Absolute Kingdom Come
by Mark Waid, Alex Ross
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 901)
Read in August, 2008
recommended to Patrick by:
Jacob Schultzrecommends it for: Hardcore Comic Book Aficionados
This was an engaging graphic novel that was interesting and well-drawn, but not quite on par with the other graphic novels I've read (Watchmen and The Killing Joke), in part because, despite a novel concept, this story wasn't quite able to handle the broad scope of that idea.
This edition came with an introduction that explained the genesis for the story--what would happen if Superman was no longer relevant? The impetus behind this being, what if a desperate world called for a n...more
This edition came with an introduction that explained the genesis for the story--what would happen if Superman was no longer relevant? The impetus behind this being, what if a desperate world called for a n...more
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recommends it for:
comics fans, particulary alex ross and mark waid fans
it had been about twenty years since i'd read a comic book before recently haven't my interest in the genre piqued with the release of buffy season #8. after some research, discussions in online forums, and the advice of some trusted friends, i came away with one clear-cut comic to persue: anything painted by alex ross. since it's nearly impossible to just jump in and start recollecting (it's tough to pick things up already in progress), i decided to go the graphic novel route. 1) they're a lot ...more
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Read in January, 1997
Possibly the best comic ever written. The artwork alone makes this a joy to look at but the story goes into just what really makes a hero.
Kingdom Come takes place in an alternate future. Superman, and most of the Golden Age heroes, have retired or gone underground. Other heroes, new heroes, who were willing to seek street justice were chosen by the masses. Why keep locking up criminals who later escape when a metahuman (person with super powers) could kill the bad guy and solve the problem p...more
Kingdom Come takes place in an alternate future. Superman, and most of the Golden Age heroes, have retired or gone underground. Other heroes, new heroes, who were willing to seek street justice were chosen by the masses. Why keep locking up criminals who later escape when a metahuman (person with super powers) could kill the bad guy and solve the problem p...more
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Think of this graphic novel as a tearful good-bye to quality comics of yesteryear. Having read comics for years, and having watched as the current generation of writers flushes the greats down the drain, I often read this book with the highest of reverence, and I usually find something new with each read.
When Mark Waid realized this was Superman's story, according to him, the character wrote itself. The rest of the characters fell in line around him according to their own motivations and b...more
When Mark Waid realized this was Superman's story, according to him, the character wrote itself. The rest of the characters fell in line around him according to their own motivations and b...more
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The important theme of the book is in the line, "They chose the hero who would kill over the one that wouldn't. And now they're all dead!"
It's not just about the heroes in their older age, but a cautionary tale. Coming at a time of crossroads in the comic book industry, the public seemed to be embracing a darker, more violent type of anti-hero. Ross and Waid show that ideas like heroism, truth and justice still have an essential place in this world, and there are some things s...more
It's not just about the heroes in their older age, but a cautionary tale. Coming at a time of crossroads in the comic book industry, the public seemed to be embracing a darker, more violent type of anti-hero. Ross and Waid show that ideas like heroism, truth and justice still have an essential place in this world, and there are some things s...more
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Read in January, 2008
recommended to Kirsten by:
Mal
First of all, let me say that Alex Ross's artwork is just absolutely gorgeous. I can't even imagine how long it must have taken to execute this graphic novel. And the plotline is almost equally good. Basically, it's set in the near future, when superheroes have proliferated far beyond the original crop. Supervillains are basically a thing of the past, but this has translated into bored superhumans endangering normal humans with their petty rivalries. Many superheroes consider themselves god...more
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Read in March, 2008
This book gets a lot of hype, and to some degree, its understandable.
It is a good story, and the art is incredibly beautiful.
It revolves around a future where the classic superheroes (most notably Superman) have given up on the world. The modern breed of hero that arose in their absence is very much the anti-hero archetype that was popular when Waid and Ross decided to make this book.
The morality themes are fine, but what really seems strange to me is that it almost is calling for th...more
It is a good story, and the art is incredibly beautiful.
It revolves around a future where the classic superheroes (most notably Superman) have given up on the world. The modern breed of hero that arose in their absence is very much the anti-hero archetype that was popular when Waid and Ross decided to make this book.
The morality themes are fine, but what really seems strange to me is that it almost is calling for th...more
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Read in July, 2001
recommends it for:
art lovers, really
Kingdom Come could be about pretty much anything, and it would get a good review solely on the strength of its artwork. It's that good. Alex Ross is the best in the business, and his watercolors bring the story to life. About that story: Kingdom Come is set in an alternate future in which the Golden Age heroes have more or less retired, and are replaced by anti-heroes, only to have the Golden Age Justice League come back and attempt to re-establish order. The book primarily explore...more
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Read in November, 2007
recommends it for:
comic lovers
New generation of undisciplined superheroes running rampant, nefarious plotting by a Lex Luthor-headed Mankind Liberation Front, and prolonged absence of Superman and other Justice Leaguers, has led to an apocalyptic crisis point on earth. Then Superman returns, along with some other old Justice Leaguers, whips some ass but it's problematic, stuff happens and explodes, powerful dudes fight, and it's all seen from the perspective of a bewildered old human pastor, guided by Spectre.
Pretty awe...more
Pretty awe...more
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Read in January, 2004
recommends it for:
Anyone into comics/epics/amazing works of art
This is a alternate universe based on the comics on the DC comics label. It includes just about every DC comic character ever conceived in an epic battle against the good and evil factions with humans left in the middle. It turns out that an elite group of humans are stirring the pot and end with the almost destruction of Earth and the eventual death of almost every super hero and villain in a single instant. That just so happens to be one of the most awe inspiring splash pages ever made as w...more
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This alternate-universe story brings forth one of the most important question for Superman and Batman.
