New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #14

The last review I wrote about New 52 talked about how I felt the book had taken a turn for the worse. It seems like the 2012 Anj hit that point with Legion of Super-Heroes #14. As I read this issue now, I couldn’t help but question the need for this arc. With a Fatal Fuve brawl about to happen, this side story of Braalian pirates seemed a bit useless. And the only new story bit which came from this was the possibility of Cos losing his powers.

It is a shame because the pages not involving the main story are interesting. Levitz has an understanding of a broad universe. The Comet Queen reveal, the scene with Tinya (a scene I understand more now in these days), even the Brainy stuff builds up the universe. But the Element Lad plot? Kind of a snooze.

The art is by Scott Kolins. An artist whose work I like much more now. But if only Francis Portela was still on the book.

My grade of C- stands. Hopefully, I like the upcoming issues a bit more.

Reboot: Legionnaires #53

Legionnaires #53 (October 1997)
title: "Fitting In"

writers: Roger Stern and Tom McCraw

penciller: Jeffrey and Philip Moy
inker: W.C. Carani
lettering: Pat Brosseau
colorist: Tom McCraw

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson
adult legionnaire: Carmela Merlo

cover: Jeffrey Moy
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Chameleon, Element Lad, Invisible Kid, Kid Quantum I (statue), Kinetix, Leviathan (statue), Live Wire, M'Onel, Monstress, Sensor, Star Boy, Umbra, Violet, XS

Guests: 
Athramites, Lev Magz, Lori Morning (Dial H: Fireball, Slipstream), Magno, Magno's parents, Marla Latham, Omar Magz, Pol Krinn, Tenzil Kem, Trin Magz; Braalians, Braalian doctors, Dock 14 guards, Science Police

Opponents: 
Sklarian Raiders

Who's Who: Engineer

Engineer
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Tarul Kam

Super-Power(s): Super intellect
Planet of Origin: Colu

Relationship to Legion: Creator of a threat (deceased)

TOS: Adventure Comics #324

Adventure Comics #324 (Sept 1964)
title: "The Legion of Super-Oulaws!"

writer: Edmond Hamilton
penciller: John Forte

editor: Mort Weisinger

cover: Curt Swan & George Klein

reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Superboy, Star Boy, Shrinking Violet, Invisible Kid, Colossal Boy, Mon-El; cameos by Ultra Boy, Element Lad, Chameleon Boy, Sun Boy, Saturn Girl

Guests: 
The Heroes of Lallor: Beast Boy, Gas Girl, Evolvo Lad, Life Lass, and Duplicate Boy

Opponents: 
Dr. Marden King

DCUniverse Holiday Special 2010

DCUniverse Holiday Special 2010 (February 2011)
title: "Holiday"

writer: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
artists: Chris Batista & Rich Perrotta

letterer: Travis Lanham
colorist: Hi-Fi

asst. editor: Rachel Gluckstern
editor: Mike Carlin
cover: Matt Haley (?) 

reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board: 
Cosmic Boy, Wildfire, Dawnstar, Polar Boy, Shadow Lass, Chameleon Boy, Colossal Boy, Lighting Lass, Element Lad, Brainiac 5; Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Mon-El, Sun Boy, Invisible Kid, Ultra Boy, Phantom Girl, Timber Wolf, Gates

Opponents:
fatigue, holiday envy

Sarcasm Kid's 2017 Holiday Wishes

Every year for Legion World I commission a special holiday style piece to post on LW as my gift to its members Lash, Candle, Cleome, Myg, Dev, Fanfic, Rhino, everyone.

But since I've started writing for Super-Bloggers, that means the commission goes out to you guys as well as the guys on LW.

I had an idea for a Doc Mayavale commission from my friend Brooke for years, so I followed up on it after she mentioned she's closing commissions for a while and re-calibrating her prices. I had her focus on many different December holidays instead of just Christmas so nobody would feel excluded.

