DC Comics’ Controversial Uncle Sam Story

In the art of storytelling, few names sparkle as vividly as Alex Ross. After scaling the heights with Kingdom Come and harnessing the mythos of DC Comics, Ross paired up with writer Steve Darnall. Together, they breathed new life into an overlooked figure—Uncle Sam. Once a staple in patriotic superhero lore, Uncle Sam finds himself in the spotlight again. Out of the public eye for over a decade, this comic masterpiece is re-emerging in a collector’s dream edition, courtesy of Abrams ComicArts.

The Rise and Reinvention of a Classic

Originally crafted by Will Eisner in 1940, Uncle Sam stood as a beacon of American patriotism. His powers, drawn from the very essence of the country, allowed him to combat the nation’s foes, manifesting as the hero destiny called forth. In this dynamic concoction, he was akin to a modern-day King Arthur, endlessly rising when duty required. This classic narrative took a dark, thought-provoking turn under Ross and Darnall’s vision. Their Uncle Sam transformed into a vagrant, haunted by America’s troubled history and speaking in cryptic echoes of the past. The quest for self-discovery led him to confront the complexities of the American spirit in the late 20th century. Eventually, this idealism-clad hero faces off against a corrupt, grim reflection of America’s worst impulses.

Why Uncle Sam Still Resonates Today

The initial release by Vertigo Comics stirred a maelstrom—controversial yet celebrated. Critics bristled at Uncle Sam’s foray into modern politics, disrupted by a story defying trends, embracing idealism at a time when cynicism ruled supreme. Yet, through its challenge of conventional norms, the series resonated much like the celebrated themes within Kingdom Come.

Given today’s fragmented political landscape, the timing for Uncle Sam’s comeback couldn’t be more spot on. The special edition from Abrams ComicArts combines both books from the original Vertigo miniseries. For fans and new readers, it offers fresh insights with afterwords penned by Darnall and Ross, alongside an illustrated account detailing the evolution of Uncle Sam as an enduring archetype.

Now more accessible than ever, "Uncle Sam: Special Election Edition" awaits at comic shops nationwide. This reprint not only revisits a classic but invites a broader discourse, asking what the American spirit truly embodies today.