The Legion Of Super-Heroes #1 – Review

By: Paul Levitz (writer), Yildiray Cinar (penciller), Wayne Faucher (inker), Sal Cipriano (letterer)

Where DS is coming from: I’ve been a Legion fan since 1982, pulled in by the exuberant fun of the far future where thirty heroes on a team flew through space, fought alien invasions and captured super-villains.  What other team would show up in costumes and jet-packs ripped right out of the Jetsons?  Some Legion stories were cringe-worthy, but when they were in the zone, they were really good.  I followed them on and off for about ten years.  LSH #1 is my first real foray back into the 31rst century in about 20 yrs, and I’ve brought my baggage with me….

Where Alex is coming from: Given my long time adversity to teen, or “young,” heroes, only overcome relatively recently, I’m very new to the Legion.  I read, and enjoyed, Johns’ arc in Action Comics and read, and strongly disliked, half of Legion of 3 Worlds.  That being said, the concept of the team has always intrigued me, as does the unique corner of the DCU that they inhabit.  Given that “Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes” feeds directly into this, I’m ready to go!

The Story: The Legion, target of a xenophobic movement, will be allowed to stay on Earth if they accept into their ranks the super-powered leader of the xenophobic movement itself.  Elsewhere, the Time Institute has been moved to Saturn Girl’s homeworld on Titan.  Problem is, these scientists want to look right back to the beginning of creation, just like Kronos did so long ago (recall the origin of the Anti-Monitor, Kward and so on – all described in Crisis on Infinite Earths).  The results are devastating for Titan and awaken something on the long-dead world of Oa, something that seeks out the xenophobic nut who has been offered a Legionnaire’s ring.

Alex’s take on LSH #1: Welcome back Paul Levitz.  The man proves that he isn’t just the perfect writer for the Legion, but an awesome writer period.  Some of what he accomplishes is truly remarkable.  Take, for instance, the ease with which he handles his large cast.  Each Legionnaire has a completely distinctive voice, making them feel relatable and fully realized. Every character comes across as an individual, each of them cool in their own way.

Levitz also keeps the book brimming with energy and speed.  He does so by forming the whole issue out of 1-3 page scenes.  Yet, despite the sheer number of scenes that result, nothing every feels overly abrupt or abbreviated and things never get chaotic.  Instead, you get a frenetic narrative and a very complete, well-rounded experience.  There is absolutely no decompression to speak of, with a lot occurring in this first issue.  Things are fast and fluid and you definitely get your money’s worth.

Cinar’s art starts a little bland and undetailed, but he seems to gain confidence as he goes.  By the issue’s second half, his art has character and far more detail.  By issue’s end, I couldn’t imagine a better choice for Legion artist.

All told, the book leaves you wanting more and completely breathless from the pace Levitz pushes and the amount of content and the number of elements he’s able to juggle and deal out.

DS’s take on LSH #1: This book was a lot of fun.  Levitz is an old hand at Legion lore and this story felt fresh and new, while at the same time capturing the fun of the Legion I remember.  Don’t get me wrong.  This wasn’t a nostalgia trip.  The sense of wonder was there in the science police, in the zen-like calm of the telepathic teachers on Titan, in the soaring cityscapes, in the mysterious technology and in Brainiac 5 (one of my favorite Legionnaires).  Levitz pours a lot of personality into the team as well.  Cosmic Boy moves and speaks differently than Sun Boy, or Dawnstar or Saturn Girl – it sounds simple, but for a writer, sometimes the hardest thing is to make distinct voices and Levitz has done that.  On art, Cinar and Faucher made the 31rst century come alive, not only with its fantastic backdrops, but with the blockbuster special effects on Oa and in the time screen when scientists witness the birth of creation.

The Long and Short for DS: Pick up LSH #1. It is one fun issue for Legion fans, everyone; and Levitz has kicked it off with a disaster of cosmic (like Crisis on Infinite Earths­-scale) proportions.  Even if you’re not a Legion fan, you should pick this book up.

The Long and Short for Alex: It’s hard to imagine a better first issue for a superhero comic.  This is a fantastic experience that I highly recommend to any DC fan.  Big in scope with plenty of great characters, give it a go!

Grade: A –