Rating:  -
This is one of Superman's best books. Millar hits a home run with this Elseworlds book. Elseworlds only means it's an alternative world, meaning it's not in continuity, meaning it's not boggled down with current DC stories or status. Whew. But who cares as long as the story is good and the characterization is respectful. In fact, many Elseworlds stories are far better than the stories "in continuity", meaning it's far more creative and far more interesting than the same old drivel used again and again.
Lex takes the cake in this series. He's amazing. Superman is superman. Sure he's Russia's Superman, but Lex is the American hero in this series. And we all know Lex is a genius who is only human, but can cripple an alien Man of Steel, the World's hero and moral standard. But Superman is not Superman with Lex. The story takes the readers on a journey that challenges Superman's relevance on Earth. Somewhat political in tone, it's still an old fashioned super-hero wham bam comic book. But it is ever so intriguing and vast in scope.
Highly recommended.
Rating: -
Great story that really draws you in. I am not a very big fan of comic books, so it was a surprise to me when I could not put this one down after starting to read it at 2 am.. Had to finish the whole thing in one sitting. Pencil and coloring are also great. I wish they'd make a movie out of this Superman twist. I'd recommend this to both the people who are new to comic books as well as supernerds.
Rating: -
He may be one of the largest icons in comic book history, but for some reason, Superman always makes for a much better elseworlds story or original graphic novel than he does a regular monthly title. Kingdom Come, Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, Trinity.... your comic book store is full of cool original stories about the man who represents truth, justice, and the errr.. Soviet Way. Soviet Way? Yep, that's right! That's what Superman: Red Son is about, and frankly, it may be one of the best original Superman stories I've ever read.
Red Son takes place in an alternative universe where Superman's ship crash landed in the Stalin-era Soviet Union. While Superman still possesses some of the same benevolent world-saving notions his American version is known for, his chest now bares the Soviet sickle, and he shows up for May Day parades as the people's champion. Throughout the tale, Superman almost proves himself too naive to exist in a country where secret police plots rule the day, but frustrated with long lines for food and other problems that face the Soviet public, he takes it upon himself to become the "leader of the people."
Blessed with superior intellect and the ability to "shake things up," Superman turns the Soviet Union into the Utopian society that Karl Marx always intended. He's so successful that in this alternate universe tale, the U.S.S.R. wins the Cold War! Countries flock to the Soviet banner as they see Superman bring prosperity to the world. Along the way, many classic golden age heroes make an appearance. Batman is an underground resistance fighter in Moscow who reminds readers of the vigilante in V for Vendetta. Wonder Woman leaves her island paradise and joins Superman's side convinced his government is the only one on the planet that upholds her Amazonian vision of human equality. Hal Jordan also makes an appearance as the crumbling United States led by JFK finds the original crash site of Abin Sur and uses the ring as a weapon to fight Superman's powers. Perhaps the coolest twist is Lex Luthor who still manages to becomes Superman's obsessed arch-nemesis, although now he fights the man in tights in the name of "good" and American resistance.
Red Son poses some of the same questions that any alternate universe tale about Superman's reign faces: Will humanity accept his ability to make them perfect? You'll need to read this puppy to discover the answer but rest assured, the ending is terrific and this is one book you'll set down with a large smile! As a matter of fact, this Mark Millar original is so compelling, it's a Superman title I'd recommend even for people who normally don't enjoy reading Superman books. The guy at the comic book store told me it was the best Superman story he had ever read. I just thought he was trying a salesman shtick, but having read it, I have to agree. If not the best, definitely one of the top five Superman tales in comic book history.
Rating: -
It was almost disheartening to see how other heroes developed because of Superman's altered upbringing. But man this storyline rocked. Easy, quick read with awesome art makes this storyline one of the best I've read in a while. They took Superman's normal mentality and put it into a "What If..." scenario where Superman's ship landed in Ukraine instead of the heartland of America. Nearly everything from the original Superman storyline was brilliantly ported over to this scenario. All I can say is that this is definitely worth the money.
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How do you craft an original, startling take on an iconic character? Ask Mark Millar (Ultimates, Wanted) as he offers this Elseworlds tale starring not just Superman, but the whole DC universe. What if Kal-El's space ship had landed in communist, Stalin-led Russia instead of Smallville, Kansas? That's what happens in Red Son, as the Man of Steel is raised behind the Iron Curtain as Russia's greatest hero, symbol, weapon, and eventually, leader. Opposing Superman is the brilliant American Lex Luthor, who has disconnected himself from his wife Lois Lane in an effort to clone Superman, and outduel him. There's more, so much more, going on in Red Son that you'll be amazed how Millar weaves everything together so seamlessly. Other DC characters, including Wonder Woman, Brainiac, Bizarro, and Jimmy Olsen, are here as well, along with some very interesting takes on Batman and Green Lantern Hal Jordan. The finale of Red Son is the crowning moment however, as everything comes full circle like one couldn't imagine. The artwork from pencilers Dave Johnson and Killian Plunkett, and inkers Andrew Robinson and Walden Wong, is easy on the eyes as well, and is wonderfully detailed as well. All in all, Red Son is by far one of the best Superman stories to see the light of day in recent memory, and should be checked out regardless of whether or not you are a Superman fan/reader or not.
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