Superman: Red Son

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Book details

  1. Reading age
    12 years and up
  2. Part of Series
    Superman: Red Son
  3. Print length
    168 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Dimensions
    6.65 x 0.39 x 10.08 inches
  6. Publisher
    Dc Comics
  7. Publication date
    April 8, 2014
  8. ISBN-10
    9781401247119
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1401247119
  10. See all details
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Book overview

Imagine a reality where the world’s most powerful super-being does not grow up in Smallville, Kansas—or even America, for that matter…

Superman: Red Son is a vivid tale of Cold War paranoia, that reveals how the ship carrying the infant who would later be known as Superman lands in the midst of the 1950s Soviet Union.  Raised on a collective, the infant grows up and becomes a symbol to the Soviet people, and the world changes drastically from what we know - bringing Superman into conflict with Batman, Lex Luthor and many others.

The acclaimed story by writer Mark Millar and artists Dave Johnson & Kilian Plunkett is collected here, featuring an extensive sketch section by Johnson, Plunkett and Alex Ross. Collects Superman: Red Son #1-3.

Review

“With its moral complexity and a graphic hybrid of Soviet Expressionism and Fifties comic book styling, Red Son is a charming and potent work.” —The Guardian

“It is an interesting analysis of the Superman mythos, as well as Superman himself.” —Examiner

“A strong character study.” —PopMatters

Named one of “The 30 Comic Books You Should Have Read” by Empire Magazine.

Named one of “The 20 Best Graphic Novels of the Decade” by Paste Magazine

One of “12 Superman Stories Everyone Absolutely Needs To Read” by Buzzfeed
 
 
 

About the Author

Mark Millar has written some of the most successful English-language comics in recent years. His recent projects are Marvel's Civil War, Ultimates 2, Ultimate Fantastic Four and Wolverine. Civil War was featured on everything from CNN to MTV for the public unmasking of Spider-Man. His comic Wanted was a hit movie in 2008 starring Angelina Jolie.

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Mark Millar
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Along with Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Millar has been one of the key writers for Marvel Comics in the 21st century. After proving himself in the ’90s as a talent to watch while writing for DC Comics and the UK comic 2000AD, his arrival to Marvel came at a time when Ultimate Spider-Man had just shot up the sales charts. It was in this environment that Millar made his first major contribution to Marvel with Ultimate X-Men, as Millar integrated forty years’ worth of X-Men history, characters and lore into a solid two-year run, making the companion title to Ultimate Spider-Man every bit the creative and commercial success. Next up was The Ultimates, a new rendering of the Avengers that was to continue building on the success of the Ultimate line. He and artist Bryan Hitch pulled it all off in spades: The Ultimates and its sequel, Ultimates 2, were ensconced at the top of the sales charts every month; what’s more, they were critical successes, as well. Meanwhile, Millar was invited to enter the regular Marvel Universe to take a stab at two of its most iconic characters: Spider-Man and Wolverine. Paired with industry heavyweights to draw his stories — Terry Dodson on Marvel Knights Spider-Man and John Romita Jr. on Wolverine — Millar brought the same fast-paced and cleverly constructed plots with which his Ultimate fans were already familiar. Amid building a small library of Millarworld indie comic books — including the titles Chosen and Wanted, the latter of which was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster starring Angelina Jolie — he managed to write Civil War, the epic seven-issue miniseries that definitively reshaped the landscape of Marvel’s heroes. Kick-A**, a Marvel Icon project done in tandem with John Romita Jr., made an impressive impact on the sales chart before also being adapted for a major motion picture. In addition, Millar has reunited with Civil War artist Steve McNiven in both the pages of Wolverine and their creator-owned book Nemesis.

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Frequently bought together

Superman: Red Son
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Kingdom Come
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Batman: Year One Deluxe

Frequently bought together

Superman: Red Son
$24.97
Kingdom Come
$16.86
Batman: Year One Deluxe
$9.86
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5
2,286 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the storyline great and clever. They also appreciate the great artwork and writing quality. Readers describe the content as fresh and thought-provoking. They mention the characters as interesting and an interesting take on an established character.

