The Soviet Superman Red Son

TL;DR

What if Superman was a communist? Explore this alternative storyline where Superman lands in the Soviet Union and becomes a champion for socialism and international expansion.

Transcript

The Soviet Superman Red Son If you’ve ever sat around thinking, “What if Superman was a communist?” (Who hasn’t, right?) Well, wonder no more. The answer was masterfully provided in Superman: Red Son written by famed comic book writer and member of the “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire”, Mark Millar. The specific comic book in question wa... Read More

Key Insights

• 😍 The concept of Superman: Red Son was inspired by an imaginary story from Superman #300, where both the USSR and USA rush to claim the baby Superman.
• 🦸 The comic book explores the idea of what might have happened if the Soviets had reached Superman first, making him a hero of communism.
• 😜 Superman's transformation in this alternative storyline includes becoming a high-ranking officer and wearing the symbol of the Soviet Union instead of the popular Superman shield.
• 🖐️ Lois Luthor, Lex Luthor's wife, plays a major role as Superman's enemy in this alternate reality.
• ❤️‍🩹 The story has a twist ending where billions of years later, Superman's descendant lands in the Ukraine, restarting the cycle.
• 🛟 Superman: Red Son serves as an interesting exploration of Cold War themes and the potential consequences of different geopolitical outcomes.
• 💪 The comic book remains faithful to Mark Millar's original idea for the story, with strong storytelling and brilliant artwork.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main concept of Superman: Red Son?

Superman: Red Son explores an alternate reality where Superman's rocket lands in the Soviet Union, turning him into a hero of communism and champion of the working class.

Q: How does the story differ from the original Superman concept?

In this storyline, Superman becomes a high-ranking officer in the Communist Army, with his secret identity being a state secret. He fights for the international expansion of the Warsaw Pact and serves as a leader of the Soviet Union and then the world.

Q: Who are the key characters in Superman: Red Son?

The main characters include Superman, Lois Luthor (married to Lex Luthor), Lex Luthor (Superman's enemy), and various other DC characters who are portrayed in a different light.

Q: How does the story conclude?

Superman eventually realizes the wrongness of his world conquest and tries to turn back. He is attacked by an ally and defeated by Lex Luthor. In the end, Superman sacrifices himself to save the Earth from destruction, and Lex Luthor creates a world-wide United States.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Superman's rocket lands on a collective farm in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas, leading him to grow up as a proud Soviet with a deep commitment to communism.

• He becomes a high-ranking officer in the Communist Army and serves as the champion of the common worker, fighting for Stalin, socialism, and the expansion of the Warsaw Pact.

• Lois Luthor, married to Lex Luthor, remains Superman's enemy, while Superman eventually realizes the wrongness of his world conquest and tries to turn back.