Almost 30 Years Later, I Still Think Kingdom Come is DC’s Best Story Ever

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DC Comics has a rich history of producing timeless and groundbreaking stories that have significantly influenced the superhero genre. Indeed, DC was the birthplace of Superman, who kickstarted the entire concept of superheroes in comic books. Numerous tales might argue greater industry impact, but one story outshines all other DC works and even surpasses most comics ever published – Alex Ross and Mark Waid’s “Kingdom Come.” Next year marks the 30th anniversary of this four-issue series, and over time it has solidified its status as the greatest story ever told in comic book form.

What is Kingdom Come?

In the story called “Kingdom Come,” we find ourselves in an alternate DC Universe where time has passed, and a new set of heroes have taken over from the original Justice League. Unlike their predecessors, these new metahumans are more akin to villains, wreaking havoc with little regard for life and causing destruction wherever they go.

While this new generation reigns chaos, the Justice League has disbanded. Green Lantern stands vigilantly on the moon, protecting Earth from afar, Wonder Woman is banished from Themyscira due to her inability to bring about peace, and Batman, once a symbol of justice, now dwells in the shadows as an embittered old man.

In a different phrasing: Ten years ago, the world’s most esteemed hero, Superman, disappeared from sight following the Joker’s tragic murder of Lois Lane and multiple Daily Planet staff members. Before anyone could track him down, Magog, a supposed hero of Metropolis, found and killed the Joker. The public adored Magog for his actions, idolizing him in a way Superman had never been, which broke the Man of Steel’s heart. He lost his most potent strength; his belief in humanity.

The storyline revolves around Minister Norman McCay, who now possesses the foretelling skills of Wesley Dodds, famously known as the Sandman. Accompanied by the celestial figure, the Spectre, Norman is tasked with evaluating the global superheroes. In a premonition, Dodds foresaw the impending doom of the world due to the actions of these heroes. McCay and the Spectre journey through visions depicting Superman rallying superheroes against the violent surge of the emerging generation. Each move seems to bring Earth one step closer to an apocalyptic event.

What Makes Kingdom Come The Best

In essence, this narrative transcends typical superhero tales. It delves deeply into the essence of heroism, exploring what it truly means to be extraordinary – gifted or unique. The comic revolves around mankind’s struggle to coexist with beings that are not human, and vice versa. The central conflict arises from Superman’s reformed Justice League and a new, violent generation, who have forsaken their humanity in their pursuit of power.

The new champions are mainly focused on demonstrating their strength, while Superman’s alliance has grown skeptical that they can instill hope in humanity. Mirroring this sentiment, humanity itself seems to have lost confidence in its own capabilities. A telling sign of the times is the suspension of the Olympics, as people no longer see the purpose in pushing human potential to its extremes. Instead, humanity lives in perpetual dread of divine-like beings and awaits the impending clash between metahumans that will be their downfall. In this context, Superman, a symbol of unwavering righteousness, finds himself making increasingly dubious decisions in his quest to better the world. Superman strives to save the world, but he has forgotten the way. The world itself has lost faith, and Superman is struggling to remember how.

A particularly impactful scene throughout the series unfolds following Magog’s squad unintentionally triggering a nuclear disaster in Kansas, resulting in the deaths of over a million individuals due to their excessive use of force. Superman encounters Magog, who is frantically attempting to rectify his mistakes, and angrily questions how Superman could ever entrust such power to someone like him for the purpose of protecting the world. It was always beyond Magog’s capabilities to save anyone, so when the moment arrived for the world to depend on him, he only knew how to exacerbate problems. By this point, he finally comprehended his mistake, but it was regrettably too late.

Essentially, the book argues that heroism involves utilizing exceptional abilities to aid those in need without becoming isolated from them. The characters with extraordinary powers aren’t deified; they merely emulate gods. This theme reaches its peak in this story as Superman presents Captain Billy Batson with a difficult decision: save the metahumans or let humanity survive without them. Being both superhero and ordinary citizen, god and mortal, Billy is the only one qualified to decide. Naturally, he chooses self-sacrifice to save as many lives as possible. The message is clear: heroism isn’t about becoming a god; it’s about assisting those in need. Norman McCay underscores this by pacifying an enraged Superman and reminding him that his most powerful ability has always been his compassion, and he faltered only when he stopped heeding it.

Kingdom Come stands out because it pierces through the pretentiousness frequently associated with superhero stories. It criticizes exaggerated, grim depictions of heroes as straying from the essence, and emphatically states that heroism lies in embracing our humanity. The heart of being a superhero is compassion for all, which Kingdom Come reiterates. In times when life’s challenges seem overwhelming and we fear an impending doom with no escape, this comic offers solace. It assures us that although such periods may occur, we can move past them by holding onto hope and allowing our human spirit to lead the way. We all have the potential to be heroes if we strive for it, mirroring how heroes can embody their most authentic human selves. Let’s cherish this profound tale that continues to resonate, and appreciate it even more as it reaches its 30th anniversary.

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2025-05-15 19:12