman is visited by the Spectre, who reminds him of their deal, that he can judge the new heroes and punish them for their crimes but in exchange for Superman’s own life. Superman, struggling with this decision, meets with the new heroes and tries to reason with Magog, but Magog refuses to listen and continues to fight.
Wonder Woman, meanwhile, continues her efforts to find a peaceful solution and tries to reach out to Magog, appealing to his better nature and trying to make him see the consequences of his actions.
As the world is on the brink of destruction and both sides are at a stalemate, Superman makes a sacrifice, he allows himself to be judged by the Spectre, who in turn, judges the new heroes and strips them of their powers, effectively stopping the battle and saving the world.
The series concludes with Superman, now powerless and near death, being honored by the people as a hero and being given a burial next to his fallen comrades in the Superman Memorial. It also shows the older heroes, now reunited, continuing their legacy and helping to guide the new heroes and protect the world.
The final issue of the series provides a fitting conclusion to the story, wrapping up the conflicts and themes established throughout the series while also leaving an open end for future possibilities. The artwork, by Alex Ross, is as stunning as ever, providing visual spectacle and emotional depth throughout the issue, especially in the final confrontation, which is a great example of the artist’s ability to convey emotions, intensity, and grandeur through his images.
Overall, “Kingdom Come” is an epic and thought-provoking series that tells a compelling story about power, responsibility, and redemption. The characters are well-written, the artwork is beautiful and realistic, and the story raises important and relevant questions about the role of heroes in society.
In Summary
In conclusion, “Kingdom Come” is a classic comic series that explores a dark and gritty version of the DC universe. The story is masterfully crafted and the artwork is breathtaking. It is a must-read for any fan of comics, and it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who delves into its pages.
The themes of power, responsibility, and redemption are all expertly woven into the narrative, making for a truly powerful and thought-provoking read. If you are a fan of comics or just looking for a great story, “Kingdom Come” is definitely worth checking out.
