Kingdom Come is a huge comic book event published by DC Comics in 1996. It stands out as one of the most breathtaking and influential works in the comic book medium. Kingdom Come was written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross. Back in 1996, it was released as a four-issue miniseries that explored mysteries of the DC Universe.
It offers a look at a dystopian vision of a future where superheroes have lost their way. The story is a rich and multi-layered narrative that explores themes of power, responsibility, morality, and the “God Complex” as well as the classical conflict between good and evil.
[Warning: Light spoilers from Kingdom Come are below!]
The story of DC Comics’ Kingdom Come
Kingdom Come story is set in a not-so-distant future in an alternate universe. This story presents a world where the traditional superheroes of the DC Universe have largely retired, been pushed aside, or gone into exile. In their place, a new generation of heroes has emerged. A generation that is more violent, reckless, and doesn’t feel like they have any moral obligations. These new heroes, often driven by a desire for fame and power rather than a commitment to justice, engage in brutal battles that cause worldwide destruction and chaos. The world is on the brink of collapse, with humanity losing faith in the very heroes who were once their protectors.
At the center of this narrative is Superman, who has exiled himself from society after a tragic event involving the Joker and the death of Lois Lane. Disillusioned by the growing acceptance of lethal force among the new heroes, Superman retreats to his Fortress of Solitude, abandoning his role as Earth’s greatest protector. However, when an apocalyptic vision of the future is revealed to Norman McCay who is just a regular preacher, it becomes clear that the vision of a future conflict is about to happen. Superman doesn’t realize it yet, but he must return to restore order and prevent the upcoming disaster.
Norman McCay serves as the story’s narrator and moral compass. He is chosen by the Spectre, a powerful supernatural entity, to bear witness to the events that will shape the future of the world. Spectre is like a pariah who will witness every catastrophic event, but he cannot do anything to prevent it. Through McCay’s eyes, we are guided through the unfolding crisis, providing a grounded and human perspective on the larger-than-life conflicts. Norman’s journey is one of the most important spiritual and ethical struggles a person in this world can have. As he asks questions about what it means to be a hero in a world where the lines between right and wrong are, he discovers what his true role is in this conflict.
The return of Superman is the iconic moment in this story. His reappearance brings a fresh look at the current situation among superheroes. It serves as a visible difference between the older generation of heroes, including Wonder Woman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League, with the new generation of heroes that have replaced them. To reunite and take a stand against the new wave of vigilantes, the legacy of our heroes must be rewritten. This decision to return is not without the complications and consequences that come with it. Superman’s vision of a world where heroes are once again beacons of hope and justice doesn’t mix well with the brutal realities of the present.
Superman’s methods, while well-intentioned and noble from his perspective, often come across as authoritarian or even on the verge of being totalitarian, leading to tensions with other heroes, particularly Batman. Batman’s role in Kingdom Come is crucial to the story, as he represents an alternative approach to stopping the upcoming crisis. Unlike Superman, Batman has never retired. Instead, he has continued his crusade against crime in Gotham City, relying on a network of robotic sentinels and a small group of loyal allies.
Due to his identity becoming public, he got ambushed in Wayne Manor by Bane and Two-Face, who hurt him, ending with Bane shattering his spine. Now Bruce has to wear an exoskeleton to walk. Although his methods are pragmatic and very well calculated, they are a visible contrast to Superman’s idealism of peace. This ideological divide between the two heroes is a central (but not the main) conflict in the story, which in the beginning raises questions about the balance between order and freedom, and the extent to which power should be wielded in the pursuit of justice. Especially when people realize that peace and freedom, are not the same.
The story slowly builds towards an epic and as a result cataclysmic confrontation between the old and new generations of heroes. The stakes are incredibly high, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. As the situation spirals out of control, the United Nations representatives decide to intervene by launching a nuclear strike against the superheroes who are fighting each other, because their battle may lead to the extinction of mankind. This decision forces the heroes to confront the consequences of their actions and once again understand the true nature of their responsibilities.
