ABSOLUTE KINGDOM COME HC

(Mark Waid/Alex Ross)

The mini-series returns just in time for its 10th anniversary. Set at the dawn of the 21st century in a world spinning out of control, Waid & Ross weave a tale of youth versus experience, tradition versus change, and what defines a hero. This slipcased hardcover features a new wraparound image by Ross. Also included is an extended character sketch section, a peek into Ross's own sketchbook, text pieces by Waid and Ross, annotations of the entire series, rare art, promotional images, a gallery of DC Direct Kingdom Come product, the evolution of a story page, and more. 

340 pages. (81/2x13)

Ten years have passed since Superman's retirement and the world is falling to chaos. When Superman hung up his cape to make way for a new, more reckless generation of heroes, his peers followed suit. Today's heroes are almost indistinguishable from its villains, putting innocents in harm's way in the midst of battle, killing instead of subduing, and reveling in their power.

A disaster in Kansas prompts Superman's return, which quickens the race towards Armageddon. But, surprisingly, writer Mark Waid does not pit the old guard versus the new breed of supers. Instead, in Kingdom Come there is a philosophical divide between the Man of Steel's iron rule and the Dark Knight's surprisingly less-stringent stance.

As with Kurt Busiek's Marvels, Kingdom Come is seen through the eyes of an ordinary man. Pastor Norman McCay, guided by the spirit of vengeance, the Spectre, is chosen to bear witness to the coming conflagration. It is McKay's duty to watch the conflict between superhuman and humankind and decide who is at fault. He must determine who deserves punishment.

Kingdom Come is not just a wistful Elseworlds tale of dark times for great heroes. It is a tale of the inevitable. These events, in some fashion, will occur in a world where the "super" overtakes the "man." Unlike Marvel, DC has a number of resourceful humans. In fact, some of the DC's most potent villains and heroes are ordinary men who achieve the extraordinary. These are people who cannot allow supers to rule over the masses or belittle human ingenuity and perseverance. Just because a man can fly, doesn't mean he gets to tell everyone how to live.

Comics' greater painter, Alex Ross, illustrates DC's darkest hour with stunning realism that evokes a deeper emotional response than Waid could muster on the strength of story alone. The duo has re-imagined every significant character in the DCU, placing them a decade in the future. Along with an updated Superman, Green Lantern and Flash, there are scores of new characters that prove fascinating in their brief appearances. It's a wonder why DC hasn't mined more of these creations for the current DCU.

Ross packs each page with cameos from even the most unlikely of characters, adding in touches of nostalgia as well. The villains meet in the Legion of Doom headquarters from the old cartoon show, Bat-Mite pops up innocuously behind Superman in the Batcave, and various DC editors and creators show up as extras. You can read this book once for the stunning story and then again to catch all the hidden gems.

The Absolute Edition comes in a colorful slipcase featuring new Alex Ross artwork. The book is leather bound and includes more than 100 pages of bonus material. Some of this material was previously released and some of it is exclusive to this edition. This is the equivalent of a four-disc DVD spectacular.

Along with dozens of character sketches, there's a detailed genealogy and helpful annotations pointing out the hundreds of characters appearing throughout the pages of Kingdom Come. A few fun facts slip through the cracks (i.e. The hoodlums hunted by Batman's mechanical minions are Fat Albert and the Junkyard Gang), but just about every question of who is who is answered. The gem of this collection is the Alex Ross-painted three-page Kingdom Come send-up from World's Funniest, starring Mr. Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite. It's a hoot.  Also includes interviews with Waid and Ross, character artwork, sketches and a complete annotation for the series.

Absolute Kingdom Come

Written by: Mark Waid
Art by: Alex Ross
Publisher: DC
Genre: Superhero
Price: $75.00
Suggested Age: 16+

Kingdom Come is one of the greatest comic-book stories of all time. It's a story of redemption and forgiveness, of the fall and rebirth of heroes. It is as subtle and personal as it is epic. Waid and Ross may never top their achievements in this masterwork, but that's understandable. Few creators are likely to ever surpass Kingdom Come's brilliance.

The new Absolute edition is a must for all comic-book fans. Sacrifice a few monthly books if you must, but find a way to pick up Absolute Kingdom Come. No bookshelf should be without it.

DC Comics Absolute Edition is a series of archival quality printings of graphic novels published by DC Comics and its imprints WildStorm Productions and Vertigo. Each is presented in a hardcover, dustjacketed and slipcased edition with cloth bookmark consisting of one or more books which include restored, corrected and recolored versions of the original work, reprinted at 8 inches by 12 inches. Also included are supplemental materials regarding the creation of the work, including sketches, comic scripts and memos.

This copy is a near mint, shrinkwrapped 1st print.  If you're looking to play 'let's make a deal', feel free to go elsewhere, but don't be surprised when your book arrives in a bubble envelope.  If you're looking for an as-described treasure that will be shipped securely, then this is the auction for you!

All items shipped in rigid cardboard! Please be sure to check my other listings- only $2 more in shipping per extra item!  !