Today’s the 15th of the month, so it’s time once again for some 31st century frivolity as we join the Legion of Super Heroes in two more animated adventures.
Legion of Super Heroes (animated television series, 2006-2008) Warner Bros. Animation – D.C. Comics
S1.E3 – “Legacy,” directed by Tim Maltby and written by Scott Sonneborn, October 7, 2006
Above: Alexis and Superman in a scene from “Legacy.”
Plot: Superman rescues Alexis from an accident. She just so happens to be the richest girl in the galaxy and predictably a spoiled brat who is used to getting what she wants. She sets out to ensnare Superman as her trophy boyfriend. Meanwhile, an army of technology pirates, the dreaded Scavengers, begins raiding Metropolis, and a contingent of Legionnaires, including Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Phantom Girl, and Saturn Girl, scrambles to oppose them. Superman is caught between his demanding new girlfriend and helping his teammates. Not one to be stood up, Alexis allies with the Scavengers. In a fierce battle at Legion HQ, the Scavengers and Alexis are defeated and she is sent to the prison planetoid, Takron-Galtos, where she vows to someday exact her revenge.
Comments: Ach. This was a below-mediocre story that patronized its audience. Looking ahead, I see Sonneborn writes one more additional episode. Let’s hope it’s better than this one.
S1.E4 – “Phantoms,” directed by Tim Maltby and written by Rob Hoegee, November 4, 2006
Above: Brainiac 5 and Drax battle in a scene from “Phantoms”
Plot:Superman visits the Superman Museum in Metropolis and inadvertently releases an evil being, Drax, from the Phantom Zone. Drax is the son of two Kryptonian criminals and has the same powers as Superman. With his alien “pet” creatures, he wreaks havoc throughout the city until he is engaged by the Legionnaires – Superman, Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Phantom Girl, Saturn Girl, and Timber Wolf. A vanquished Dax is saved by his super powerful pets. At a later time, the pets create a diversion while Dax confronts Brainiac 5 at Legion HQ, demanding a projector that will release the other evil beings from the Phantom Zone. First Superman, then the other Legionnaires arrive and attempt to restrain Dax. A tussle for the projector results in Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Phantom Girl, Saturn Girl, and Timber Wolf being transported into the Phantom Zone. In a race against time, Brainy creates a portal of escape. Superman seizes the opportunity by simultaneously hurling Dax back into the Phantom Zone.
Comments: This was a fun episode. Fans of the 1978 Superman movie will recall that Kryptonian criminals, General Zod, Ursa, and Non, were consigned to the Phantom Zone. Legion fans know that in Superboy #89 (June 1961), Superboy placed Mon-El in the zone to save him from lead poisoning. Brainiac 5 subsequently created a long-term antidote to lead poisoning based on Saturn Girl’s serum XY-4 and Mon-El was permanently freed from the Phantom Zone in Adventure Comics #305 (February, 1963).
The writers have focused on a core group of Legionnaires to this point. It’s time to begin introducing more members from the large LSH roster.
As to why I periodically publish posts on “secular” topics, see my explanatory post here.
It’s the start of another month therefore time for some 31st Century frivolity. So, let’s board our time bubble and head to the future for another adventure with the Legion of Super-Heroes in…
Legion of Super-Villains: “When Evil Calls” Writer: Paul Levitz, Penciler: Francis Portela DC Comics, May 2011
The last we heard about the evil Saturn Queen, she was being transported to the prison planet, Takron-Galtos. Her flunkie, Sun Killer aka Kodama, attempted to free her, but was defeated by Mon-El/Green Lantern and Dyogene (see my review of Adventure Comics #522 here). Let’s now pick up the action.
Plot
Saturn Queen orchestrates her release from prison via her powerful telepathic abilities. She assembles a team of super-criminals including Akka, Hunter, Immortus, Lightning Lord, Micro Lad, Questor, Sun Killer, and Zymyr, all under her inexorable mind control. She reveals her plan to destroy the three worlds from which the “immortals” superintend the dharma of good over evil in order to restore the “precious anarchy that is the birthright of the Universe.”