In the climactic battle at the Gulag, a prison for rogue superhumans which was created by Superman to hold rogue heroes and villains, all the tensions and conflicts that have been appearing throughout the story come to a head. Their battle is fierce, chaotic, and brutal with all heroes and villains alike getting hurt. In the end, it is only through a moment of one hero’s self-sacrifice that peace is restored.
Superman is devastated by the loss of life of one of his friends, and it’s the moment he realizes his failure and accepts his failings from the past. He nearly succumbs to his grief and anger and wants to finally let go of his pain, and let it loose all at once. Which isn’t surprising after holding his pain tight all these years. However, it is Norman McCay’s intervention that ultimately saves him, and reminds Superman of the importance of hope, forgiveness, and the enduring power of humanity. Symbols that every person on the planet associates Superman with.
The story of Kingdom Come is not just any tale of superheroes battling villains. It is a definitive, iconic, and timeless exploration of the very nature of heroism, the responsibilities that come with having great power, and the moral complexities of a world where the lines between good and evil are often blurred. Waid’s writing is both on-the-point and thought-provoking, providing a narrative that is as much about the internal struggles of its characters as it is about the external conflicts they face, showing a perfect reference to the real world, even after almost 30 years of releasing this story. It challenges readers to consider what it truly means to be a hero, and whether the pursuit of justice can sometimes lead to unintended and tragic consequences which may change the course of our lives and put us on the verge of doing bad things in the name of noble ideas.
The beautiful designs of the artist, Alex Ross, elevate this comic
The artistic brilliance of Kingdom Come is my favorite feature of this comic book. Alex Ross, the illustrator of the series, brought a renowned and revolutionary hyperrealistic style when it comes to drawing comic books. It brings a fascinating level of detail and depth into the characters and settings of this world. Ross’ work in Kingdom Come is nothing short of a visual masterpiece. It transforms this comic book story into a work of art that transcends the medium’s traditional boundaries. In my opinion, it looks more like a photo-realistic portrayal of events, which makes it more personal and lets us feel like we’re part of this story.
Ross’ approach to the art in Kingdom Come is very heavily rooted in his passion for classical art and his desire to bring a sense of realism to the superhero genre. He uses a technique known as gouache painting, which allows for rich, vibrant colors and a level of detail for not only characters, to make them look more real, but also for an environment. Which is both awe-inspiring and immersive. Each story panel is perfectly crafted, with a focus on capturing the emotional intensity and gravitas of the story. Ross’ characters are drawn and rendered with a lifelike quality that makes them appear almost as if they could step off the page and talk to us. Their expressions and body language have a depth of emotion that adds layers to the narrative.
The design of the characters in Kingdom Come reflects the passage of time and the changes that have taken place in the world. The older generation of heroes, including Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, are depicted as seasoned and battle-worn, their costumes and appearances showing the toll of years spent in service to the world. Superman, in particular, is shown with graying hair and a more muscular, imposing physique. It symbolizes his enduring strength but also his weariness and that he is more human than it seems. His redesigned costume features a darker, more serious version of the iconic “S”, which reflects his internal struggle and the weight of the responsibility he bears. But to me, it serves him as a reminder of hope. Because even in the darkest times, hope cuts through, hope is the light that lifts us out of the darkness.
Wonder Woman is now depicted as a warrior queen, with her armor being more ornate and ancient than ever before, signifying her evolution into a leader and protector of her people. She also wears golden armor, which was also used in Wonder Woman 1984. Batman, on the other hand, is a brooding and calculating figure, his face is visibly aged, and his body is supported by an exoskeleton. The design choices for these characters are not merely aesthetic; they serve to enhance the narrative by visually representing the changes in the characters’ lives and their shifting roles in the world. The most interesting part of those designs is the part where each character represents the part of their lives that they embraced/are most recognized for.
