Kingdom Come (Comics) | Review

What happens when the next generation of heroes becomes more dangerous than the villains they fight? Writer Mark Waid (JLA: Year One, Onslaught Saga) and artist Alex Ross (Justice, Marvels) tackled this question in 1996 with Kingdom Come, a four-issue Elseworths mini-series that remains one of DC's most influential stories.

The book arrived during the height of extreme violence in comics, offering a direct response to the grim anti-heroes dominating the industry. Waid scripted while Ross painted every panel in gouache, creating a visual style unlike anything comics had seen in superhero storytelling.

The story was later designated Earth-22 in DC's multiverse continuity, spawning sequel The Kingdom and influencing Justice Society of America storylines for years. Ross's work on Marvels directly inspired this project, pushing him to create a similar grand opus for DC that examined heroes at their twilight rather than at their dawn.

The story opens a decade after Superman's retirement following a personal tragedy that shattered his faith in humanity and justice. The Man of Steel withdrew to his Fortress while the Justice League disbanded. A new generation of metahumans rose to fill the void.

These modern heroes kill without hesitation, show no regard for civilian casualties and operate like gangs. The world fears them as much as villains. Norman McCay, a minister questioning his faith, becomes witness when the Spectre chooses him as human anchor for divine judgment.

The Spectre reveals Armageddon approaches unless balance between heroism and humanity restores itself. McCay watches Superman emerge from self-imposed exile after Magog causes catastrophe. The Kansas slaughter pushes Superman to reassemble the Justice League and forcibly impose order on metahuman populace.

Wonder Woman supports Superman's authoritarian approach while Batman operates from shadows with his own agenda. The Trinity's philosophical differences mirror larger questions about power. Superman builds a gulag to contain metahumans refusing compliance.

Lex Luthor manipulates events, assembling the Mankind Liberation Front alongside traditional villains. Luthor frames the conflict as humanity versus metahumans, exploiting public fear. He positions himself as humanity's defender against super-powered tyrants despite his history.

Batman walks a middle path between Superman's fascism and Luthor's manipulation, trying to broker peace before total war erupts. Bruce recognizes forcing heroes into compliance creates the authoritarian nightmare they fought against. His arguments fall on deaf ears as Diana and Kal-El believe their methods serve greater good.

The conflict escalates into warfare between Superman's Justice League, Batman's Outsiders and Luthor's human resistance. Captain Marvel becomes the pivot, torn between loyalty to Superman and moral objections to fascism. Billy's innocence clashes with surrounding cynicism.

Magog leads anti-heroes refusing Superman's authority but rejecting Luthor's manipulation, creating three-way conflict. Younger metahumans view the Justice League as relics clinging to outdated ideals. Their philosophy centers on immediate results regardless of consequences.

The United Nations intervenes as superhuman civil war threatens stability, deploying weapons capable of killing Superman. Secretary General Wyrmwood authorizes nuclear strike on the prison after diplomacy fails. Captain Marvel faces impossible choice: follow orders or save people who abandoned what heroes stood for.

McCay witnesses heroes and villains dying in massive numbers as conflict reaches apocalyptic conclusion at Superman's gulag. The explosion kills thousands, forcing Superman to confront consequences of his vision. Wonder Woman demands vengeance while Batman urges restraint.

The resolution addresses whether heroes serve humanity or rule it, examining corruption of good intentions combined with absolute power. Superman must decide if heroes should exist in a world that needs and fears them. McCay argues humanity deserves another chance.

Alex Ross painted every panel using gouache, creating photorealistic art that elevates superheroes to mythological status. His compositions draw from classical religious paintings, framing heroes as modern gods. The visual style grounds fantastical characters in reality, making conflicts feel tangible despite the scale.

Ross designed hundreds of characters for background crowds, filling panels with metahuman diversity. His costume details and aging effects add authenticity. Superman's graying temples and Wonder Woman's battle scars communicate decades of heroism without exposition.

Mark Waid structures narrative around biblical themes without becoming preachy, using religious allegory to examine hero worship. His dialogue balances philosophical debates with character moments, giving each player distinct voices. The story demands multiple readings to catch the references and subtle characterization.

The pacing maintains tension across four issues despite heavy exposition, using McCay's perspective to ground larger conflicts. Waid layers political commentary beneath superhero action, creating story that works as adventure and cautionary tale while respecting continuity.

Kingdom Come stands as essential reading for every DC fan and anyone interested in deconstructionist superhero narratives challenging genre conventions. Waid and Ross created story asking difficult questions about power and responsibility without easy answers. The graphic novel won five Eisner and Harvey Awards.

The book works as meditation on what makes heroes heroic rather than just powerful beings imposing their will. Readers expecting straightforward action might find philosophical debates slow but that contemplative approach defines lasting impact on superhero storytelling.

This connects to DC's broader Elseworlds initiative but functions well as standalone reading despite hundreds of character cameos. The graphic novel assumes familiarity with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman but explains everything else. Deluxe editions include annotations, sketches, offering insights into creative process.

Kingdom Come proves superhero comics can deliver visual spectacle and philosophical substance. Waid and Ross created something entertaining and rewarding on revisits. Whether examining deconstruction or wanting thought-provoking story, this delivers decades later.

Kingdom Come is available in multiple physical editions, including the classic trade paperback, deluxe hardcover and Absolute Edition formats from DC. Digitally, it can be read on platforms like Amazon Kindle, ComiXology, DC Universe Infinite and Google Play Books, making it easy to access whether you prefer print copy or screens.