The villains head for the planet Oa, home of the Guardians of the Universe (and citadel of the will), but learn they must first destroy two other celestial bodies. They arrive at a deserted asteroid known as the Rock of Eternity (the source of faith). Saturn Queen guides Zymyr, with his space warping abilities, as he successfully destroys the asteroid. From the debris we see emerging…could it be…Mordru? The bad guys then head to the planet Colu, hoping to find clues as to the identity of their second target (the home of the wise).
Comments
This “one shot” 38-page special picks up the Saturn Queen thread that had been dangling throughout the previous Durlan conspiracy Legion saga. Eve “Saturn Queen” Aries receives most of the attention, appearing in 24 of the 38 pages, and she’s one mean scoundrel. As noted above, writer Levitz draws upon religious “themes” in this assault on “goodness.” Portela’s pencils are excellent for the most part, but there’s some amateurish renderings here and there. Will Saturn Queen and her Legion of Super-Villains be victorious in their quest to defeat “good” and impose anarchy? We’ll pick up the action in two months in Legion #11. Legionnaires making cameos in this special issue were Ultra Boy, and Wildfire.
Trivia: The Legion of Super-Villains’ first appearance as adults was in Superman #147 (August 1961) and as teens in Adventure Comics #372 (September 1968 – Ah, yes, I remember it well). While he’s presented here as a subservient character to Saturn Queen, in traditional Legion lore, Mekt “Lightning Lord” Ranzz, the brother of Legionnaires, Lightning Lad and Lightning Lass/Light Lass, was the founder and leader of the Legion of Super-Villains. Both Saturn Queen and Legionnaire Saturn Girl hail from Titan, the largest of Saturn’s 63 moons. All Titanians have telepathic powers.
Postscript: See here on why I occasionally publish posts about comic books and other “secular” topics.
Today marks the 15th of the month, so it’s time once again for some 31st century frivolity. As promised, below are brief reviews of the Legion of Super Heroes animated television series, Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2.
Legion of Super Heroes (animated television series, 2006-2008) Warner Bros. Animation – D.C. Comics
S1.E1 – “Man of Tomorrow,” directed by Ben Jones and written by Amy Wolfram, September 23, 2006
Above: A scene from “Man of Tomorrow”
Plot: The Legion of Super Heroes’ Headquarters of 31st Century Metropolis is under attack by the dreaded and powerful Fatal Five (Emerald Empress, Mano, Persuader, Tharok, and Validus) who had escaped from prison. A contingent of Legionnaires – Bouncing Boy, Brainiac 5, and Saturn Girl – visit 21st Century Smallville to enlist the help of Superman. Clark Kent is still mastering his powers and hasn’t yet emerged as Superman, but agrees to assist. The group returns to LSH HQ, but Lightning Lad, Phantom Girl, and Triplicate Girl aren’t impressed with the untested and self-doubting Clark. As the conflict nears, Saturn Girl advises Clark to return to his own time, but he is resolved. Clark abruptly leaves just as the battle with the Fatal Five ensues and the six Legionnaires are thoroughly trounced. Clark returns wearing his Superman outfit that was on display at the Metropolis Superman museum and buys the Legionnaires valuable time by his heroic, but bumbling efforts. The heroes are able to regroup and vanquish the Fatal Five who beat a hasty retreat. Clark claims his title of Superman and elects to temporarily remain in the 31st Century as a member of the LSH.
Comments: This was an entertaining introduction to the twenty-six episode 2006-2008 LSH animation series. It was interesting to see Clark bumbling about as an aspiring, but not yet ready for prime-time super hero, a theme also used in the 2023 LSH flick, albeit with Supergirl. There’s some liberties taken with Legion tradition, including Brainy turning Transformer-like, but the episode captured a lot of the esprit of the Silver Age LSH. The low budget animation was decent, while the backgrounds were very good. Great to see the series open with the Fatal Five, perhaps the Legion’s most infamous team of villainous opponents (first appearance, Adventure Comics #352, January 1967). Other Legionnaires mentioned, but not shown: Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, and Shrinking Violet.
