Legion of Super-Heroes #1 // Review
The Legion of Super-Heroes is no more. Or at least, all the previous versions of the Legion of previous continuities have been wiped out of existence, due to editorial fiat and/or the machinations of Dr. Manhattan, as seen in Doomsday Clock. Luckily, DC is happy to reintroduce them in their newest form with its new Legion of Super-Heroes title, a comic that takes the basic concepts, ideas, and building blocks of the previous versions of the Legion to restart the franchise from the ground up. The first issue is a promising start.
The issue follows two different subplots, which, of course, converge by the end of the chapter. One story thread introduces us to Legionnaires Karate Kid, Wildfire, Ultra Boy, and Star Boy, who have gone to Planet Gotham to retrieve Aquaman’s trident from the evil Mordru. The other thread picks up threads from recent issues of Superman, as Superboy (Jon Kent) is inducted into the Legion, only to learn some disturbing things about the future of Earth that he doesn’t react well to.
This book is, of course, right in the wheelhouse of writer Brian Michael Bendis. With its sprawling cast of charismatic and smart-mouthed teens, the writer of Ultimate Spider-Man, All-New X-Men, and Young Justice is right at home, making these characters witty, engaging, and fun, while also keeping the action moving. The sheer number of characters being reintroduced here is a little overwhelming, and at times many of them sound like generic clever Bendis characters rather than having their own voices.
The art by Ryan Sook (with inks by both Sook and Wade Von Grawbadger, maintaining a consistent style nonetheless) is sprawling and gorgeous. Where Bendis fails to give some of the Legionnaires individual personalities, Sook’s redesigns manage to make each one not just distinct but worthy of their own title. Sook’s double-page spreads convey the scope of the book, and Jordie Bellaire’s colors help to define the shining future of the 31st (or is it 32nd?) Century. Letterer Dave Sharpe does excellent work keeping Bendis’ trademark wordiness from obscuring the gorgeous art.
Bendis is smart to tie the Legion into more present-day DC mythology than just the world of Superman, and this issue sets up several new dilemmas that will undoubtedly plague the Legion in the future. Surprisingly, this issue does not continue the thread of the immortal Rose and Thorn and what she (they?) wants from the Legion, but certainly that will come into play soon as well. The Legion is no more. Long Live the Legion.
