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


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


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.