S1.E2 – “Timber Wolf,” directed by Laure Montgomery and written by Matt Wayne, September 30, 2006
Above: Timber Wolf gets sworn in at LSH HQ
Plot: A contingent of Legionnaires – Bouncing Boy, Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, and Superman – are summoned to the planet Raal* where Dr. Mar Londo begs the heroes to capture a dangerous creature that’s on the loose and wreaking havoc. The team tracks down the wolf-like being, but subsequently discovers it’s actually the scientist’s son, Brin. Dr. Londo had been experimenting on the planet’s life forms in an attempt to produce “the most formidable creature ever created for battle” and even used his own son as a guinea pig. Saturn Girl assists Brin in mutating to a half-human/half-wolf form and the heroes subdue the evil Dr. Londo. Back at Legion HQ, Brin joins the team as Timber Wolf.
Comments: This story is a fun look at the origin of Timber Wolf, who originally appeared as Lone Wolf in Adventure Comics #327 (December 1964). Bouncing Boy and Brainiac 5 provide comic relief with their good-natured chiding. The background art in this episode is fantastic. Hats off to WB animation. Other Legionnaires making cameos during Timber Wolf’s swearing in: Blok, Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, Dream Girl, Element Lad, Phantom Girl, Shrinking Violet, Sun Boy, Triplicate Girl, and Tyroc.
*Note: In Legion lore, Lone Wolf/Timber Wolf’s planet of origin was Zuun.
It’s the first of the month so time once again for some 31st-Century frivolity. Let’s board our time bubble and head to the future for another adventure with the Legion of Super-Heroes in…
Legion of Super-Heroes #10: Hiding in Plain Sight Writer: Paul Levitz, Pencilers: Yildiray Cinar & Wayne Foucher DC Comics, April 2011
Plot
As Ultra Boy and Wildfire accompany United Planets Council members fleeing to Weber’s World for safety after an attack by Durlan assassins, former-leader, Cosmic Boy, appeals to Mon-El to forgo his role as the new Green Lantern and to assume his responsibilities as the Legion’s newly elected leader. In Mon-El’s absence, deputy leader, Brainiac 5, takes command and immediately begins barking out orders to the various Legion contingents. The Legion “espionage squad” – Chameleon Boy, Chameleon Girl, and Phantom Girl – visits R.J. Brande’s secluded former-estate to collect clues as to the identity of the Durlan conspiracy mastermind. The said Durlan, R’aesha, suddenly appears in dragon-like form (see cover). She was the brother of Brande and also the adoptive mother of Chameleon Boy, but schemed to appropriate Brande’s massive funds in order to thwart the Legion and establish her own Durlan empire. Chameleon Boy subdues his aunt after an epic battle. In another vignette, Dawnstar finally recovers from her injuries and vows to find the “entity” that attacked her and Wildfire (back in Adventure Comics #521).
Comments
The sudden resolution of the Durlan conspiracy with the emergence and defeat of R’aesha was anticlimactic after such a loooooong, drawn-out, multi-issue storyline. This was the first (and last) appearance of R’aesha in Legion lore. A little character development would have been nice. Speaking of character development, there was this following exchange between Ultra Boy and Wildfire on page 2:
Wildfire: …I’d rather be watching Dawnstar. They’re trying to get her out of her coma soon. Ultra Boy: Glad she’s better. Never could warm up to her, though. Wildfire: It’s that weird reaction between her and your gal. Phantom Girl’s the only Legionnaire that Dawny can’t track. Drives her nuts! Something to do with P.G.’s link to Bgtzl’s (Phantom Girl’s home planet) dimension and how it lets her phase. Ultra Boy: Oh. Weird.
Not a big deal, right? But that kind of character-development dialogue focusing on interpersonal relationships is generally missing in Legion storylines because of the massive roster.
Speaking of dialogue, Brainiac 5’s condescendingly snarky dialogue was entertaining. Additional Legionnaires spotted in this issue include Lightning Lad, Gates, Saturn Girl, Tellus, Timber Wolf, and Tyroc. It will be interesting to see how Mon-El resolves his split responsibilities going forward.
⚠️ LSH Nerds-Only “Sheldon” Alert: There’s a blatant continuity error in this issue. Levitz presents Chameleon Girl as an active member, yet LSH #8 did not include her as a voting member in the election of Mon-El.
