📖 Overview
The Plutonian was Earth's greatest superhero until he suddenly became its worst nightmare. This comic series follows the aftermath of his transformation from protector to mass murderer, as his former teammates desperately try to stop his rampage across the globe.
The story alternates between present-day events and flashbacks that reveal the Plutonian's origin and descent. Through these parallel narratives, readers piece together the complex factors and pivotal moments that led to his break from sanity.
The remaining heroes must confront their own culpability while racing to find a way to defeat someone they once trusted completely. Their mission becomes increasingly urgent as the Plutonian's destruction continues unchecked.
The series examines the psychological toll of superhuman responsibility and the thin line between heroism and villainy. It challenges conventional superhero narratives by questioning the stability of those who shoulder the burden of protecting humanity.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlight the psychological depth and exploration of a Superman-like hero's descent into villainy. Many note the dark, realistic take on superhero mental health and the toll of constant responsibility.
Readers appreciated:
- Complex supporting characters and their moral choices
- Fast pacing and mounting tension
- Art style matching the grim tone
- Fresh perspective on superhero tropes
Common criticisms:
- Story loses focus in later volumes
- Some character motivations feel rushed or unclear
- Violence can seem excessive
- Ending left many readers unsatisfied
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (12,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (500+ ratings)
ComicBookRoundUp: 8.2/10
Sample reader comment: "It asks uncomfortable questions about power and accountability that most cape comics avoid." - Goodreads reviewer
Another notes: "The first 20 issues are incredible, but it starts to meander after that." - Amazon reviewer
📚 Similar books
Watchmen by Alan Moore
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The Boys by Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson A series about corrupt superheroes who abuse their powers and the team of operatives who aim to expose and eliminate them.
Supreme Power by J. Michael Straczynski A reimagining of superhero archetypes in a world where power breeds corruption and government control shapes heroes' actions.
Empire by Mark Waid A narrative that follows a supervillain who succeeds in conquering the world and must face the consequences of absolute power.
Absolution by Christos Gage The story of a superhero who crosses moral boundaries by secretly executing criminals, leading to a spiral of increasingly questionable choices.
The Boys by Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson A series about corrupt superheroes who abuse their powers and the team of operatives who aim to expose and eliminate them.
Supreme Power by J. Michael Straczynski A reimagining of superhero archetypes in a world where power breeds corruption and government control shapes heroes' actions.
Empire by Mark Waid A narrative that follows a supervillain who succeeds in conquering the world and must face the consequences of absolute power.
Absolution by Christos Gage The story of a superhero who crosses moral boundaries by secretly executing criminals, leading to a spiral of increasingly questionable choices.
🤔 Interesting facts
🦸 The series was inspired by Mark Waid wondering what would happen if Superman went evil, but without the usual mind control or alternate universe explanations - just a psychological break.
📚 Though originally planned as a limited series, Irredeemable's success led to it running for 37 issues and spawning a sister series called "Incorruptible" about a villain becoming good.
💥 The main character, the Plutonian, was deliberately designed to be more powerful than Superman, able to hear every sound on Earth simultaneously and move planets from their orbits.
🏆 The series won the 2010 Eisner Award nomination for "Best New Series" and has been praised for its psychological depth in exploring superhero mental health.
🎬 In 2022, Netflix announced plans to adapt Irredeemable into a film, with Jeymes Samuel set to direct and Kemp Powers writing the screenplay.