It’s Jon Kent’s first day in the 31st century with the Legion of Super-Heroes and he’s having his mind blown.
Across the galaxy, things have kicked off on Planet Gotham.
And soon, Legion headquarters has some very unwelcome visitors…
Yes, that’s probably the most sparse issue recap I’ve ever done, but it’s been six years since we’ve had a Legion book and if you’re reading this, there’s a fair chance you’d prefer to discover the contents of this new start for yourself.
What I will say is that as I was making notes, the word that recurred was ‘love’. I love the name of the new alien race we meet. I love the banter between members, fun without being too kooky. I love the presentation of a classic villain (‘I don’t fight children, I eat them,’). I love the gag around Superboy’s membership notes.
Most of all I love the sense of optimism that pervades the book. Writer Brian Michael Bendis, penciller Ryan Sook and friends – including classic Legion inker Wade Von Grawbadger – give us a new Legion for a new century. Names, power sets and backgrounds are familiar but character designs are either freshened up or completely rethought. Surprises pop up at the edges.
Jon Kent is our point of view character, asking the questions any of us would if transported to a very different version of the earth; and the one notion that really freaks him out makes perfect sense. Plus, there’s a lovely moment that shows that while this book is his ongoing home, he’s not going to forget his parents any time soon.
Bendis and Sook have been working on this new series for a year or more, and it shows – they’ve thought through their concepts and characters and now they’re sharing them with us. The dialogue sparkles, the visuals dazzle – I’ll be amazed if this issue doesn’t thrill old fans and make plenty of new ones.
Colourist Jordie Bellaire certainly deserves Legion membership for coping with the crowd scenes, keeping everyone distinct and complementary. And Dave Sharpe’s letters are marvellously cheery.
And that’s all I’ll say for now. If you’re buying this issue – and I really hope you can support what could well prove the start of a classic run – please let me know your thoughts. Welcome to the 31st Century – and Long Live the Legion!
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 
Oh, man, I’m so excited! The only thing I want is More, Right Away.
I’m glad we opened up with some Legion action right away…and it’s interesting that they start out with Mordru. If this *is* Mordru, he’ll take some getting used to…. but it could very well be that he’s at a starting point, too, and is not at the height of his powers yet.
Also interesting is the possibility that Jo isn’t a Legion member yet. His status is vague — to me he seems more like a Legion ally than a member. And yet he says he lives in the headquarters… but because it’s so vast, I imagine he’s one of MANY people who live there without being Legionnaires.
I’m looking forward to more Legionnaires in speaking roles, and to see the whole group in action next issue. And then, hopefully, we’ll get to focus a little more on smaller groups of the team, before building up to the next all-hands-on-deck event. I can’t wait to learn more!
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Yes, this could be Mordru a la post-Crisis Brainiac, before he comes into his glory.
I want an annual, like, now!
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That’s EXACTLY the precedent I was thinking of!
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or maybe Mordru needs a physical body to use his full array of powers like in JSA
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Most of my misgivings were gone by the last page. It might even already rank up there with my favorite reboot to date, the 5YL team. I just wanna see that orientation someday, even if it’s just as a back up in an Annual or something…
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That’s a good idea, about the orientation. Shall we ask Brian B?
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