Next month: The Legion of Super-Villains: “When Evil Calls”
In the past, my frivolous Legion of Super-Heroes comic book reviews covering multiple LSH comics series published back in the 2010-2013 timeframe, were sometimes intermittent, so going forward I resolved to publish them on or around the first of every month. Well, after watching the Legion of Super-Heroes 2023 Warner Bros./DC animation flick several weeks ago (see here), I also got the itch to go back and peruse the LSH WB/DC animation television series that ran from 2006 to 2008 on the CW cable network and is available in its two-season entirety on Blu-ray DVD. I hadn’t watched any of the twenty-six episodes when they originally aired. I’m thinking I’ll post reviews of the TV series episodes on or around the fifteenth of every month, doubling-up with two short reviews per monthly post.
See you back here around April 15th with the Legion of Super Heroes (no dash in this version) animated television series, S.1, E1&E2 and see you in around two weeks with the next LSH comics review.
It’s time once again for some 31st Century frivolity, so let’s board our time bubble and head to the future for another adventure with the Legion of Super…, well, er, nope, it’s not going to be the Legion of Super-Heroes after all. Beginning with issue #523, the editors at DC switched the Adventure Comics storyline from the LSH “older Legion” to following the exploits of the young cadets of the Legion Academy.
Legion Academy: “First Night” Writer: Paul Levitz, Penciler: Phil Jimenez Adventure Comics #523, DC Comics, April 2011
Plot
A contingent from the Legion Academy (LA) – Night Girl, Power Boy, and Comet Queen – recruit Glorith to join the LSH training school on the outskirts of Metropolis at Montauk. Glorith joins Chemical Kid, Comet Queen, Dragonwing, Gravity Kid, and Variable Lad as the newest class of LA cadets. Shortly thereafter, the group explores the nightlife at Montauk and they brashly break into a closed retail store and steal merchandise because, well, they’re entitled brats. Ex-Legionnaire, Duplicate Girl, who co-administers the LA along with husband, Bouncing Boy, is miffed because the newcomers broke curfew. She directs instructor Night Girl to put the freshmen through the paces with an early-morning competition that’s won by the obnoxious Chemical Kid. Over in the LA dorms, upperclassmen, Power Boy and Lamprey mull over their options as their graduation from the academy approaches. What will they do if the Legion does not grant them membership? In the meantime, the new recruits return to the same Montauk store the next evening for some more thievery, only to be caught and arrested by the Science Police. Cameos in this issue include Legionnaires Blok and White Witch, and mysterious LA cadet, Urk.
Comments
It’s interesting that in the space of a few months, DC’s editors switched the Adventure Comics plotline from the “young Legion,” then briefly to sharing the “older Legion” storyline with the LSH book, and finally to this Legion Academy plotline that will continue until the demise of Adventure Comics with issue #529.
I enjoyed this Legion Academy debut story quite a bit. The collective naïveté, spontaneity, and immature brashness of the new recruits is quite a contrast to the “sad astronaut” elements of the LSH book. Following the academy kids is a terrific concept. I’ve made the point before, but it’s a bit jarring that some of the characters continue to go by “boy” or “girl” when they are drawn as if they’re at least in their late-20s, like the veteran Night Girl and the married Bouncing Boy. I’m also surprised that they’re still using biological, binary pronouns in the 31st century! Pshaw! Phil Jimenez’ pencils are eye-openingly excellent, in the same league with pencillar Ryan Sook who teamed with Brian Michael Bendis in the 2019-2021 Legion run.
As I mentioned in my post about secular postings (see here), even something like comic books can point to God. Sub-meta-narratives, like super-hero comics, extol the positive virtues of self-sacrifice, service, loyalty, perseverance, defense of goodness, and defense of the weak. These virtues find their ultimate fulfillment and divine expression in THE meta-narrative, the Bible.
Next month: We’ll be switching back to the LSH and the Durlan Conspiracy in Legion #10, “Hiding in Plain Sight.”
It’s time once again for some 31st century frivolity, so let’s board our time bubble and head to the future for another adventure with the Legion of Super-Heroes! Nope, we’re not reviewing an LSH comic this time, but rather a new LSH animation film that was released on February 7th. The plot is rather complex, so rather than wrack my aged brain, I borrowed a 1700-word review from fugitives.com and pared it down to 950-words along with some major wordsmithing.