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StorylineArtworkWriting qualityContentCharactersCraftsmanshipEntertainment value
StorylineArtworkWriting qualityContentCharactersCraftsmanshipEntertainment value
170Customers mention
164Positive
6Negative

Customers find the storyline great, interesting, and awesome. They also say the twist in origin is excellent, fascinating, and fun. Readers also mention that the book showcases the genius of Lex Luthor.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...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..." Read more

"...The ending is awesome and though it could be argued that it feels somewhat forced, there's no denying it bring a nice sense of closure at just the..." Read more

"This is my first graphic novel. I enjoyed the twist of a well told story. It was very interesting...." Read more

"...the book is near perfect and features an amazing ending. A must own for DC and Superman fans." Read more

43Customers mention
41Positive
2Negative

Customers find the artwork in the book great, imaginative, and well done. They also say it's an interesting read for comic book fans.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...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..." Read more

"...I'm very happy with the way the story is managed, and the art is wonderful...." Read more

"...With other creative re-imaginings of DC characters like Batman and a perfect study of the conflict between Supes and Lex Luthor..." Read more

"...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-..." Read more

22Customers mention
22Positive
0Negative

Customers find the writing quality amazing, witty, and well-crafted. They also say the characterization is to-the-point and the dialogue is crisp. Readers say the book withstands multiple readings and provides a terrifying outline of what would happen if the DC universe was unstable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...Spoiler*.....After having a decent civilization, stable and at peace. Everything ended up coming back to how it was...." Read more

"...The conclusion to the story is breathtaking.This is a well-crafted and self-consistent alternative to the fictional universe with which..." Read more

"...As always with Mark Millar's writing, characterization is to-the-point and dialogue is crisp...." Read more

"...of the billions of multiverses that DC its interesting and gives a terrifying outline of what would happen if Superman was on the "Bad" side." Read more

12Customers mention
12Positive
0Negative

Customers find the content thought-provoking, cool, and twisty. They also say it has one of the best conclusions they've ever read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...it's a complete "what if" scenario, it's still fresh and thought provoking. I highly recommend this, and "Old Man Logan"...." Read more

"...It is a very interesting concept, but one that is not explored or sussed out very well...." Read more

"Wow! A short, yet wildly imaginative and thought-provoking re-imagining of the Man of Steel...." Read more

"...It has one of the best conclusions I have ever read." Read more

10Customers mention
10Positive
0Negative

Customers find the characters interesting, alternate, and fantastic. They also mention that the Russian Batman is fantastic.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...You get very interesting character development here (especially from the main characters), you get a few subtle nods and throwbacks to other iconic..." Read more

"A staple of the comic world, it's an interesting take on an established character, with cameos from many others...." Read more

"...I like the takes on other heroes as well, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern all have a turn in the book...." Read more

"Gives reason as to why Superman is such a richly layered character!" Read more

9Customers mention
9Positive
0Negative

Customers are satisfied with the craftsmanship of the book. They mention that it was delivered in excellent condition.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...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..." Read more

"...Way better than the animated movie. Arrived quick and in good condition." Read more

"One of the best comic book story line in history .... good quality" Read more

"Arrived in good condition and an awesome book" Read more

9Customers mention
9Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book lots of fun and never boring.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...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..." Read more

"...exceptions - the way the comic uses Batman is genuinely clever and engaging, even if that character could have been anyone without losing much..." Read more

"...However, it's fun, exciting, and the ending will definitely satisfy. I'd say if you're a Superman fan, read it...." Read more

"...Not essential to the cannon, but then, so what? It is fun, witty and features terrific art and extras...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Carlos Valencia
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Not what I expected. BETTER. You won't be able to put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2017
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... See more
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!
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!
24 people found this helpful
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F Marquez
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
just what it needs to be
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2015
Red son is not only a what-if story. It is a tribute to Superman's legacy and a reminder of what the big blue boy scout actually fights for I'm very happy with the way the story is managed, and the art is wonderful. There are cameos everywhere but it is not... See more
Red son is not only a what-if story. It is a tribute to Superman's legacy and a reminder of what the big blue boy scout actually fights for

