Superman: Red Son: New Edition Kindle & comiXology

This book checks all the boxes of not just a great Elseworlds story, but just a great graphic novel. Period. You get a very interesting idea with Superman's vessel landing in the middle of the Soviet Union and him growing up to become Stalin's right hand man at the heart of the Cold War, but said idea is executed and laid out for the reader in such an engaging and nuanced way (in both the writing and the art) that I wasn't able to put this book down! There's never a dull moment here, the story never drags and the art is excellent and so fitting for the concept and theme of the book (it's quite dark and grim, and yet every page is full of life and so captivating).The story unfolds throughout decades and decades, yet the pacing never ever feels slow, and you can feel the stakes getting higher and higher with every turning page. The book is very "cinematic", both in the storytelling and the art itself, with the way everything is arranged in each panel and page. I can totally see Warner Brothers making this into an animated film and I cannot understand why they haven't yet.You get very interesting character development here (especially from the main characters), you get a few subtle nods and throwbacks to other iconic moments in DC's history in some of the book's pages that literally made me go "Oh that's great!" or "That's clever!", you get great cameos and supporting appearances from other DC characters, but they don't feel forced or tacked on, they actually add something interesting to the plot. You just get so much good stuff all around here, I just can't recommend this book enough.I took my time before reading this book, not only because I'm a little wary of Elseworlds stories after reading a few that really didn't hit the mark for me (e.g. Superman: Speeding Bullets), but also because, at face value, I expected the writing to be preachy or overly political (looking at you, post-1990 Frank Miller!). Well, I'm happy to say that I was completely wrong and this is one of the best graphic novels I've ever read and one of my new favorites!

On June 30th, 1908, a small asteroid or comet struck the Earth's atmosphere and exploded above the Tunguska river in Siberia. The impact is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 10 to 15 megatons of TNT; it is the largest impact event in recorded history. Had the impactor been so aligned as to hit the Earth three hours later, it would have exploded above the city of Saint Petersburg, completely destroying it.In a fictional universe, an alien spaceship crashes in rural Kansas in the United States, carrying an orphan from the stars who, as he matures, discovers he has powers beyond those of inhabitants of Earth, and vows to use these gifts to promote and defend truth, justice, and the American way. Now, like Tunguska, imagine the spaceship arrived a few hours earlier. Then, the baby Kal-El would have landed in Stalin's Soviet Union and, presumably, imbibed its values and culture just as Superman did in the standard canon. That is the premise of this delightful alternative universe take on the Superman legend, produced by DC Comics and written and illustrated up the standards one expects from the publisher. The Soviet Superman becomes an extraterrestrial embodiment of the Stakhanovite ideal, and it is only natural that when the beloved Stalin dies, he is succeeded by another Man of Steel.The Soviet system may have given lip service to the masses, but beneath it was the Russian tradition of authority, and what better authority than a genuine superman? A golden age ensues, with Soviet/Superman communism triumphant around the globe, apart from recalcitrant holdouts Chile and the United States. But all are not happy with this situation, which some see as subjugation to an alien ruler. In the Soviet Union Batman becomes the symbol and leader of an underground resistance. United States president and supergenius Lex Luthor hatches scheme after scheme to bring down his arch-enemy, enlisting other DC superheroes as well as his own creations in the effort. Finally, Superman is forced to make a profound choice about human destiny and his own role in it. The conclusion to the story is breathtaking.This is a well-crafted and self-consistent alternative to the fictional universe with which we're well acquainted. It is not a parody like  Tales of the Bizarro World , and in no way played for laughs. The Kindle edition is superbly produced, but you may have to zoom into some of the pages containing the introductory material to be able to read the small type. Sketches of characters under development by the artists are included in an appendix.

"Red Son" supposedly influenced the makers of the "Batman v Superman" movie - but please, don't hold that against this book. This is actually one of the smartest mainstream, self-contained, Elseworlds-style comics of the past couple of decades. If this were a product of the 1980s, it might just be ranked just underneath Frank Miller's "Dark Knight."The twist is simple. In this alternate reality, Superman was raised in the Soviet Union rather than in Smallviille, Kansas. This Superman is just as steeped in Soviet-style Communism as our Superman is thoroughly indoctrinated in "Truth, Justice, and The American Way." But to what degree are the qualities that make Superman such a special hero unique to his cultural upbringing?To say more is to spoil the plot. What I will say is that the artwork is first rate, and looks like a cross between propaganda posters and the now-discontinued "Superman Adventures" animated series. As always with Mark Millar's writing, characterization is to-the-point and dialogue is crisp. There's virtually no bloat or padding in a very clean, crisp story.It's well worth your time, and "Red Son" holds up to repeated readings. Even if you are put off by DC's needless recent reboots of their series, you will find much to enjoy within the pages of this book.

A good way to analyse Superman by examining him through a different lens. Well written, good artwork, just maybe lacking a little emotion. A good clockwork puzzle rather than gripping emotionally for me.

I liked what they did with the character of Superman. I admit he has always been too much of a Boy Scout for me but this was interesting. Would have liked see more of Batman though, more of his deductive side, I mean. He was only there as a goon I felt, that's why the minus 1 (would have given 4 and a half but couldn't figure it out in my IPad). But my favourite was undoubtedly Lex Luthor. The main thing I liked about this book is that it raises so many philosophical questions. Mainly is it really worth it to have an Utopia? Would definitely recommend it!!!!! Great read!!!!!

Here's a book you need to have in your Superman collection. The only problem I have with this edition is that the size is just too small for the wonderful art work to stand out. I came across a Dutch (!) edition that is the size of your average Absolute edition. Why, DC?

Alternate histories have always been a favourite of mine and this one was great. Loved the ending and how the other members of the DC universe were involved.

Book arrived as specified and i am happy with it however the 5 stars is for the fact that a complimentary bookmark(complete with moby dick quote) was included and I think I have used it every day since I got it, so useful! Something that I’d never think of but is much appreciated! Thank you!