Books : Superman: Red Son (Elseworlds)

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Very, very, very good
First things first.

I am not a gigantic comics fan. I've never been to a comic book shop. I know the big names. Basically, if they had a live action TV show, I know them.

So, my opinion is not as well-informed as that of some.

But, I know what I like and I thought this was some grade-A, high test sci-fi with a good deal of political science thrown in.

Superman has always been of limited interest to me. He can't be hurt (technically, I know he can but who has Kryptonite sitting around?), he has the tools to deal with any situation. He has a healthy psyche. Good guy to have on your side but not particularly interesting.

But, let's take away his All-American freedom-loving politics and partner him with a truly soul-crushing totalitarian regime. Stalin backed by Superman's talents is a truly scary thought. Soviet theory becomes reality. A true dictatorship of the proletariat becomes possible since Superman hears and sees nearly everything.

With that you have enough to make this history teacher happy. Add to it the Lex Luthor (USA)/Superman (USSR) Cold War, a reference to Plato's "Republic", a Soviet Batman (loved him! Loved the hat!), Wonder Woman, Area 51 and Nixon winning the 1960 Presidential election instead of JFK and you've got a great read!

Some may quibble with details, but when you get down to it, aren't the comics supposed to entertain and take you to another world for a little while? Mission accomplished.

Bravo.

I give this one an enthusiastic A+.

Rating:

- Perhaps the best Superman/Elseworld tale
The art is amazing, and the concepts are profound and moving. A must have!

Rating:

- Superman finally agreable
I have never quite liked the super-boy-scout-flag-wavering type of character that is superman but this is a superhero-gone-real-politik essay. Absolutely essential for those who like intelligent comics.

Rating:

- An Outstanding Graphic Novel
The notion of the infant Kal-El landing in the Soviet Union instead of the United States is enough to stir the imagination, and this book doesn't disappoint. While true to the character of most of the personalities from the DC Comics universe, it manages to be neither formulaic nor predictable. It's the sort of book that improves with re-reading, which is a rare pleasure in comics these days.

WikiPedia has a pretty good entry if you're looking for a detailed synopsis (there are plenty of spoilers - be warned), but if the premise of the story interests you at all, you won't be disappointed.

Rating:

- pretty colours, interesting story, nice enough writing
Liked it, quite a bit. It's one I'm glad I own as I'll probably want to re-read it in the future.

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