Product ReviewsKingdom Come (DC Comics November 1997)

Incredible artwork showcases mature superheroes

I used to read a lot of comic books and have only just recently started reading them again. Right away, I heard about Kingdom Come as a great graphic novel, so of course I picked it up -- and was definitely blown away. The basic story revolves around the retirement of the older generation of superheroes and the rise of a new generation that doesn't have the same moral compass. Superman has retired to a farm after he becomes disillusioned with humans' supporting the flashier but less ethical metahumans, and now Wonder Woman has come to ask him to get involved again and help tame the ne'er-do-wells. At the same time, Batman and Superman renew an old animosity, and many many superheroes make appearances, especially in the climactic battle between the good guys and the bad. The story is very good, but it's Alex Ross's artwork that is the star here. His rendering of the older superheroes is brilliant (Superman looks awesome), and the color is bright and bold. (Personally, I don't like comics that are so dark that you can barely see what's going on -- I like the mood but I want to see the details too.) The font is clean and the panel configurations are creative. I liked the introduction by Elliot Maggin, who was writing the novelization of Kingdom Come at the time, and I especially enjoyed the follow-up material: sketches of major characters; id's of 105 (!) superheroes depicted in the novel; 2 pages about the development of a sequence, with facsimiles of the script, a photo reference, rough thumbnail sketches, pencil artwork and the finished art; and original artwork created for a t-shirt, comic covers, collection cards, books and posters. Alex Ross even identified a number of his friends and relatives who inspired various characterRead full review...

Tour de Force of Graphic Novel excellence

I was a young adult librarian for a public library for about 5 years so I have seen and read many graphic novels. Kingdom Come is a must for any young adult collection, but anyone even vaguely interested in super hero comics or graphic novels will agree that this is a modern classic for the genre. Firstly, Alex Ross has set a benchmark in illustration, producing paintings with a high degree of virisimilitude. His, let's face it, paintings are very retro in terms of model selection, attire, etc. It's as if he has taken 1940s comics and translated them into photorealistic representations, bringing the era to life. His academic training is obvious. Secondly, the writing is excellent. I won't elaborate on the writing as I don't want to spoil anything, but you will not be disappointed! This is a must-have for any collection, public or private. I had to buy three for my library as they kept wearing out! Keep on reading!Read full review...

If you like comics, make sure to get this one.

One of the best Comics out there. The portrayal of the characters that are the defining and driving force of DC at it's best. These are the clash of ideals and my all time favorite.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: misi13

Way overrated.

What a disappointing, lifeless mess this is. The first rule of writing is show, don't tell and yet Kingdom Come breaks that rule repeatedly. We're not shown much at all really. The whole premise of the story (the ruthlessness of the new generation of heroes) was shown in short, impersonal panels that didn't make you feel sad or angry about their behavior. The book was filled with characters past, present & future but most had nothing to do. The writer wanted to be able to say he had them in there. The battle scenes were painfully short & uninspired and the whole preacher/revelation thing was pointless & added nothing to the story.Read full review...

A great buy

A wonderful book with beautiful art and good storytelling/

pleased

very nice book

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: pasquar1ork

Alex Ross

Some of the best graphics and storyline, with the help of Jim Krueger.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: wyzardofoz

eh

i read it was damaged when i received it

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: goodwillbks

Kingdom Come

A very well written graphic novel. The story sucks you in and holds on to you through this very fast pace ride.

The product was exactly what I was looking for!

The product was exactly what I was looking for! I needed it for school and eBay was just the place to find it.