Superman (DC Comics | Red Son | Elseworlds)

Superman: Red Son is an alternate-universe version of Superman featured in the acclaimed Elseworlds miniseries of the same name, first published as a three-issue prestige format comic by DC Comics in 2003. Written by Mark Millar with art primarily by Dave Johnson and Killian Plunkett, the story explores the premise "What if Superman had landed in the Soviet Union instead of the United States?" In this timeline, the infant Kal-El's rocket arrives in Ukraine during the 1930s, where he is raised on a collective farm and indoctrinated with communist ideals. Emerging as an adult in the 1950s, he becomes a symbol of Soviet supremacy under Joseph Stalin, shifting the Cold War into a superhuman arms race and establishing himself as a champion of socialism rather than American democracy.

As the narrative progresses through the decades, Superman assumes leadership of the Soviet Union after Stalin's death, transforming it into a global superpower through enforced prosperity and suppression of dissent, including lobotomizing dissidents into obedient "Superman robots." He faces opposition from a brilliant American Lex Luthor, who becomes President and orchestrates multiple plans to defeat him, as well as alternate versions of Batman (a terrorist anarchist) and Wonder Woman. Brainiac manipulates events from the shadows, shrinking cities like Stalingrad, while Superman grapples with the moral costs of his authoritarian utopia, ultimately confronting the limits of imposed perfection.

The story culminates in a revelation that Superman's actions create a predestination paradox: his lineage leads to a future Earth resembling Krypton, where descendants send an infant back in time—implying he is both descendant and ancestor in a closed loop. Critically praised and nominated for a 2004 Eisner Award, the miniseries was adapted into a 2020 animated film that retained core elements but altered details for runtime. It remains a seminal exploration of ideology, power, and heroism in DC's multiverse.

Love what you see? Your tips not only help keep the creativity flowing and the fridge stocked with cold beer, but they also ensure that any requests you leave with your donation get top priority. Cheers and thank you for your support!