Summary
Kingdom Comeis unquestionably one of the greatestDC Comicsstories of all time, and stands the test of time as artistAlex Ross’masterwork. Now, the never-before-told story of how the project came together will be revealed in an all-new documentary, chronicling the creation of a seminal work in comic book history.
Launching this fall onKickstarter,The Legend of Kingdom Comedocumentary will be directed by Remsy Atassi and produced by Sal Abbinanti, and will explore the making of the classic series by Mark Waid and Alex Ross.
From the official DC Comics press release:
“For the first time, fans will have the opportunity to hear directly from the creative team of Mark Waid and Alex Ross along with a wide range of comic luminaries through exclusive interviews and original footage, reflecting onthe legacy ofKINGDOM COMEand the evolution of the comic book industry.”
The Legend of Kingdom ComeChronicles the Making of a Legendary DC Comic
As his follow-up tothe ground-breakingMarvels,the 1996 miniseriesKingdom Comecemented Alex Ross’ place in the comic book industry. His beautifully-painted pages made the four-color heroes of the past look as if they were flesh-and-blood, bringing an astounding realism to the storytelling. Waid and Ross’ story of an aging Superman struggling to retain his relevance and rebuild the Justice League in a world of younger, more violent heroes resonated strongly in an age when “grim’n’gritty” comics had become the norm.
Alex Ross expresses his enthusiasm for the documentary, and how he’s stillamazed atKingdom Come’s impact:
“I have loved drawing and reading about superheroes since I was a young child. When Mark and I were creating KINGDOM COME—one of my earliest works—I set out to do exactly what I loved. I brought so much of myself and the people in my life into it. I knew it was special, but I had no idea it would have such an impact on comics, pop culture, and my career. I’m so proud that what we made back then still resonates today. I hope people enjoy this film.”
For Mark Waid, the opportunity to collaborate with Alex Ross was a highlight, calling it a “high-water mark” in his career. Waid discusses the rare opportunity to see his scriptsbrought to life by Alex Ross, relating just how special the experience truly was:
“Watching scenes I’d put on paper come to vibrant life beneath his brush was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait for fans to finally get a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at what I consider to be Alex’s greatest work."
Kingdom ComeDocumentary Explores What it Takes to “Achieve Greatness”
Featuring in-depth interviews with Waid and Ross,the documentary will also feature commentary from other comics luminaries like Todd McFarlane, Paul Dini and Julie and Shawna Benson. Director Remsy Atassi explainsthe influence ofKingdom Come, while also highlighting the dedication required to create such a seminal work:
“Over the course of over 30 interviews with key collaborators and industry icons, this project became a journey of discovering how deep that influence runs.THE LEGEND OF KINGDOM COMEis an exploration of the mad, relentless dedication that goes into producing this stunning art form – and what it takes for an artist to achieve greatness."
For long-time fans or those just curious to get a glimpse behind the curtain,The Legend of Kingdom Comewill be a documentary that cannot be missed. With James Gunn’s upcomingSupermanfilm reportedly taking inspiration fromKingdom Come, the timing couldn’t be better for a feature documentary chronicling the creation ofMark WaidandAlex Ross’seminalDC Comicswork.
The Legend of Kingdom Comewill be launching fall 2024 onKickstarter.
Kingdom Come
In the near future, the DC Universe is spinning out of control. The new generation of heroes have lost their moral compass, becoming as reckless and violent as the villains they fight. The previous regime of heroes—the Justice League—returns under dire circumstances, which sets up a battle of the old guard against these uncompromising protectors in a conflict that will define what heroism truly is.
