Finished Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross.

This is a graphic novel that features Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and a host of other heroes and villains. It’s set in a grim future where so-called metahumans have begun fighting each other in the streets — with no regard for human casualties. The big three step in to try to find some way to deal with the metahumans and save the world — with some fairly disastrous results.

This isn’t light, fun comic reading. Kingdom Come deals with some pretty serious issues — religion, freedom, heroes vs. heroes, humans va. metahumans, friend vs. friend.

Most of the focus is on Superman, who went into retirement several years ago. I have to say I am not a huge Superman fan. He’s just too good and too earnest to be that interesting (at least to me). I’m much fonder of characters like Batman who are just, well, more human. (Plus, Batman had some really great lines in this book).

Still, I enjoyed this one. Anybody who thinks comics can’t tackle deep issues in a thoughtful manner should read Kingdom Come. Thumbs up.

Up next: Probably something free I get at the RWA conference.