Legion of Super-Heroes Directed by Jeff Wamester and featuring Meg Donnelly and Harry Shum Jr. Warner Bros./DC, 2023, 1h 23m.
Plot
As Kara Zor-El enjoys some rare leisure time with her mother, General Alura Zor-El, the High Defender of Krypton, the planet’s red sun suddenly begins emanating destructive flares. As the planet’s core starts crumbling, Alura manages to secure a single interstellar pod to save her daughter. A distraught Kara watches helplessly as her mother spends her final moments assuring her daughter of her love and asking her to watch over her baby cousin, Kal-El, the future Superman, who is also being transported to safety. As Kara’s space pod rockets away, debris from Krypton’s destruction knocks it off course, and the craft drifts into the vast cosmos.
Due to her pod’s wayward journey, Kara arrives on Earth much later than Kal-El. Unlike her cousin, who has since learned to master his super powers, Kara, now known as Supergirl, struggles to control hers. During a scuffle with the villainous Solomon Grundy, Kara causes significant property damage due to her recklessness. Batman shares his skepticism about her with Superman, which Kara overhears. Superman sets out to console her, while Batman spots the futuristic weapon previously wielded by Grundy and senses suspicious activity, as someone with Grundy’s intellect wouldn’t be able to acquire something so advanced.
Superman tries his best to comfort Kara and takes her on a journey to the 31st century to the academy of the Legion of Super-Heroes where he advises she can receive valuable training. The Legion is a team of young crime fighters with unusual powers who banded together after being inspired by the past heroics of Superman. While Superman encourages Kara to join the academy, a team of mysterious assassins attacks Star Labs in the 21st century. Batman subdues them, but they consume suicide pills before he is able to interrogate them. However, their involvement with the previous attack is confirmed by their weapons, which match Grundy’s. A severed head of the supervillain Brainiac can be seen in the labs.
At the Legion academy, Kara befriends several aspiring cadets, including Bouncing Boy,Dawnstar, Invisible Kid, Mon-El, Phantom Girl, Triplicate Girl, and (no foolin’) Arms-Fall-Off Boy. Kara mistakes another trainee, Brainiac 5, a twelfth-level-intellect descendent of the original Brainiac, to likewise be a threat and immediately confronts him. Later, upon learning that B5 is trying to redeem his infamous heritage, Kara starts acting sympathetically towards him.
Three Legionnaires, Timber Wolf, Shadow Lass, and Chemical King, safeguard the Legion complex, as the rest of the bloated roster are missing in action. Timber Wolf expresses his distrust of B5, as all the past clones of Brainiac have turned out to be villainous.
A group of assassins attempts to infiltrate Legion HQ and murders Triplicate Girl. Despite his plea of innocence, the three Legionnaires suspect B5 is the culprit after discovering he orchestrated his admission to the academy and remand him to a security cell.
After learning the assassins belong to the “Dark Circle,” a space terrorist cult of unknown origin, Kara visits the confined B5 and inquires about a course of action. He confesses he joined the Legion academy to stop an attack by his villainous Brainiac clone family, who were associated with Dark Circle, and were planning a heist of the Legion vault where an ancient reality-bending mechanism called the “miracle machine” is stored. B5 admits he used subterfuge because he surmised the Legionnaires would not have believed him due to his familial stigma. Kara frees him, and the duo sets out to secure the miracle machine before it falls into the wrong hands. Mon-El spots them and offers to assist in their effort.
The trio manages to override the Legion vault security due to B5’s twelfth-level intellect. However, Mon-El betrays them and stabs Kara with a Kryptonite dagger. He reveals himself to be a race supremacist linked to the Dark Circle. Meanwhile, the Legionnaires are ambushed by hordes of Dark Circle assassins and, after being defeated, are held captive along with the trainees. The leader of the Dark Circle emerges as supervillain, Brainiac. After his death in the 21st century, he created the Dark Circle to sustain himself by preserving his consciousness and incorporating several clones into his body—thereby creating a monstrous composite version of himself. Brainiac confesses that he used B5’s intelligence to unlock the impregnable security of the Legion vault and that he will use the miracle machine to change reality according to his will.
