Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 – Review
It has been six years and one month since the last issue of Legion Of Super-Heroes hit comic book shops. Thanks to Brian Michael Bendis and Ryan Sook, we have a new Legion, complete with Superboy. As promised, this is a new Legion, free from six decades of history. Is the wait worth it?
Of course, we’re going to be spoiling some stuff, so if you want to read it fresh, go check out the preview.
Art by Ryan Sook
Legion Of Super-Heroes #1
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Ryan Sook
Inks by Ryan Sook and Wade von Grawbadger
Color by Jordie Bellaire
Cover by Ryan Sook
Variant Covers by Ryan Sook and Jim Cheung
In Shops: Nov 06, 2019
SRP: $3.99
Solicitation:
Welcome to the 31st century! Inspired by the acts of and lessons learned from the greatest heroes of all time, the Legion of Super-Heroes have gathered together to stop a galaxy from repeating its past mistakes. The greatest lineup of heroes in comic book history returns with new, fresh, and reader-friendly stories!
Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis reteams with master artist Ryan Sook (Action Comics) for one of the most ambitious mainstream comic books ever created! Why have the Legion of Super-Heroes broken the cardinal rule of the United Planets and inducted Jon Kent, a.k.a. Superboy, into the Legion? What are they hiding? And what does it have to do with Aquaman’s long-lost trident?
Review:
The preview pages are not the opening sequence, we have a chase of smugglers by Ultra Boy. This Ultra Boy is different. We find that his father is a general on Rimbor, a planet in an unceasing civil war. I’m pleased to see Bendis make a change. Past versions of Ultra Boy have all gone with his street gang background. Apparently, this Ultra Boy is altruistic, which may be a trend for this Legion.
We also see Wildfire, Karate Kid and Star Boy do battle with Mordru. As a Legion fan, I was happy to a regular Legion villain introduced. It might have been better to not see him so easily defeated. His role in this version of the Legion doesn’t seem like the all-powerful sorcerer of the past. Now that I’m thinking of it, I don’t believe the threeboot Legion had a Mordru. It looks like the old man hasn’t been a thorn in the side of the Legion for a while. Points to Bendis for bringing him back.
As far as continuity withe Legion of Super-Heroes: Millennium, it’s a little confusing. Rose apparently is now working as an advisor to the Legion, for lack of a better term. In Millennium, Superboy is present when Rose approaches the Legion, but he’s arriving in the 31st century for the first time here. I find it confusing and really just want to forget about it. It’s looking like time travel may be a thing for this Legion. That can work, as long as it’s not overthought, but still respected.
Finally, we have the mystery of Aquaman’s trident. The theory being worked is that it can bring back the oceans. Where they went is a mystery. My theory, and I’ve others espouse the same theory, is this goes back to OMAC. One of the last villains Jack Kirby had him face was Doctor Skuba who sought to steal the Earth’s oceans. Based on the cover for the next issue, we won’t have to wait long for the answer to this mystery.
Overall, it’s a good start, but the fan in me wants to know everything now. This cast is massive, but they appear to have the spirit of the old Legion. There’s a hope that young people can make a difference. It also looks like a big part will be these super-heroes will save the world.
Final rating: 7.0 (out of 10)
All images sourced from PreviewsWorld.
Preview Art:
