I have read many issues of Superman over the years. I’ve seen his origin and his death. The character continues to live on and take part in the battle against the forces of evil amongst many villains. There are stories by many writers that are good and that are great. Then there is the occasional story that is phenomenal. There is one such story that can be described as such. It’s one of my favorite Superman tales of all time takes place as an Elseworlds story. This means that the story doesn’t fit in within the normal continuity of the monthly editions and is basically occurs in an alternate reality. Superman: Red Son takes place over three issues was meticulously crafted by veteran writer Mark Millar and tells a “what if” tale. Millar has written a number of fantastic stories including Wanted, Kick-Ass, Old Man Logan (another favorite) and began the alternate universe Avengers comic: The Ultimates. In Red Son the reader is introduced to a world where Superman hadn’t landed in Smallville Kansas, but instead touched down in the middle of The Soviet Union during the “Cold War.” This means that rather than fighting for “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” he fights for Socialism and the beliefs of leader Joseph Stalin. When the Soviet Union reveals their new Superman it changes the status quo throughout the world particularly the United States and a dramatic alternate timeline results, a timeline where Superman ultimately becomes the leader of the Soviet Union. The C.I.A recruits Lex Luthor to kill Superman. Luthor becomes an American hero who is determined to destroy Superman no matter the cost and eventually becomes the President of The United States. The story also includes alternate versions of nearly every Superman related character including Batman, Wonder-Woman, and the Green Lantern as part of a political thriller with global implications. My favorite aspect of the entire story is its ending. It’s one of the best story endings I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading and by far one of my favorites. Red Son is a timeless Superman tale that can be enjoyed over and over again. It’s a “must read” for any Superman fan!
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