I'm very happy with the way the story is managed, and the art is wonderful. There are cameos everywhere but it is not necessary to be a Superman reader to enjoy this book. Everything you already know is there with a Russia VS USA twist: Sups is a commie, Lex Luthor is still super smart and American, Batman is a Russian anarchist and Wonder Woman believes she is fighting the good fight. And there is no good or bad here, it's just different points of view

The ending is awesome and though it could be argued that it feels somewhat forced, there's no denying it bring a nice sense of closure at just the right moment
Red son is not only a what-if story. It is a tribute to Superman's legacy and a reminder of what the big blue boy scout actually fights for

I'm very happy with the way the story is managed, and the art is wonderful. There are cameos everywhere but it is not necessary to be a Superman reader to enjoy this book. Everything you already know is there with a Russia VS USA twist: Sups is a commie, Lex Luthor is still super smart and American, Batman is a Russian anarchist and Wonder Woman believes she is fighting the good fight. And there is no good or bad here, it's just different points of view

The ending is awesome and though it could be argued that it feels somewhat forced, there's no denying it bring a nice sense of closure at just the right moment
One person found this helpful
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Answer Fancher
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
fun ride
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2022
This is my first graphic novel. I enjoyed the twist of a well told story. It was very interesting. As I’m new to the genre i really enjoyed how the kindle app helped guide me through the reading of the story.
This is my first graphic novel. I enjoyed the twist of a well told story. It was very interesting. As I’m new to the genre i really enjoyed how the kindle app helped guide me through the reading of the story.
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JuanGB
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Liked most of the story, but
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
The ending was not good in my opinion. Spoiler*..... After having a decent civilization, stable and at peace. Everything ended up coming back to how it was. I think the writers of this alternative Superman wanted to apease the "world" (US) that they weren't communists... See more
The ending was not good in my opinion. Spoiler*.....
After having a decent civilization, stable and at peace. Everything ended up coming back to how it was. I think the writers of this alternative Superman wanted to apease the "world" (US) that they weren't communists and that a functioning communist world still wouldn't work, even it was 🤦🏽‍♂️
The ending was not good in my opinion. Spoiler*.....
After having a decent civilization, stable and at peace. Everything ended up coming back to how it was. I think the writers of this alternative Superman wanted to apease the "world" (US) that they weren't communists and that a functioning communist world still wouldn't work, even it was 🤦🏽‍♂️
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John Walker
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Delightful alternative universe take on the Superman legend
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2020
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... See more
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.
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.
9 people found this helpful
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clairetoldmetochangemyscreenname
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
One of the All Time Best What If Stories
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2016
One of the all time best Elsewhere stories. While I'm not a huge fan of Millar's, this may be his best in my opinion. Essentially a What If? story, Red Son asks the question of what would have happened to the DC universe if Superman's rocket had landed in the Soviet Union... See more
One of the all time best Elsewhere stories. While I'm not a huge fan of Millar's, this may be his best in my opinion. Essentially a What If? story, Red Son asks the question of what would have happened to the DC universe if Superman's rocket had landed in the Soviet Union instead of the American Midwest. Instead of growing up the embodiment of the "American way" Supes becomes the champion of Stalin-era Marxism. With other creative re-imaginings of DC characters like Batman and a perfect study of the conflict between Supes and Lex Luthor (here the best hope of capitalist American to halt the spread of communism) the book is near perfect and features an amazing ending. A must own for DC and Superman fans.
One of the all time best Elsewhere stories. While I'm not a huge fan of Millar's, this may be his best in my opinion. Essentially a What If? story, Red Son asks the question of what would have happened to the DC universe if Superman's rocket had landed in the Soviet Union instead of the American Midwest. Instead of growing up the embodiment of the "American way" Supes becomes the champion of Stalin-era Marxism. With other creative re-imaginings of DC characters like Batman and a perfect study of the conflict between Supes and Lex Luthor (here the best hope of capitalist American to halt the spread of communism) the book is near perfect and features an amazing ending. A must own for DC and Superman fans.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Una historia del intelecto contra poder
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2019
La historia que fans habían pedido durante años desde la fenecida sección de cartas publicada en los cómics de antaño logra darnos más de lo que esperábamos al responder varias preguntas, entre ellas : ¿Es Superman inherentemente un ser que busca la verdad y la... See more
La historia que fans habían pedido durante años desde la fenecida sección de cartas publicada en los cómics de antaño logra darnos más de lo que esperábamos al responder varias preguntas, entre ellas :

¿Es Superman inherentemente un ser que busca la verdad y la justicia?
¿Debe haber un Superman?

