Legion of Super-Heroes #2 review

Hayden Sherman gives us an energy-packed cover and it’s the perfect representation of the second chapter of DC’s latest reboot of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Because every page of this comic is stuffed with excitement and interest as we watch the beginnings of what I hope will be the 31st Century’s greatest super team.

Brainiac 1 of 5 and Matter-Eater Lad continue their investigation into the death of billionaire mogul RJ Brande, and official law enforcers the Persuaders aren’t pleased.

‘A friend on Shwar’? You don’t need to know this planet from classic Legion continuity to enjoy what comes next, but it’s a nice sign that while this new series won’t be regurgitating old stories, it’s set in an updated version of the universe we know.

Elsewhere in that universe, on Winath, lightning twins Garth and Ayla have just been reunited with their big brother Mekt, hero worshipped by one, sniffed at by the other.

Mekt claims he’s been recruited by a team out to free the universe from the chains of the United Planets and Green Lantern Corporation.

And speaking of chains, when we catch up with Rokk Krinn, who last month got rather aggressive in a magno-ball game, he’s about to meet someone who used to be one of the classic Legion’s greatest – sorry, kinkiest – villains.

As for Imra Ardeen, the princess of Titan has an appointment with another royal.

While we don’t have a Legion of Super-Heroes yet, every few pages writer Joshua Williamson and artist Hayden Sherman bring in new versions of old characters and concepts. For example, we get a hint as to the identity of three rank and file Persuaders – I spot two members of the Legion of Substitute Heroes as was, and a favourite ‘proper’ Legionnaire. It all bodes well for the bigger picture.

I’m astonished by how capable Matter-Eater Lad is here, not only doing his food-combining trick, but shown to be faster and zippier than other humans – extra energy courtesy of his mad diet?

Emerald Empress’s Eye of Ekron has been linked to the Green Lantern Corps previously, but I never expected to see her running the organisation… is Mekt telling the truth that it’s a force for Bad? I’ve been working on the assumption he’s involved with a Legion of Super-Villains and the LSH will be a response to that, but maybe not. Perhaps evidence that he’s the killer of RJ Brande is part of a frame-up. I mean, here he’s a regular Batman.

Then again, he does act very skeevy, repulsing a woman he saves from bandits.

Williamson’s plotting is deeply impressive, I’d not be surprised to hear he’s using whatever the modern equivalent of spreadsheets is, like legendary Legion writer Paul Levitz. There’s so much first-rate character and plot juggling going on and I cannot wait to see where it goes… especially given the events of the final page.

And Sherman’s art, beautifully coloured by Tamra Bonvillain, tells the story in image after glorious image. The layouts are thoughtful, the characterisations spot on. Highlights include a near full-page image of Matter-Eater Lad in action, Mekt demonstrating just how powerful he is and that super-imposing Emerald Empress spotlight.

While Sherman conjures up the Titan conversations – the ‘thought plates’ – Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou looks after the regular lettering, controlling tone of voice with intelligence.

And kudos to editors Chris Rosa and Paul Kaminski for their benevolent rule.

Long Live This Legion!

Too early? On the basis of the first two issues, no, not at all.

LONG LIVE THE LEGION!