Mark Waid and Alex Ross’sKingdom Come(1996) presents one of DC’s darkest alternate realities, and now, a group of exceptionally talented cosplayers has brought its iconic versions ofSuperman,Flash, andGreen Lanternto life. This rare cosplay not only captures the haunting tone of the story but also stands as a powerful tribute to one of DC’s most legendary tales.
Comic lover and cosplayerJohn Lemay recently took to Facebookto share an exceptional Kingdom ComeGreen Lantern cosplay, featuring himself alongside two friends who also drew inspiration from theElseworldsstory bycosplaying as the Flash and Superman of this dark future.
The trio debuted their impressive cosplays at HeroesCon in Charlotte, NC, over the weekend of June 20–22, 2025.Lemay’s original post has already garnered thousands of likes, while a reposted version on Reddit has racked up thousands of upvotes, showing just how much fans are loving and appreciating this tribute to Waid’sKingdom Come.
WhyKingdom ComeCosplay Is So Rare, and Beyond Cool to See
A Unique Lineup That Honors DC’s Most LegendaryElseworlds
BecauseKingdom Comeexists outside of the main DC timelineand is particularly dark in tone,it helps explain why cosplays of these versions of DC’s heroes are so rare.That rarity is part of what makes Lemay and his friends' portrayals of Green Lantern, Flash, and Superman feel so exceptional and worth celebrating.
It is also worth noting that inKingdom Come, Superman is still Clark Kent, while Green Lantern is Alan Scott, andthe Flash is an amalgamation of all three Flashes within Wally West.This makes the cosplay lineup not only impressive but also uniquely specific to one of DC’s most iconic alternate realities.
The narrative ofKingdom Comedoesn’t explicitly state that Alan Scott is Green Lantern or that the Flash is an amalgamation of multiple speedsters. These details are confirmed in deluxe editions and author notes.
Mark Waid & Alex Ross’sKingdom Come, Explained
A Fallen World Where Even Superman Becomes a Tragic Figure
For those unaware,Kingdom Comeis set in a dystopian future of the DC Universe,exploring what happens when a new, reckless generation of super-powered beings begins to take over. As a result,traditional heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman are pushed into the background or forced into retirement.
The story explores themes of moral ambiguity, unchecked power, mass destruction, and the question of what justice entails in an ever-evolving world. One of the factors that makes this universe so dark is the fact that many of DC’s classic heroes are dead, which sets a somber and unsettling tone.
Despite that, the Trinity of Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman are still present in the narrative. However, their continued presence only adds to the tragedy of thisElseworldsstory. It reshaped how fans saw these legendaryJustice Leaguecharacters, especially Clark Kent, who is portrayed as a conflicted, god-like figure and one of the story’s most tragic elements.
Kingdom Comeis available now from DC Comics!
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
Green Lantern
Green Lantern is the name given to multiple enforcers of intergalactic justice in the DC Universe. Green Lanterns can harness the cosmic energy of willpower, and create unique spectral objects to face off against their enemies. Though some Green Lanterns have assisted with the Justice League, they primarily belong to the Green Lantern Corps.
The Flash
The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the “speed force” to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.