B5 escapes with the injured Supergirl and uses his advanced technology to restore her health. The duo regroups with the trainees who escaped the Dark Circle’s clutches, and it is revealed that Triplicate Girl’s other two selves survived. They manage to rescue the other trainees, and Dawnstar sends an SOS signal to the missing Legionnaires. The team launches a retaliation against the Dark Circle as B5 and Supergirl confront Brainiac. However, Brainiac successfully links himself to the machine and starts changing the universe according to his will. B5 manages to foment discord among the integrated Brainiac clones and as they fight for supremacy, the clones tear their host body apart, thereby killing themselves and Brainiac. In her effort to undo the effects of the machine, Kara accidentally enters its alternate reality where she encounters her mother. For a brief moment, Kara contemplates bringing Alura and Krypton back, but B5 convinces her that the priority is to save the universe. Kara wills the miracle machine out of their reality—thereby saving the universe. After a brief scuffle, Mon-El is taken into custody, and the missing Legionnaires return to HQ. Because of their demonstrated bravery, all of the trainees are inducted into the Legion’s ranks. Kara communicates with Superman through a time portal and relates her enthusiasm for her new Legion role and for her new boyfriend, Brainiac 5.
Comments
Despite the title, this is actually a Supergirl flick with the LSH as the supporting cast. The plot was loosely based upon the Silver Age LSH tale, “No Escape from the Circle of Death!,” Adventure Comics #367 (April, 1968). Yes, I actually bought and read that comic when it first came out 55-years ago. Writer, Josie Campbell radically messes with LSH lore by presenting veteran members as cadets and Mon-El as a villain. Yes, Arms-Fall-Off Boy actually tried out for the Legion as somewhat of a lark in Secret Origins Vol 2 #46 (December, 1989). The Legion’s founders, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, and Saturn Girl have cameo roles. Other Legionnaires spotted very briefly include Blok, Comet Queen, Element Lad, Ferro Lad, Gates, Gold Lantern, Karate Kid, Polar Boy, Power Boy, Sensor Girl, and Star Boy. Overall, this is a good, low-budget animation flick with an interesting storyline that holds the viewer’s attention. Although the LSH currently doesn’t have a book, it’s good to see DC carry on the franchise’s 65-year-old legacy.
It’s time for some 31st Century frivolity, so let’s board our time bubble and head to the future for another adventure with the Legion of Super-Heroes in…
Legion of Super-Heroes #9: One Last Durlan Writer: Paul Levitz, Pencilers: Yildiray Cinar & Wayne Foucher DC Comics, March 2011
Plot
Brainiac 5 accompanies Chameleon Boy to his native planet Durla as they attempt to ascertain the identities of the Durlan assassins back on Earth, but the leaders of that world are unsurprisingly noncooperative. As the two Legionnaires depart, Brainy surmises that the answer to their query is back on Earth.
Meanwhile, Timber Wolf, Tyroc, and Gates stand watch over the United Planets Council proceedings. A familiar figure suddenly steps forward and presents himself to the assembly. Huh? R.J. Brande?!?!?! Back from the dead? Nope. It’s a Durlan shape-shifter assassin in disguise. The Legionnaires spring into action, but after a short tussle the villain shrinks to microscopic size and escapes.
In an increasingly familiar vignette, Colossal Boy, Tellus, and acting Science Police Chief, Gigi Cusimano, continue to keep vigil over Dawnstar, who remains in medically-induced stasis after being seriously injured during the Durlan attack on Weber’s World. Gigi is hoping the recuperated Dawnstar can lead them to the missing Chief Zendek.
Comments
I enjoyed this issue quite a bit as the Durlan conspiracy continues to unfold. Pencilers Cinar and Faucher did a very nice job with the art work. Next month, we’ll shift over to the Legion Academy saga that begins with Adventure Comics #523. We’ll be bouncing back and forth between the Legion book and Legion Academy plotline in Adventure Comics until issue #529 when DC pulled the plug on the venerable old Adventure book, which began in 1935.