I know my writing hasn't been as Legion oriented as most hope, but I thank you for providing me another space to talk about the Legion and to further refine some of my ideas a writer.

Happy holidays and Long Live the Legion!

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #13

Legion of Super-Heroes #13 could be the sort of tipping point in my reviews of this title. 

During this reread I have been a bit more forgiving of the book. That might be that I have given it more of a chance. Or it could be that I am hungry for a Legion book again. 

But this issue felt like something of a tipping point. And it is funny how quickly my feelings changed. Because it seems like some of the things that irked me with this issue are things I have pointed out before. Could it be that I have lost my patience?

I also have to point out that Scott Kolins is on art. I like Kolins art, especially on Flash and JLA 3000. But for the shiny future of the Legion? It doesn't work for me. And it is very different feel to the Francis Portela art we have seen here. Could the art change be it?

There are good points, of course. I like Mon-El acting like a leader. And I like the Dreamy/Duplicate Lass scene. But the rest ...

Reboot: Supergirl Annual #2

Supergirl Annual #2 (1997)
title: "Secret Hearts"

writer: Tom Peyer

penciller: Anthony Castrillo
inker: Jordi Ensign
lettering: Albert DeGuzman
colorist: Gene D'Angelo

assistant editor: Maureen McTigue
editor: Mike McAvennie

cover: Joe Chiodo
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Andromeda (flashback), Apparition, Brainiac 5, Gates, Saturn Girl, Spark, Ultra Boy

Guests: 
Aztek (cameo), Fred Danvers, Koko, Shvaughn Erin, Supergirl, Superman, Sylvia Danvers; hospital staff (Mattie) and patients, Leesburg citizens, Leesburg police

Opponents: 
Unreality fatigue; Brainiac 4 (flashback)

Who's Who: Energy Boy

Energy Boy
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Sharles Gluck

Super-Power(s): Energy projection by way of a Nuclo-globe which requires concentration to manifest
Planet of Origin: Ventura

Relationship to Legion: Rejected Legion applicant

TOS: Adventure Comics #323

Adventure Comics #323 (August 1964)
title: The Eight Impossible Missions
writer: Jerry Siegel
penciller: John Forte
inker: George Klein
letterer: Joe Letterese
cover: Curt Swan and George Klein
editor: Mort Weisinger
reviewer: Mike "Nostalgic Kid" Lane

Supporting Cast:

Honorary Members Jimmy Olsen and Pete Ross, Proty II

Mission Monitor Board:

Brainiac 5, Chameleon Boy, Element Lad, Phantom Girl, Saturn Girl, Shrinking Violet, Sun Boy, Superboy, and Ultra Boy. Honorary Members Jimmy Olsen and Pete Ross

Opponent:

Proty II

Bombshells United #6

Bombshells United #6: "World Tour"
Writer: Marguerite Bennett
Penciller/Inker: Sandy Jarrell
Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Cover Artist: Jarrell and Fitzpatrick
Editors: Kristy Quinn and Jessica Chen

Wow, a single issue review, who would've guessed I still do those? I'm sorry if this one doesn't feel as substantial as the other reviews I've done for the Bombshells issues, but since #6 appears to be a breather before the next ongoing arc, I decided to save numbers 7 and 8 for another dual article.

But hey, look who the artist is! None other than Sandy Jarrell, who was only recently featured on here for his dancing Legionnaire couples' artwork!

And don't fret, because Dawnstar is in this issue. And so is Supergirl. And a lot of other characters who haven't appeared before. The cover is definite indicator of how big the cast of heroines has grown by this point in the line and I. Am. LOVING IT.

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #0

It was 2012 and we were one year into the New 52. And DC decided to 'celebrate' the victory of the New 52 with a zero month. In theory, it was a 'jumping on point' for readers, a time to maybe head to a book you hadn't thought of reading. It was supposed to be an 'origin issue', time to learn about the new history .And each issue had a character-centric cover, a striking image to grab you.

