Picked up this TPB the other day at a store, and had the chance to read it yesterday.
Interesting, and an interesting look at the use of A/U or "elseworlds" sorts of books.
For those who haven't read the book, the premise is that Superman landed in the Ukraine, instead of Kansas. He's raised as a good socialist (and stands for all that is truly good in socialism), and how the world would be different from that point.
The story is interesting, and a strongly concieved A/U. The writer absolutely did homework,and thought things through beforehand.
Probably the single biggest flaw was the usage of Jimmy Olson. I can see trying to work all the primary supporting characters into the mix (and seeing Lana as a Ukranian peasant girl was interesting). However, this idea that Jimmy Olson suddenly becomes this high powered Secret Service agent/Presidential Advisor? I can see where you might argle the lack of Supes would lead Jimmy to move on from his photog job, but I think that's a bit much.
On the other hand, Lois works. Her relationship with Lex is canon, and seeing her move into the editors desk at the Planet works fine. No problems.
There is one really interesting question that comes out of the book, and I'll have to reread it. What is it that allows Superman to keep his perspective in "mainstream" canon, where he loses it in Red Son? Superman has managed to avoid the incredible paternalism that we see in the latter part of Red Son. Is it something with Ma and Pa Kent? Or has Lois kept him grounded to his humanity?
That is what a good A/U story should do, it should make you think about a character in ways that canon won't let you.
It isn't as good as Golden Age as elseworlds type tales go, but it is very good.
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