If you think it's why they're wearing their underwear on the outside, you're wrong! (not that it's not important...)
The correct question is, of COURSE: what happens in when they all get old? (all of them, Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern etc.) Throw in the possibility of new (trans : grittier, bloodier) heroes who have lost the noble spark of the older ones, and you have a great story.
An...more
If you think it's why they're wearing their underwear on the outside, you're wrong! (not that it's not important...)
The correct question is, of COURSE: what happens in when they all get old? (all of them, Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern etc.) Throw in the possibility of new (trans : grittier, bloodier) heroes who have lost the noble spark of the older ones, and you have a great story.
An...more
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Read in January, 1996
recommends it for:
people who like their comic books EPIC
Once the looming "possible" future of the DC universe (now just one of 52 universes, which is infinitely less interesting, DAMN YOU DC!!!), this tells what happens the idea of what is a hero in the DCU gets corrupted by a newer generation (several years before The Authority came along, it should be noted). This is the big-budget superhero flick Hollywood could never dare to make.
It should be noted, while I am referencing the original mini-series here, the TPB includes several bonu...more
It should be noted, while I am referencing the original mini-series here, the TPB includes several bonu...more
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Before I read this, I had lost faith in Superman. He just seemed so redundant. What challenges can Superman face that he hasn't?
Kingdom Come is the post-modernist answer to the change of appeal of superheroes to the comic book audience. It's quite clear to see that anti-heroes, like Spawn for example, have redefined how a hero acts. After reading Kingdom Come, it's nice to know that those great buzz words like, Honor and Justice still mean everything.
Kindom Come's pages look like extrem...more
Kingdom Come is the post-modernist answer to the change of appeal of superheroes to the comic book audience. It's quite clear to see that anti-heroes, like Spawn for example, have redefined how a hero acts. After reading Kingdom Come, it's nice to know that those great buzz words like, Honor and Justice still mean everything.
Kindom Come's pages look like extrem...more
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Read in January, 2008
I'd probably like this even better if I'd been following everything that most likely leads up to it (that is, all of comics history), but as is I still liked it a whole bunch. Sure, Alex Ross's art suggests Leni Riefenstahl, but she made some pretty great images too. Pretty as all get out and with an interesting plot, although nerds like myself, who don't know everything but merely want to, may be a little frustrated by not immediately recognizing all the characters (not to mention not knowing w...more
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"epic dc superhumans' battle royale"
it seems like when the comic companies run out of ideas they tend to make a story arc where they bring in all their top characters to duke it out. and although this is one of those such things, it still very engaging and easy to recommend. the art alone is astounding. it is no secret that i am a sucker for anything by alex ross. and this was second dose (previously marvels) of his amazing art.
as far as the story goes, i liked it and foun...more
it seems like when the comic companies run out of ideas they tend to make a story arc where they bring in all their top characters to duke it out. and although this is one of those such things, it still very engaging and easy to recommend. the art alone is astounding. it is no secret that i am a sucker for anything by alex ross. and this was second dose (previously marvels) of his amazing art.
as far as the story goes, i liked it and foun...more
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Read in July, 2008
recommends it for:
People who like graphic novels
Another interesting graphic novel by DC. Based 20 or so years after the generation of the familiar DC comic heroes, most of the old school are in retirement, and their children and grandchildren have inherited the mantle of superhero. Unfortunately, with no supervillains left to fight, many have perverted the morality of the old guard and are fighting one another with no regard for the toll they take on humanity. A tragedy in Kansas draws Superman out of self-imposed exile, setting the stage for...more
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Read in October, 2007
If you're anything like me, you hate Superman,and therefore the only things Superman can do that would be of any interest is 1) get killed by Muhammed Ali, or 2) go beserk and kill everyone. "Kingdom Come" explores the latter theme and predictably cops out in the end. "Red Son" remains the best Superman story for my taste.
That said, the art in "Kingdom Come" is money. Reminds me a lot of how "Earth X"'s brilliant ink & pencils managed combining ico...more
That said, the art in "Kingdom Come" is money. Reminds me a lot of how "Earth X"'s brilliant ink & pencils managed combining ico...more
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One of the best graphic novels I have read. (Granted, I haven't read many.) Superman always interested me less than other superheroes because he was all-powerful and invincible. This book, however, has the courage to ask the fundamental questions that come with an all-powerful protagonist: why must their be Superman? And what should Superman do with the powers he has? Wisely, this story is told from a humble human's perspective, not from that of any superhero. Plus, it is beautifully drawn. Read...more
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Read in January, 2002
Kingdome Come is a fabulous superhero adaptation of the old King Arthur "might cannot make right" riff, and the art by Alex Ross - full color paintings throughout - is absolutely gorgeous. (Personally I think he has the best imaginings of what a realistic Superman or Batman would look like.) The plot is suspensful and the conclusion quite moving. This story has a lot to offer even for those not familiar with the DC universe or superhero comics in general, as it takes place in a 'what i...more
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Another of those must-haves I touted in my MARVELS entry.
Alex Ross takes on the DC universe this time, fast-forwarding into the not-so-distant future of these character. Cameos ABOUND! You can look in corners of his pages and find just about any obscure DC character lurking there. Ross even pays homage to the Super Friends throughout in really dark ways. Mark Waid weaves a fantastic storyline that encompasses just about every DC character.
It's art, folks. A sincere must-have.
Alex Ross takes on the DC universe this time, fast-forwarding into the not-so-distant future of these character. Cameos ABOUND! You can look in corners of his pages and find just about any obscure DC character lurking there. Ross even pays homage to the Super Friends throughout in really dark ways. Mark Waid weaves a fantastic storyline that encompasses just about every DC character.
It's art, folks. A sincere must-have.
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