Legion of Super-Heroes #0 was a flashback issue concentrating on the Brainiac Five origin story. It is a look at Colu and its culture. And it builds on, of all things, Legion Secret Origin, a book I just happened to recently review here. 

My points about this issue stand. I like Phantom Girl here, flirting with Ultra Boy but also still harboring a crush on Brainiac Five. I like Brainy, trying to move past his family's troubled past. And I like a new origin for Tharok, even if it feels a little coincidental. 

But I don't know if I like a semi-Saiyan Cos. I also remain confused about Brainiac and Collector of Worlds and Action Comics and the new origins.

Anyways, while the Legion remained relatively unscathed from the New 52 reboot, this is definitely a new wrinkle to Brainiac Five. And I suppose having this title get a little facelift was worth it.

Scott Kolins is on art and brings his usual grit to the proceedings.

On to the old review!

Reboot: Legion of Super-Heroes #96

Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) #96 (September 1997)
title: "'Til Death"

writers: Tom Peyer and Tom McCraw

penciller: Lee Moder

inker: Rob Boyd
lettering: Pat Brosseau
colorist: Tom McCraw

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson (always the bridesmaid)

cover: Alan Davis
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Apparition, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Ferro, Gates, Live Wire (flashback/mind construct), Saturn Girl, Spark, Triad, Ultra Boy

Guests:
Dr. Welles, Inferno, Kitty Faulkner, Koko, Metal Men (Iron, Platinum, Veridium), Phase, Shvaughn Erin, Taptree, Tiffany Cross, the de-aged hospital patients (including a minister)

Opponents: 
In flashback: Dr. Psycho, Lightning Lord

Who's Who: Energax

Energax
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Hisshkul

Super-Power(s): energy absorption, energy bursts, flight
Planet of Origin: Chisshagh

Relationship to Legion: Ally

TOS: Adventure Comics #322 Point-Counterpoint

Adventure Comics #322 (July 1964)
title: "The Super-Tests of the Super-Pets!"

writer: Edmond Hamilton

penciller: John Forte
inker: Sheldon Moldoff

letterer: Milton Snapinn
editor: Mort Weisinger

cover: Curt Swan & George Klein

reviewers: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage and Mike "Nostalgic Kid" Lane

Mission Monitor Board:  
Saturn Girl, Superboy, Mon-El, Phantom Girl, Lightning Lad, Brainiac 5, Light Lass, Chameleon Boy, Ultra Boy, Sun Boy

Guests: 
Legion of Substitute Heroes (Polar Boy, Night Girl, Fire Lad, Chlorophyll Kid); the Legion of Super-Pets (Krypto, Beppo, Streaky, Comet, and new member Proty II)

Opponents: 
elitism, super-dickery, the threat of the Time  Trapper

LEGION TOYS: Colossal Boy (Mattel 12-Pack)

by Derek William Crabbe
Gim Allon a.k.a. Colossal Boy was dating and marrying shape-shifting aliens way before Johnny Storm made it cool. He was towering over his fellow Legionaries and wrecking shop as a Giant, long before Hank Pym took the moniker Giant-Man. If you need someone to fight a Gi-Normus Purple Sea Creature in the depths of the Atlantean Gap, Gim is your man!

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #12

Paul Levitz, Francis Portela, and Steve Lightle do the creative heavy lifting in Legion of Super-Heroes #12 and with a lineup of talent like that you'd think this issue would be a huge win. On top of that, the issue ends the ongoing 'Dominator super-clone army' plot which has been rather intriguing to me. I was ready for this to be a big win on my reread.

Unfortunately, the plot points that were bothersome to me on first read are just a bit more grating now. This storyline is end far too quickly. A lot of dominos need to fall just the right way for the Legion to win. And even then, it is only a win because the Dominators pull the plug. And that just weakens the earlier chapters. I can't help but wonder about that #12 in the corner. Was Levitz told to wrap things up in 6 issues to fit a trade treatment? Because one more issue to flesh things out I think would have helped this a ton.

