The Kingdom: Offspring - "Flexibility"

[laughing_tree]

Alex came up with the name, but early on, we divided on story. He wanted to co-write but not draw or paint, which was fine, but he had grand cosmic visions of Old Gods and New Gods and stuff I tried and failed to find any emotional connection with. So DC greenlit two projects--KINGDOM, headed up by me, and whatever Ross wanted to do with artist Gene Ha, and I can honestly say I've no idea why that never saw print, except that Alex was lucky or smart or both, because he let me be the one to prove that readers were not eager for continuing that world, at least at the time. But, Jesus God, whether you like the two bookends or not, I got to do five (if I do say so myself) really good comics in the middle, and OFFSPRING is to this day one of the best stories I ever wrote (thank you, artist Frank Quitely). -- Mark Waid

Comments

[q99]

This was kinda heartwarming!

And Plas's son got introduced to the main universe too, likely as a result, which was neat.

[thelostglove]

A lot of The Kingdom has completely gone from my memory and that is a-okay, but I’ve always had a soft spot a mile wide for this little story. Thanks for posting!

[bmaryott]

I liked a lot of this story line but THIS was my favorite and I'll always have "Plastic Man and Offspring" as my personal Canon.

[bradygirl_12]

In this messed-up world, you need humor more than ever! Now that's a superhero! :)

[zylly]

Definitely my favorite of the one shots. I'm glad they were later able to bring Ernie into the main canon, in a meaningful and emotional way.

[kd_the_movie]

I think Alex Ross called himself pissed off that DC probably considered Mark Waid a higher priority as far as dictating what happened with the KC universe. Waid, PAD, Morrison, and Robinson were the kings of 90s so i imagine they got their pick of the litter with their properties.

Alex would have the last laugh though as DC gave him the reins of the KC character when he helped Geoff Johns relaunch JSA.

Funny story, Wizard did a spotlight issue on Alex Ross in the late 90s and he provides some early sketches and character concepts of what would become elements and even covers used in the JSA "Thy Kingdom Come"/"Power Girl returns to Earth 2" saga. Wish I could find it online and post them with the matching art work/characters from the JSA arc.