Red Son

Red Son
Author: Mark Millar
Published: 2003

Let me start by saying, this is a very easy, very quick read. Once I picked it up, it sucked me right in and I wasn't able to put it down until I was finished. The art is on par with what you would expect from DC, no appearance of rushed or taking the easy route. And the story and dialoge is very engaging. Any person who is even a passing fan of the Superman mythos should look to pick this up.

This is a comic trade of three comics that were released back in 2003. Red Son Rising, Red Son Ascendant, and Red Son Setting. It is based upon the idea of "what if Superman's ship crashed 12 hours earlier/later in Soviet Russia". And follows through the the life of this soviet superman from public announcement at Stalin's new 'weapon' through several of the stages that the classic comics took Superman, just from this new perspective.

There are several noted superheroes from the DC universe that make their appearance in these comics, reimagined, including: Green Latern, Wonder Woman and Batman. Many of Superman's greatest foes also make an appearance, such as Brainiac. And of course, what Superman alternate history comic would be complete without Lex Luthor.

A quick synopsis: Superman starts as Stalin's right hand man, being the obvious counterpart to history's original 'Man of Steel'. The US enlists the aid of Doctor Lex Luthor to either overcome or remove this new threat to National Security. Time passes and Lex Luthor's various projects fail. Stalin passes away and Superman Ascends to control ofthe Soviet union and it's growing number of allies. Things build up on both sides, with Superman taking more control, dealing with more and more insurrections while things look bleaker and bleaker for the 'good guys', until things come to a head and Superman is confronted with his worst concerns.

It is an interesting exploration into how things could have turned out different with such a small change as when the capsule came down. It also, possibly inadvertantly, puts a new light on Lex Luthor, who in the normal mythos is generally presented as a brilliant if morally absent super villian. This comic paints a picture of someone, still incredibly brilliant, and still morally absent to a degree, but who's motivation is showing that humanity doesn't need a 'super being' playing parent and guadian. A theme that his actions reinforce repeatedly throughout.

The post climax ending of this is also pure gold. I can see myself revisting this several times in the future.