Red Son Is One of the Worst Superman Stories (& I Stand By That)

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Superman stands as the original and most influential superhero. His adaptability makes him suitable for various narratives, making him an exceptionally versatile character. Although he may not have been featured in numerous alternate universe tales compared to Batman, Superman boasts some of the finest alternate universe stories ever told, such as “Superman: Red Son.” However, I must share an opinion that might not sit well with many: “Superman: Red Son” is not a great Superman story.

Red Son” significantly deviates from that norm. It’s a captivating concept for a narrative, but it falters due to several factors.

Superman: Red Son Breaks Everything That Makes Superman Work

In a fresh and engaging rephrasing, here’s how I would put it:

“Superman: Red Son” might initially appear to be a Superman tale, but it is actually a critique of capitalism, using the iconic character as a vehicle for its message. While Superman takes center stage in the story, it’s Lex Luthor who emerges as the unlikely hero, or rather, the embodiment of the system. Unlike the traditional portrayal of Lex Luthor, this version is far from heroic; he remains self-centered and ambitious, desiring recognition rather than saving the world.

In essence, Lex Luthor serves as a representation of capitalism, flaws and all. The Superman in “Red Son” is portrayed as the antagonist, which, despite being an interesting departure from the norm, feels somewhat at odds with the character’s inherent goodness. This version of Superman, raised under communism, lacks the compassion and moral fiber that are integral to the Superman we know.

Despite this mischaracterization, “Red Son” offers a unique perspective on Superman. The Superman in this story isn’t your typical villain, but he falls short of the mark due to his lack of empathy and moral compass. However, it’s worth noting that the story does redeem Superman at the end, as he renounces communism and embraces capitalism, which seems to be the prerequisite for resolution in this narrative.

Red Son” presents a thought-provoking reinterpretation of the Superman mythos, using it as a platform to explore themes of ideology and economic systems.

An issue with the comic Red Son lies in its portrayal of characters, as they deviate significantly from their established personas. The idea of Amazons aligning with Superman’s Soviet Union contradicts their fundamental beliefs, and Hal Jordan, who constructed a concentration camp during war, uses his Green Lantern ring due to these actions. The Soviet Batman shares some similarities with the original Batman, but not much more. Only Lex Luthor remained in character, serving as the embodiment of capitalism. Red Son is indeed political, but it falls short in critiquing both communism and capitalism effectively. There have been speculations about Mark Millar’s work from the ’90s and ’00s, with the main rumor being that many of his ideas originated from Grant Morrison. Red Son is one such story that people believe was conceived by Morrison. One can only wonder how differently this narrative might have unfolded if Morrison had written it instead. Millar transformed a potentially intriguing tale into a story emphasizing the corrupting influence of communism on even the most incorruptible character.

Superman: Red Son Should Have Been So Much More

Initially, I found the graphic novel “Superman: Red Son” quite appealing, but my opinion has shifted over time. This transformation is a common occurrence with many Mark Millar stories from the 2000s. While Millar’s works often gave an impression of intellectual depth, they were not as profound as they appeared.
However, as more information about Millar as a person comes to light – such as his recent association with the right-wing ComicsGate movement – the veneer of intellectualism is peeled back, revealing it as mere shock value. “Superman: Red Son” also relies heavily on shock value, but its depth is comparable to that of a puddle.

While I wouldn’t advise you to hate “Superman: Red Son,” I encourage you to reconsider the narrative with the perspective that it portrays capitalism in a positive light and communism as negative. However, don’t expect any deep or insightful commentary on these systems, or on Superman himself. The story sacrifices many of its characters to move the plot forward, but one intriguing aspect is how the ending ties back to the beginning (which seems to be a classic touch by Morrison).

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2025-07-07 02:40