Is Kingdom Come Canon? Untangling the Threads of DC Continuity

The short answer is no, Kingdom Come is not strictly canon within the main DC Universe. However, its influence on and integration into mainstream continuity is far more complex and interesting than a simple “yes” or “no” answer allows. Kingdom Come, while originally conceived as an Elseworlds tale, has had significant elements and characters bleed into the primary DC timeline, making its status a nuanced and perpetually evolving topic of discussion among comic book fans.

The Elseworlds Origins of Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come debuted in 1996 as a four-issue miniseries published under DC’s Elseworlds imprint. Elseworlds stories are explicitly set outside the established DC Universe canon, allowing creators to explore alternate timelines, reimagine characters, and tell stories that wouldn’t be possible within the constraints of the main continuity. Kingdom Come, crafted by writer Mark Waid and artist Alex Ross, presented a dark future where the old guard of heroes, like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, had been replaced by a new generation of hyper-violent, often reckless metahumans.

This grim future, set on Earth-22 (also referred to as Earth-96), served as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked power, the loss of moral compasses, and the importance of hope. The story’s popularity stemmed from its stunning artwork, thought-provoking themes, and compelling characterizations of established DC heroes facing difficult choices in a decaying world.

Kingdom Come’s Influence on Mainstream Continuity

Despite its Elseworlds designation, Kingdom Come left an indelible mark on the DC Universe. Several characters and concepts introduced in the miniseries have been incorporated into the mainstream continuity, albeit often with variations and adaptations. Here are some notable examples:

• Magog: This powerful, weapon-wielding antihero, responsible for killing the Joker and indirectly causing Superman’s self-imposed exile, has appeared in various DC titles, including Justice Society of America and Superman. His origins and motivations have been reinterpreted, but his visual design and general character archetype remain consistent with his Kingdom Come portrayal.

• The Kingdom: This follow-up series, written by Mark Waid (but without Alex Ross’s art), attempted to tie Kingdom Come more directly into the DC Universe. It introduced the concept of Hypertime and explored alternate timelines branching off from the Kingdom Come reality.

• Kingdom Come Superman: While not the exact same character, versions of an older, wiser, and more powerful Superman inspired by Kingdom Come have appeared in various DC stories. These portrayals often emphasize Superman’s role as a symbol of hope and his commitment to inspiring future generations.

The Ever-Shifting Sands of DC Canon

DC’s continuity is notoriously complex and ever-changing. Reboots, retcons, and multiversal crises constantly reshape the history and status quo of the DC Universe. This fluidity makes it difficult to definitively declare anything “canon” or “non-canon” with absolute certainty. What’s considered non-canon today might become relevant or influential tomorrow.

Recent events, like the Flashpoint and Infinite Frontier storylines, have further complicated the issue of canonicity. The DC Multiverse is now explicitly recognized as a fluid and interconnected system, where alternate realities and characters can influence and interact with the mainstream timeline. This has opened the door for even more elements from Elseworlds stories, including Kingdom Come, to potentially be integrated into the core DC narrative. The concepts of Hypertime and the metaverse come into play.

Kingdom Come: A Legacy Beyond Canon

Ultimately, the question of whether Kingdom Come is canon is less important than its lasting impact on DC Comics. The story’s themes of hope, responsibility, and the dangers of unchecked power continue to resonate with readers and influence creators. Kingdom Come remains a landmark achievement in comic book storytelling and a testament to the power of Elseworlds stories to explore complex ideas and reimagine beloved characters.

You can learn more about the broader context of storytelling and world-building in games and other media through resources like the Games Learning Society and the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complex relationship between Kingdom Come and DC canon:

1. What universe is Kingdom Come in?

Kingdom Come is set in an alternate reality outside the mainstream DC Universe, specifically Earth-22. This designation firmly places it within the Elseworlds category.

2. Is Kingdom Come a Superman story?

While the story features a large ensemble cast, including Batman, Wonder Woman, and other heroes, Superman is undeniably the central protagonist of Kingdom Come. The narrative revolves around his return from exile and his efforts to restore hope and order to a world that has lost its way.

3. Is Kingdom Come a sequel to other comics?

Kingdom Come is primarily a standalone story, though it draws on decades of DC Comics history and character development. The Kingdom is a direct sequel, but not a complete story in itself.

4. Is Doomsday Clock canon?

As of recent developments in the DC Universe, Doomsday Clock is officially considered non-canon. This is largely due to changes and retcons implemented in subsequent Justice League and other key DC titles.

5. Is the Kingdom Come Superman immune to Kryptonite in his own universe?

Yes. In the Kingdom Come universe, Superman has absorbed so much solar energy over the years that he has effectively eliminated his vulnerability to Kryptonite from New Earth. He is still potentially vulnerable to Kryptonite from his specific Earth-22 reality.

6. Who is the main villain in Kingdom Come?

While there isn’t a single overarching villain in Kingdom Come, Magog is arguably the closest character to filling that role. His actions set the story’s events in motion, and his ideology represents the dangers of unchecked violence and disregard for traditional heroic values. Lex Luthor is the mastermind behind the villainous front.

7. Why did Superman quit being Superman in Kingdom Come?

Superman retreated to the Fortress of Solitude after witnessing the public’s embrace of Magog, a killer, as a hero, and the death of Lois Lane. He felt disillusioned with the state of the world and questioned his effectiveness as a symbol of hope.

8. Is Kingdom Come considered a DC Black Label book?

Yes, Kingdom Come has been re-released as part of the DC Black Label line, featuring the original four-issue epic along with behind-the-scenes materials.

9. What is the meaning of Kingdom Come?

The title Kingdom Come alludes to both the biblical phrase “Thy Kingdom Come” and the idea of impending judgment. It suggests a future where the consequences of past actions will come to fruition. Another interpretation of the phrase is the next world, which implies an afterlife, or death.

10. Why is Kingdom Come so highly regarded?

Kingdom Come is celebrated for its stunning artwork by Alex Ross, its complex themes of generational conflict and the loss of innocence, and its compelling characterizations of iconic DC heroes facing moral dilemmas.

11. What is Earth-27?

Earth-27 is a fan-created reimagining of the DC Universe, designed to be a more streamlined and accessible version of the established continuity. It is not an official DC Comics designation.

12. How strong is Kingdom Come Superman?

Kingdom Come Superman is considered more powerful than his mainstream counterpart due to his extended exposure to solar radiation and his lack of vulnerability to Kryptonite.

13. Has Kingdom Come Batman appeared in other DC comics?

While the specific Kingdom Come version of Batman hasn’t been directly integrated into the main continuity, the concept of an older, more technologically advanced Batman inspired by Kingdom Come has appeared in various stories.

14. Does Kingdom Come exist in Hypertime?

The sequel The Kingdom introduced the concept of Hypertime and attempted to tie Kingdom Come into this framework, suggesting that it exists as a branch reality within the broader DC Multiverse.

15. Is Kingdom Come a good starting point for new DC readers?

While Kingdom Come is a self-contained story, it’s best appreciated with some prior knowledge of DC Comics history and characters. A reader unfamiliar with DC lore might not fully grasp the nuances and subversions present in the narrative. However, its compelling story and stunning visuals make it an engaging read regardless.