Entre muchas otras que giran alrededor de la búsqueda de un mundo mejor para todos a la vez que nos muestra sin mucha exposición que el camino al infierno está pavimemtado por buenas intenciones.

Esta es una historia que demuestra lo esencial que es tener un antagonista que ofrezca un reto real, coherente y consistente. Si la comparamos con All Star Superman de Grant Morrison, esta obra triunfa al mostrarnos un Lex Luthor que no sólo es malvado porque la historia necesita un antagonista. El Luthor de Red Son es un hombre con hambre de superar cualquier reto y que al lograr sus objetivos no cae presa de emociones banales como la ira.

A pesar de que el elemento más atractivo de esta historia es responder a la pregunta de la sección de cartas antes mencionada (¿Qué tal si el cohete de Superman hubiera caído en la Unión Soviética en 1938?) lo que termina haciendo que la historia funcione es el constante y consistente conflicto entre Superman y Lex Luthor.

La conclusión de esta historia es una sorpresa que dejaremos descubran en el cómic, pero logra responder de manera magistral a las 2 preguntas que mencionamos anteriormente:

¿Es Superman inherentemente un ser que busca la verdad y la justicia?
¿Debe haber un Superman?
La historia que fans habían pedido durante años desde la fenecida sección de cartas publicada en los cómics de antaño logra darnos más de lo que esperábamos al responder varias preguntas, entre ellas :

¿Es Superman inherentemente un ser que busca la verdad y la justicia?
¿Debe haber un Superman?

Entre muchas otras que giran alrededor de la búsqueda de un mundo mejor para todos a la vez que nos muestra sin mucha exposición que el camino al infierno está pavimemtado por buenas intenciones.

Esta es una historia que demuestra lo esencial que es tener un antagonista que ofrezca un reto real, coherente y consistente. Si la comparamos con All Star Superman de Grant Morrison, esta obra triunfa al mostrarnos un Lex Luthor que no sólo es malvado porque la historia necesita un antagonista. El Luthor de Red Son es un hombre con hambre de superar cualquier reto y que al lograr sus objetivos no cae presa de emociones banales como la ira.

A pesar de que el elemento más atractivo de esta historia es responder a la pregunta de la sección de cartas antes mencionada (¿Qué tal si el cohete de Superman hubiera caído en la Unión Soviética en 1938?) lo que termina haciendo que la historia funcione es el constante y consistente conflicto entre Superman y Lex Luthor.

La conclusión de esta historia es una sorpresa que dejaremos descubran en el cómic, pero logra responder de manera magistral a las 2 preguntas que mencionamos anteriormente:

¿Es Superman inherentemente un ser que busca la verdad y la justicia?
¿Debe haber un Superman?
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Rodrigo
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
I loved this version of Superman
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022
I am not a hudge fan of comics, so every year I just read few. However, This graphic novel was absolutely awesome. I have read it three times and I recommend it whenever I can.
I am not a hudge fan of comics, so every year I just read few. However, This graphic novel was absolutely awesome. I have read it three times and I recommend it whenever I can.
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Top reviews from other countries

Victoria Caroline Johansen
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2023
As expected.
As expected.
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Kieran J. Mcandrew
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Superman: Red Son: New Edition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2023
Kal-El, the only survivor of the doomed planet Krypton, is evacuated to planet Earth via rocket ship and lands in an abundant corn field on the plains of Ukraine. He grows up to be the right hand of Josef Stalin and a mighty dictator in the Soviet regime. Miller's alternate...See more
Kal-El, the only survivor of the doomed planet Krypton, is evacuated to planet Earth via rocket ship and lands in an abundant corn field on the plains of Ukraine. He grows up to be the right hand of Josef Stalin and a mighty dictator in the Soviet regime. Miller's alternate reality story of Superman is fascinating and shows how destructive unchecked power can be. The artwork is stunning and is just different enough to be chilling in its similarities to that of the Superman shown in the DC Universe.
Kal-El, the only survivor of the doomed planet Krypton, is evacuated to planet Earth via rocket ship and lands in an abundant corn field on the plains of Ukraine. He grows up to be the right hand of Josef Stalin and a mighty dictator in the Soviet regime.