One of the most iconic images from Kingdom Come is the portrayal of Superman’s return, where he emerges from the shadows to reclaim his mantle as the world’s greatest hero. This moment is captured with a dramatic use of light, illuminating Superman as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. The image is both powerful and symbolic, encapsulating the central themes of the story in a single, unforgettable moment.
Without revealing much, as readers must explore those designs by themselves, overall, the art and design of Kingdom Come elevate the story to new regions, making it not only a compelling narrative but also a visual experience that resonates long after the final page is turned. Alex Ross’ work is a celebration of the superhero genre, paying homage to its history while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in comic book art. His illustrations are not just images but are imbued with a sense of life and emotion that makes Kingdom Come a truly unique and unforgettable work of art.
Adaptations of this DC Comics story in other media
The impact of Kingdom Come has been felt far beyond the pages of the original comic, inspiring adaptations across different media that have introduced the story to new audiences and further cemented its place in popular culture. The closest we get to the live-action Kingdom Come adaptation is the event from Arrowverse, Crisis on Infinite Earths. In it, we’ve got Brandon Routh who plays Superman who is a direct continuation of Christopher Reeve’s Clark Kent, but now he is a Kingdom Come Superman.
It’s a continuation of the Superman Returns movie, where the future events took a darker path and Superman lost everything and everyone when Joker attacked the Daily Planet. But even then, the man who lost everything is still fighting for hope in a Kingdom Come Superman suit. On the other hand, in the same event crossover, we’ve got a short supporting role from the late Kevin Conroy who played Kingdom Come Batman. An evil Batman who killed every superhero and villain because according to him, life only makes sense if you force it to, and his life was to defeat everyone who can endanger the life of regular people who don’t have powers.
Those are two very different characters, but similar to those we’ve seen in the comics, and by far, they are the closest thing we’ve got to the Kingdom Come adaptation. And maybe, we won’t have to wait long to see the true live-action adaptation of this story, thanks to James Gunn and his DC Universe expansion.
The Legend of Kingdom Come Documentary
The Kingdom Come story is no doubt iconic, if you want to learn more about the comics’ creation and creator Alex Ross, there’s good news. A Kickstarter will launch later this year for a documentary about Kingdom Come and comic book legend Alex Ross’ incredible work. The documentary, titled The Legend of Kingdom Come, will explore how Alex Ross’ vision reshaped comic books forever.
“This film traces the influence of comics history through the present day, exploring the roots of pop culture’s most vibrant medium in the 21st century. Featuring a wide range of comic luminaries reflecting on the book and industry, THE LEGEND OF KINGDOM COME seeks to answer the question: Why are comic heroes so beloved? Through exclusive interviews and original footage, we explore the rich history of comics and their evolution into a cornerstone of modern pop culture. Join us on this journey to discover why these heroes have captured our hearts and imaginations for decades.” – via The Legend of Kingdom Come Kickstarter
The Legend of Kingdom Come will feature new interviews with Alex Ross, Mark Waid, Todd McFarlane and many more. Check out the preview for the documentary via YouTube below!
Is Kingdom Come friendly for new readers?
Kingdom Come is a comic book event designed for everyone. There was no prelude or the necessity to read previous comic books to prepare for this event. All that readers have to do is pick up the comic book and read it. This is fantastic because it’s a comic book that amazingly portrays not only the fullest potential of each superhero from the old times that appear in it, but it also explores their personality.
That’s why I think Kingdom Come is one of the best comic books I’ve ever read. It’s not too simple to understand, or too hard, it’s perfectly well-balanced up to the point where we as readers wonder how much more serious can this story really become. It serves as a perfect entry point for people who want to read dark and serious stories without the need to buy dozens of comic book issues to get a whole story. You can read it easily in a basic or deluxe/Black Label edition. The story doesn’t change, but in deluxe and more extended editions, you can see additional graphics and sketches that are a behind-the-scenes feature.
So with all my heart, I can say “Buy it, and read it, no matter what, as soon as possible”. It’s one of the greatest comic books ever made, and it deserves to be praised whenever and wherever we can.
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