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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What book is Wesley quoting in the beginning of the book?

2. Who is responsible for the nuclear explosion in the Midwest?

3. What does Batman wear at all times?

4. What realization does Norman McKay have at the end of the first chapter?

5. While watching the cable car fall in the first chapter, what does Norman angrily tell the Spectre that people need?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the very end of "Strange Visitor," how and why are Norman McKay's expectations of hope defeated?

2. What preempts the appearance of the seven superheroes at the Status of Liberty?

3. What constitutes Wesley Dodd's final moments?

4. What active superheroes from the older generation are shown to Norman McKay in the first chapter and how do they keep people safe?

5. Of what does Orion warn Superman?

6. What events led to the conflicts between Magog and Superman?

7. How does Magog feel about himself and Superman?

8. Why does the Spectre come to Norman McKay?

9. What has happened to Kansas?

10. Why does Wonder Woman visit Superman in "Strange Visitor?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wesley Dodd plays a small, but ultimately vital role in "Kingdom Come." How does his past role as the Sandman and current life as an average, church-going man make him a unique candidate to anchor the Spectre? Why does he have visions? What were Wesley's views on the younger meta-humans? How did he feel about the state of human affairs before his death? How does Wesley Dodd spend his final moments with his visions? What gifts does he grant to his doctor and nurse and why is this significant? How is Wesley honored at the end of the story?

Essay Topic 2

One of the heavier themes of "Kingdom Come" involves how people can move on after losing their loved ones. How does Superman handle the loss of his family and friends? How does he react when the bomb detonates above the Gulag, leaving him surrounded by the bodies of many allies? How does the world handle the loss of everyone in Kansas, as well as most of the Midwest? What is significant about Norman's statement at the end of the book that "there is no grand celebration. There is too much pain to be forgotten," given Superman's task of creating a monument to everyone who passed away? What solutions does the book ultimately offer up in terms of dealing with loss for these characters?

Essay Topic 3

In what ways did the art in "Kingdom Come" contribute to the story? How did the artist effectively use perspective and focus to keep the reader's eye trained on the main storyline while not neglecting the other characters? What are some of the visual gags added throughout the book? How does this lighten the frequently dark and heavy mood of "Kingdom Come?" How does Ross's realistic style help the reader to better relate to the characters in this book? What is significant about his father posing for the character of Norman McKay?

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