Miller's alternate reality story of Superman is fascinating and shows how destructive unchecked power can be. The artwork is stunning and is just different enough to be chilling in its similarities to that of the Superman shown in the DC Universe.
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24601
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
AMAZING!
Reviewed in Sweden on September 25, 2022
I watched the animated movie first and loved it (except the end part) and decided to buy and read the comic, and it's the BEST decision I've made! THIS IS GREAT!!! THAT plottwist at the end... Belive me, READ THIS!!
I watched the animated movie first and loved it (except the end part) and decided to buy and read the comic, and it's the BEST decision I've made! THIS IS GREAT!!! THAT plottwist at the end... Belive me, READ THIS!!
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Daniel Cunningham
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Excellent! Outstanding!
Reviewed in Canada on August 15, 2020
The service is excellent. Of course, the graphic novel is outstanding. With material like this to use, it's amazing that they keep on making sub-standard Superman movies.
The service is excellent. Of course, the graphic novel is outstanding. With material like this to use, it's amazing that they keep on making sub-standard Superman movies.
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lorenzo cordoni
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Il celebre 'What If' della saga di Superman nell' edizione DC Comics del 2014.
Reviewed in Italy on March 7, 2021
Il celebre 'What If' della saga di Superman nell' edizione brossurata della DC Comics del 2014. Il volume raccoglie i tre capitoli della distopia, chiamiamola così, pubblicati originariamente nel 2003: Rising, Ascendant, Setting. In chiusura, una ventina di tavole di...See more
Il celebre 'What If' della saga di Superman nell' edizione brossurata della DC Comics del 2014. Il volume raccoglie i tre capitoli della distopia, chiamiamola così, pubblicati originariamente nel 2003: Rising, Ascendant, Setting. In chiusura, una ventina di tavole di bozzetti preparatori. Cosa sarebbe successo se nel 1938 Kal-El, il futuro Superman, fosse atterrato non su suolo statunitense ma in Ucraina? Partendo da questa ipotesi, il volume sviluppa una vicenda molto coinvolgente, con un plot serratissimo e disegni ottimi, a cui partecipano i più classici alleati ed antagonisti dell' universo DC Comics. Per mio gusto personale, il capitolo più riuscito è il primo, ben ancorato alle origini di Superman ed alle contingenze storiche del secondo dopoguerra. Poi, la virata fantascientifica è davvero molto decisa. Il finale, senza voler spoilerare nulla, si risolve con una sorta di cliffhanger. Ammirevole aver evitato le insidie di una contrapposizione manichea buoni / cattivi, americani / sovietici. Le implicazioni suggerite da una vicenda del genere sono molte, e ben sviscerate. Davvero un volume da raccomandare.
Il celebre 'What If' della saga di Superman nell' edizione brossurata della DC Comics del 2014.
Il volume raccoglie i tre capitoli della distopia, chiamiamola così, pubblicati originariamente nel 2003: Rising, Ascendant, Setting.
In chiusura, una ventina di tavole di bozzetti preparatori.

Cosa sarebbe successo se nel 1938 Kal-El, il futuro Superman, fosse atterrato non su suolo statunitense ma in Ucraina?
Partendo da questa ipotesi, il volume sviluppa una vicenda molto coinvolgente, con un plot serratissimo e disegni ottimi, a cui partecipano i più classici alleati ed antagonisti dell' universo DC Comics.

Per mio gusto personale, il capitolo più riuscito è il primo, ben ancorato alle origini di Superman ed alle contingenze storiche del secondo dopoguerra.
Poi, la virata fantascientifica è davvero molto decisa.
Il finale, senza voler spoilerare nulla, si risolve con una sorta di cliffhanger.

Ammirevole aver evitato le insidie di una contrapposizione manichea buoni / cattivi, americani / sovietici.
Le implicazioni suggerite da una vicenda del genere sono molte, e ben sviscerate.
Davvero un volume da raccomandare.
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