This page features reviews of the Superman comics that I have read and enjoyed.


Comic Review
Kingdom Come #2, 1996
Truth and Justice
Artist: Alex Ross
Writer: Mark Waid

Summary: This is part two of the very successful masterpiece that spans four issues. It takes place in the DC Universe future, where Superman has retired and his Super-powered peers (Batman, Wonder Woman and so on, have mostly followed his lead). Superheroes and metahumans abound, and are reckless in there treatment of each other and the citizens they're supposed to be protecting. After their leader, Magog, accidently sets off a nuclear catastrophe in the heart of Kansas, Superman returns from his self-imposed exile to set things right...

On to the story. It begins at the shore of Ellis Island, where immigrants are arriving to America. A militant group of gun-toting heroes tries to block the immigrants access, and gets in a skirmish with another group of "heroes". This small war escalates without regard to the people they're supposed to be protecting, and all looks lost. Until the newly formed Justice League returns with Superman as it's leader to stop the carnage. Superman, Wonder Woman, and many of the old Teen Titans heroes with Green Lantern head to the U.N. building (which looks just like the Hall of Justice from the Super Friends cartoon). There, Superman announces that the league will now be watching over meta-human activity, and that those that don't fall in line will be dealt with. The United Nations is not pleased.

Meanwhile, Superman seeks the one ally who he trusts more than any other- Batman. Bruce Wayne is old, and his body is broken, but he is still watching over Gotham with his Bat-Robot sentries. Superman tries to convince Bruce to join him, but Batman sees the JLA as a misguided attempt that will only make things worse. Superman leaves the batcave without Batman's support.

The JLA continues it's pledge, first across America, then the world. Conquering foes and converting some to allies, their ranks grow. But Superman is left with the problem of what to do with those that won't "see the light".

Meanwhile, The Mankind Liberation Front, headed by Lex Luthor, is planning their move. This group is composed of several super-villains, and is aided by what appears to be Captain Marvel. Luthor has a devious plan... Later, in a very interesting scene, Superman decides to go to the heart of the matter and confront this next generation of "heroes". He arrives at a bar, and urges the motley crew to join the league and start behaving like heroes- or else.

Soon though, things are shaken up with the revelation that Magog, the first of the new breed of heroes that is responsible for Superman's disappearance has been found. Superman and the league confront Magog in the Kansas nuclear wasteland...
Review
This comic is a masterpiece. The story is a compelling tale of a moral leader and the choices that he must make to pave the way for the future. Superman is a hero of action, who makes decisions and inspires those around them. After his abscense, the world's superheroes had no role model for how they should act. As the Spectre put it, "Superman's most necessary failing- the inability to perceive himself for the inspiration that he is."

When he does return it is interesting to see how he deals with those forces that must be tamed. His very words are enough to bring most in line, but then it quickly becomes a physical power struggle. And then, what is to be done with those that cannot be rehabilitated? Superman is not accustomed to forcing people to following his lead. But he must make a decision.

What can I say? The artwork is awesome. The characters really come alive and I often feel like I am watching a movie. Alex Ross has such attention to detail it is amazing. Every character is drawn and painted so realistically. His panels are filled with such detail and depth, I spend alot of time just looking at the art. All comic artists should spend some time looking at what he has accomplished.
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Review #1
Review #2