Written by GL
For those of you who, like me, have a really deep obssession with all things meta-human, there is only one graphic novel that we recommend. It is something that one should read before one dies. And to miss out on it would be the same as missing out on the birth of your first child. I'm talking about 'Kingdom Come'.
'Kingdom Come' was originally published as a 4 part comic in 1996. And didn't find its way onto a thick graphic novel trade-paper back until 1997. It's great for so many reasons. And just two of those reasons would be the fact that its project-headed by two of the most widely well-known comic engineers in the business; Mark Waid and Alex Ross (if you don't know them by now, then you should).
Mark Waid can be credited as one of the greatest comic writers ever, under the DC label - from compilations such as The Flash to JLA: Year One. Alex Ross, in my opinion and the opinion of many fans, is the world's greatest comic artist. Ross draws his superheroes unlike any other artist under the DC label, with his strong focus on photo-realism and portraiting to make our
superheroes appear more physically human than 'cartoon-y'.
Before I go into too much plot for the actual comic, everyone should be informed that 'Kingdom Come' is an 'Elseworlds' production.
This is the definition of an 'Elseworlds' DC comic: 'In Elseworlds, heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places - some that have existed or might have existed, and others that can't, couldn't or shouldn't exist'.
So, don't assume that what happens in 'Elseworlds' has a lasting effect throughout the rest of the comic universe. It's a singular story that can be read like a movie without a prequel or a past. The only long-running themes in 'Elseworlds' comics are the heroes themselves. And 'Kingdom Come' has many.
The plot of this very worthwhile novel centers around the Justice League of America, now in their twilight years and basically working as individuals around the globe, dealing with the problem of Meta-humans. These meta-humans span from the ones without any affiliation to the really bad. They are mostly the sons and daughters of other past meta-humans, but have been
allows to run wild without supervision.
The story is told from the narration of an old priest who has lost his faith and is visited one day by a strange and ghostly being. Through the eyes of this priest, the reader is guided in 'Kingdom Come'. The climax of 'Kingdom Come' is a devastating battle between members of the old school Justice League and the rebel meta-humans - but I won't spoil the ending for you.
Part of the fun of reading this novel is spotting your old-time favourite heroes and villians, but with an Alex Ross take. See The Green Lantern as never before. See The Flash as never before.
I would hate to give out too much about this very great trade-paper back, but believe me that it is a must have for anyone who's into comics. 'Kingdom Come' is on every comic reader's top-ten list - just check out Amazon.com's Listmania.
And the coolest thing about 'Kingdom Come' is that it spawned the 'Kingdom Come' based action figure line. One of most meticulously prepared and most desired lines out in market right now. Series One came out about two and a half years ago, and you probably missed out on it. Don't worry, cos so did I. But, thanks to those big men at the top of those action figure corporations, Series One of the 'Kingdom Come' action figure line is being re-released.
This time, I'm not hesitating.
'Kingdom Come' was originally published as a 4 part comic in 1996. And didn't find its way onto a thick graphic novel trade-paper back until 1997. It's great for so many reasons. And just two of those reasons would be the fact that its project-headed by two of the most widely well-known comic engineers in the business; Mark Waid and Alex Ross (if you don't know them by now, then you should).
Mark Waid can be credited as one of the greatest comic writers ever, under the DC label - from compilations such as The Flash to JLA: Year One. Alex Ross, in my opinion and the opinion of many fans, is the world's greatest comic artist. Ross draws his superheroes unlike any other artist under the DC label, with his strong focus on photo-realism and portraiting to make our
superheroes appear more physically human than 'cartoon-y'.
Before I go into too much plot for the actual comic, everyone should be informed that 'Kingdom Come' is an 'Elseworlds' production.
This is the definition of an 'Elseworlds' DC comic: 'In Elseworlds, heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places - some that have existed or might have existed, and others that can't, couldn't or shouldn't exist'.
So, don't assume that what happens in 'Elseworlds' has a lasting effect throughout the rest of the comic universe. It's a singular story that can be read like a movie without a prequel or a past. The only long-running themes in 'Elseworlds' comics are the heroes themselves. And 'Kingdom Come' has many.
The plot of this very worthwhile novel centers around the Justice League of America, now in their twilight years and basically working as individuals around the globe, dealing with the problem of Meta-humans. These meta-humans span from the ones without any affiliation to the really bad. They are mostly the sons and daughters of other past meta-humans, but have been
allows to run wild without supervision.
The story is told from the narration of an old priest who has lost his faith and is visited one day by a strange and ghostly being. Through the eyes of this priest, the reader is guided in 'Kingdom Come'. The climax of 'Kingdom Come' is a devastating battle between members of the old school Justice League and the rebel meta-humans - but I won't spoil the ending for you.
Part of the fun of reading this novel is spotting your old-time favourite heroes and villians, but with an Alex Ross take. See The Green Lantern as never before. See The Flash as never before.
I would hate to give out too much about this very great trade-paper back, but believe me that it is a must have for anyone who's into comics. 'Kingdom Come' is on every comic reader's top-ten list - just check out Amazon.com's Listmania.
And the coolest thing about 'Kingdom Come' is that it spawned the 'Kingdom Come' based action figure line. One of most meticulously prepared and most desired lines out in market right now. Series One came out about two and a half years ago, and you probably missed out on it. Don't worry, cos so did I. But, thanks to those big men at the top of those action figure corporations, Series One of the 'Kingdom Come' action figure line is being re-released.
This time, I'm not hesitating.
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