Written & Illustrated: Alex Ross
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Rob Leigh
Alternate cover: Dale Eaglesham

That has to be one of the longest freaking titles for a book that I have ever reviewed. Sure I could have shortened it to JSA, but it’s just so much better to say the full name. This is it folks the semi sequel to Kingdom Come running in the JSA pages finally gets its art duties by Alex Ross. I have to say that the covers might throw you off a little bit, because you won’t find Kingdom Come Superman fighting Earth 1 Superman or Magog. What you will find is one damn fine story that really surprised me. Keep in mind this story takes place after the events in JSA 20.

Superman is reminded of Norman McCay, the man in his world that came to him with the revelation that Superman’s world would end. With the help of Mr. Terrific and Cyclone he finds this world’s version of Reverend McCay (who is mysteriously as old as his KC version). After a brief meeting with him he has a long overdue talk with this world’s Lois Lane and explains to her in detail what happened to his Lois and eventually to his world. We find out that along with the death of his Lois, he also put the identity of Clark Kent in the ground.

The story may not seem that much, but I will tell you that it was an emotional reunion between old Superman and Lois Lane. The flashback of his Lois dying in his arms was some of the most touching panels I have read in comics. Just in one issue Ross explores KC Superman’s doubts, fears, and great concern as he tries to prevent this world from sharing the same fate as his. It is a powerful story of loss and the search for one’s purpose in a world he doesn’t belong to.

What can I say about Ross’ artwork that hasn’t been said in every review you have ever read? It is drop dead gorgeous. I can’t get over how beautiful these pages are. So much work and craftsmanship go to each panel. His pencils are just as powerful as his painted work and I would love to see him do more interior work than just covers. There are things that are still left unanswered, such as the age of McCay and how exactly did Superman’s world end if we have already read the ending to Kingdom Come? Is it all being rewritten? Who knows, but I sure as hell hope to find out. A fantastic issue that leaves you craving for more and has you rooting that the KC Man of Steel is here for the long haul (even after the events that are to come in JSA 22) **A**