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hakimbriki's review against another edition
2.0
What if Superman's S shield became a hammer and sickle ? asks Mark Millar.
Well, Soviet comrade Superman is pretty damn boring and unpleasant, if you ask me.
Red Son was not as enjoyable as I thought it would be. The very odd (in a bad way) setting and lousy alternate versions of a few DC characters (specifically Superman, Lois Lane, Batman and Hal Jordan/ Green Lantern) totally killed my buzz. I rather enjoy reading "what-if" scenarios; I loved 1602, JLA: The Nail and even Gotham by Gaslight; the clever writing and fascinating reimagining of the Marvel and DC Universes made these books a success. While I understand what Mark Millar was trying to achieve here, some of his ideas and plot developments just don't fly with me; Superman's naivete was exaggerated, Batman's fate just laughable, Lois Lane shockingly submissive... the list goes on (I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free). The great characterization of Lex Luthor is the saving grace of Red Son; the perseverance, intelligence and obsessive nature of the character is apparently extra-universal.
Mark Millar's attempt to reinvent the Man of Steel was courageous but the result is unfortunately nothing to boast about.
Well, Soviet comrade Superman is pretty damn boring and unpleasant, if you ask me.
Red Son was not as enjoyable as I thought it would be. The very odd (in a bad way) setting and lousy alternate versions of a few DC characters (specifically Superman, Lois Lane, Batman and Hal Jordan/ Green Lantern) totally killed my buzz. I rather enjoy reading "what-if" scenarios; I loved 1602, JLA: The Nail and even Gotham by Gaslight; the clever writing and fascinating reimagining of the Marvel and DC Universes made these books a success. While I understand what Mark Millar was trying to achieve here, some of his ideas and plot developments just don't fly with me; Superman's naivete was exaggerated, Batman's fate just laughable, Lois Lane shockingly submissive... the list goes on (I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free). The great characterization of Lex Luthor is the saving grace of Red Son; the perseverance, intelligence and obsessive nature of the character is apparently extra-universal.
Mark Millar's attempt to reinvent the Man of Steel was courageous but the result is unfortunately nothing to boast about.
marieintheraw's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this. The setting may have helped a little bit.
has3000's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I quite enjoyed this. It was a very well done imagining of a Russian Superman, without just going into “capitalism good, communism bad”.
The characters we know and love are in the story and similar to their standard selves, but also adjusted to fit the story, like Superman himself. It was a good tale to read all at once, but I think letting each of the three issues sit for a day or two also would have been good.
I enjoyed how they wrapped the story up, it was very satisfying to me.
The characters we know and love are in the story and similar to their standard selves, but also adjusted to fit the story, like Superman himself. It was a good tale to read all at once, but I think letting each of the three issues sit for a day or two also would have been good.
I enjoyed how they wrapped the story up, it was very satisfying to me.
reaperreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first DC comic that I have ever read, and as a previous Literary Studies English Major, the imagery and the depth to the writing in Mark Millar's work here absolutely blew me away. The symbolism was also well-placed, subtle, yet significant; and it was not too forced like I feared might happen with a project like this one. As for the plot, I stayed hooked the entire time. Maybe I am only scratching the surface with comic books so far, but that just means that I have a lot to look forward to.
aberdeenwaters's review against another edition
5.0
Very cool reimagining of Superman, as well as Batman and US History.
thegomez154's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book. Such a unique and interesting take on the mythos of Superman (and other DC favorites). Highest recommendation.
theheartbrekker1's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amyeewing's review against another edition
5.0
This was a truly awesome graphic novel. It had a bit of a slow start but quickly picked up. I loved the perspective of communism working and capitalism not working without villianizing or overselling either one. I also liked that Superman is still good but has a different perspective of what good entails. John and Martha Kent raised Superman to believe in an American way that doesn't really match up with reality so it makes sense that the Ukranian farmers would do the same for Communism pointing out that the ideas are good. It's the implementation that gets in the way.
Stepping away from political ideologies, the ending was perfect and brought the novel to a wonderful and fulfilling conclusion.
Stepping away from political ideologies, the ending was perfect and brought the novel to a wonderful and fulfilling conclusion.