Superman: Red Son (Comics) | Review

Imagine Superman's rocket crashing in Ukraine rather than Kansas. That single premise fuels Superman: Red Son, DC's boldest Elseworlds experiment since Kingdom Come. Writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2) takes America's greatest hero and turns him into the Soviet Union's ultimate weapon during the Cold War paranoia.

The premise alone guarantees controversy but execution elevates this beyond shock value into legitimate political commentary. This three-issue prestige mini-series launched in 2003, arriving as America invaded Iraq and debates about superpower interference reached fever pitch.

Mark Millar conceived this story at age six after reading Superman #300, pitched it to DC at thirteen, finally published it at thirty-three. His script examines authoritarianism, American exceptionalism and whether absolute power corrupts regardless of ideology or intentions.

Artist Dave Johnson (Lobster Johnson: Iron Prometheus, Pop Kill) handles primary artwork with assists from Andrew Robinson and Kilian Plunkett. Alex Ross (Justice, Marvels) contributed to character designs, grounding Soviet Superman in Cold War aesthetics. The approach blends Soviet propaganda with superhero iconography.

The story opens in 1950s Soviet Union as government reveals Superman's existence to a terrified world watching newsreels. Instead of fighting for truth, justice and American way, this Superman champions Stalin, socialism and international expansion of the Warsaw Pact.

The revelation shifts Cold War arms race from nuclear weapons to metahumans as both superpowers scramble for advantage. CIA recruits Lex Luthor, portrayed as America's greatest scientific mind rather than a criminal, to destroy Soviet Superman threatening civilization.

Luthor's obsession with defeating Superman drives the entire narrative across five decades spanning 1950s through 2001. He creates Bizarro, a monstrous clone, who accidentally launches toward London after a nuclear malfunction. Bizarro eventually sacrifices himself and saves millions, giving Lex his first taste of failure.

Superman meets Lois Lane Luthor during diplomatic functions, creating romantic tension that never develops due to her marriage. The relationship symbolizes Cold War, representing possibilities denied by ideology. Their interactions highlight his isolation despite global power.

Stalin's death forces Superman into leadership as Soviet Union's ruler rather than propaganda symbol. He transforms USSR into global superpower through benevolent dictatorship, believing he serves greater good. His methods eliminate poverty and expand Soviet influence, creating the worldwide communist utopia through force.

Batman emerges as anarchist terrorist fighting Superman's authoritarian regime from Ukrainian shadows wearing fur-lined ushanka instead of a cowl. This version lost his parents to Stalin's secret police. He leads underground resistance cells sabotaging Superman's infrastructure.

Wonder Woman arrives as Soviet ally supporting Superman's vision of imposed order bringing peace. Diana becomes Superman's confidant and romantic interest, believing authoritarianism is justified if it prevents suffering. Their relationship represents philosophical alignment bonded by their shared commitment to forced stability.

Luthor ascends to U.S. presidency, turning the nation into anti-Superman weapon. He engineers metahuman soldiers, creating American superhero program countering Soviet dominance. His brilliance matches Superman's power, making conflict between intellect and strength.

Brainiac arrives shrinking Soviet cities for his collection, forcing Superman to confront threats beyond human political conflicts and struggles. He defeats Brainiac but gets miniaturized, turning him into Brainiac's unwilling servant. Lex must choose between destroying his greatest enemy and saving humanity from alien invasion.

The Miniaturization storyline reveals Superman's fundamental decency, showing character transcends conditioning. He breaks free from Brainiac's control, preventing Earth's destruction though it dooms Soviet dominance. This challenges whether environment shapes identity.

Luthor's final scheme involves reprogramming Brainiac's technology to lobotomize Superman, removing capacity for independent thought. The plan backfires when Superman surrenders his power willingly, recognizing his vision created the same nightmare he tried to prevent. He fakes death and lives on anonymously among citizens.

Dave Johnson captures Soviet propaganda aesthetics through bold colors and heroic poses mirroring Stalinist iconography. He re-imagines DC heroes through Cold War lens: Batman in fur coat, Wonder Woman in red star uniform. Visual language communicates alternate reality.

Johnson references famous Superman covers, particularly the splash page mirroring Superman #1 and riot scene echoing Action Comics #1. These homages work as metatextual commentary showing iconography shifts based on cultural context. The art honors tradition while subverting expectations through sharp political re-framing.

Millar balances political thriller with superhero spectacle, never letting either overwhelm. His dialogue gives Luthor and Superman distinct philosophical viewpoints. The characterization maintains Superman's decency while showing how Soviet upbringing shapes his understanding.

The pacing moves efficiently across three issues spanning fifty years without feeling rushed. Millar uses historical touchstones like Stalin's death and Cold War escalation to ground fantastic elements. Each issue functions as distinct chapter building toward inevitable confrontation.

Superman: Red Son stands as essential reading for anyone interested in political superhero narratives challenging American mythology and exceptionalism. Millar created a story asking whether Superman's heroism stems from inherent goodness or American values. The graphic novel earned Eisner Award nomination in 2004.

The book works as a character study rather than superhero adventure. Readers expecting straightforward Superman stories might find political elements heavy-handed but ideological weight defines purpose. Red Son influenced alternate reality stories for decades after release.

This connects to DC's broader Elseworlds initiative exploring what-if scenarios across different continuities but functions as standalone despite numerous cameos. The graphic novel assumes basic familiarity with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman but explains everything else. Red Son was later designated Earth-30 in multiverse.

Superman: Red Son proves superhero comic-books can deliver political commentary and entertainment. Millar and Johnson created something truly entertaining. Whether examining Cold War history or wanting thought-provoking Superman story, this still delivers today.

Superman: Red Son is collected in trade paperback and deluxe hardcover editions, including Absolute and DC Compact Edition from DC Comics. Physical editions are available at local comic-book shops, major bookstores and online retailers. Digital editions can be read on ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.