It’s time once again to step away for a moment from serious theological discussions for some 31st-century frivolity. Our journey aboard the Legion star-cruiser last year wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, with detours including the “young Legion” plotline that was previously featured in the Adventure book and the six-issue side-excursion with the 2022 JL vs. LSH mini-series. However, we can now set the LSH star-cruiser engines to medium-throttle and engage the autopilot as we settle back with the 2010-2013 “older Legion” for an extended period of time…or can we?
“Consequences” Writer: Paul Levitz, Penciller: Geraldo Borges Adventure Comics #522, DC Comics, March 2011
Plot
A contingent of Science Police are transporting the vanquished Saturn Queen to Takron-Galtos, the planetary prison, when Kodama the Sun Killer unexpectedly breaches the cruiser in an attempt to free the criminal. Mon-El, the new Green Lantern, arrives in tandem with Dyogene, the powerful emissary of the Guardians of Oa, and they immediately confront Kodama. A fierce battle ensues and Mon-El is nearly defeated were it not for the intervention of Dyogene and the power of the Lantern. Meanwhile, back at the Legion headquarters’ medical facility in Metropolis, Tellus and Science Police acting-Chief, Gigi Cusimano, keep vigil over Dawnstar who was seriously injured during the Durlan attack on Weber’s World. In another vignette, Professor Harmonia Li of the Time Institute ponders her next move.
Comments
I had to kick start the ol’ memory neurons to recall the Saturn Queen sub-plotline left dangling from LSH #2, which we reviewed way, way back in August 2021 (see here). This was a fun issue almost entirely focused on the Mon-El vs. Sun Killer conflict and setting the stage for an epic LSH vs. Saturn Queen encounter. It’s very rare for such a small number of Legionnaires to be featured in an issue. The conflict with the Durlans took a back-seat in this installment, but there’s definitely more on that to come.
I had assumed we were going to settle into a twice-monthly, “older Legion” plotline shared by both the LSH book and the Adventure book, but looking ahead I see Adventure Comics will be switching to a “Legion Academy” plotline beginning with the very next issue, #523. Going forward, I will be bouncing back and forth between the Legion and Legion Academy plotlines according to publication chronology.
It’s time for another frivolity break, so let’s board our time bubble and head over to the 31st Century for another adventure with the Legion of Super-Heroes in…
Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #1: Here I Am Writer: Paul Levitz, Penciler: Keith Giffen DC Comics, February 2011
Plot
On the planet Orando (homeworld of Sensor Girl/Princess Projectra), a desperate young woman, Falyce, flees her tormentors and stumbles into the abode of the Emerald Eye of Elkron, which transforms her into the Emerald Empress. With the aid of the powerful Eye, she quickly subjugates the entire planet.
Lightning Lass and Shrinking Violet are passing Orando in their spacecruiser, but the powerful Eye draws the ship down to the planet and the Empress takes them prisoner. Back at Legion headquarters in Metropolis, Gates, Sensor Girl, and Sun Boy receive data indicating their comrades’ ship has crashed. They set out for Orando, but the Empress is expecting them. A series of battles ensue as the Empress and Legionnaires both attempt to gain the upper hand. As part of a calculated plan, Violet shrinks to molecular size, enters the Eye, and proceeds to its core, and then rapidly enlarges, shattering the Eye. Falyce is freed from the domination of the Eye, but is seriously traumatized. As the rest of the Legionnaires return to Earth, Sensor Girl remains on Orando to nurse Falyce and the planet back to health. Meanwhile, the Eye restores itself and escapes Orando to a destination unknown.
Comments
DC published yearly “annuals” for its comic franchises including the Legion. This 45-page special issue features this “one-off” story that has only a slight connection to the 2010-2013 “older Legion” plotline. Long-time LSH fans know the first Emerald Empress, Sarya of Venegar, first appeared in Adventure Comics #352 way back in January 1967 as a member of the Fatal Five. Falyce was actually the third Emerald Empress in Legion lore.
Nope, this wasn’t a particularly good story and Giffen’s pencils are mediocre as usual (he was the Legion’s regular artist in the 1980s), however, it was fun to visit again with the Emerald Empress and the Eye. There are cameo appearances by Cosmic Boy, Dawnstar, and Dream Girl.
excatholic4christ 