As usual Francis Portela does a great job on art here. His pages sizzle. All-pro pinch hitter Tom Derenick fills in on some pages. Derenick is fine if ordinary. And his pages just can't compare to Portela's giving this an unfinished feel as well.

On to the old review as well as some notes afterwards.

Reboot: Legionnaires #52

Legionnaires #52 (September 1997)
title: "Big Trouble"

writers: Roger Stern and Tom McCraw

penciller: Jeffrey Moy
inker: W.C. Carani
lettering: Pat Brosseau
colorist: Tom McCraw

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson
adult legionnaire: Carmela Merlo

cover: Jeffrey Moy
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Chameleon, Element Lad, Invisible Kid, Kinetix, Leviathan (flashback), Live Wire, M'Onel, Magno, Monstress, Sensor, Star Boy, Umbra, Violet, XS

Guests: 
Dragonmage, Kid Quantum II, Mysa, Night Girl, Polar Boy, Prefect Lamar, R.J. Brande; medical staff, U.P. Marines

Opponents: 
Emerald Eye of Ekron (flashback)

Who's Who: Dynamo Boy

Dynamo Boy
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Vorm

Super-Power(s): None; armed with super-dynamic energy belt
Planet of Origin: New Tortuga

Relationship to Legion: Villain

TOS: Adventure Comics #321

Hey Fellow Legionnaires! It's your old pal Tim, aka Kord Kid, back again! 

As I've mentioned before, Russell, our fearless leader, has tasked me with looking back at some of the Legion's Silver Age adventures. I love these goofy early adventures, so of course I said "Sign me up!" I thought, "One day I might regret this..." but what the heck right? It's the Silver Age, how bad can they be? Today I'm taking a look at Adventure Comics #321...and the story, "The Code of the Legion!" by Edmond Hamilton and John Forte! I'm especially excited, because Russell said it's a Time Trapper story! Let's jump in...

Karate Kid #1

Karate Kid #1 
"My World Begins in Yesterday"
script by Paul Levitz
art by Ric Estrada and Joe Staton
cover by Mike Grell
cover date: March-April 1976
review by Glenn 'Continuity Kid' Walker. 

It's 1976, the American Bicentennial is in full swing, and I'm twelve years old. I love comics, I'm solidly a Legion fan, loving the Mike Grell art on Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (which unknown to me is soon coming to an end), and I see a Karate Kid solo comic on the spinner rack, with a Grell cover, and I'm instantly sold.

That was issue #2, but still--- the excitement is still there, and even though I devoured that issue immediately, I'll start my reviews here with the first issue – which I had picked up shortly after that second issue.

 But first,  a couple of history lessons.

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #11

I didn't like the New 52. I didn't like the Legion in the New 52. I haven't reread this series since its inception.

And that is why this review reread has been something of a revelation. For one, reading my old reviews, it is clear that I liked the series more than my memory tells me I did. Second, I am actually enjoying it this time around and my 'overall grades' have pretty much mirrored what I thought back then.

This time, I agree with my old self that this is a fun and thoroughly entertaining issue. I like the rogue team idea. I like Brainy and Dreamy interacting. I like Mon-El knowing about the stealth team. And I love the art, especially the Portela stuff (no surprise there). Outside of a little wonky Brainy stuff, this was a great chapter of a big story. 

Perhaps best of all, I don't remember the conclusion! Why does the team member who betrays the team do it?? You'll find out when I do! 

On to the old review!

Legion of Super-Heroes #11 came out last week and continued a sort of resurgence of the title. The current Dominator storyline has been tighter and more dramatic than the earliest issues of the book. And writer Paul Levitz has concentrated the number of characters being used right now, minimizing scenes 'checking in' on the big cast of the book. This really 'feels' like the Legion right now.

The art on the book is split between regular artist Francis Portela and Andres Guinaldo. Portela simply shines on the book making him one of my favorite current DC artists. I keep hearing his time on the book might be coming to a close. If true, I hope he finds himself on another ongoing title quickly. Guinaldo's work is fine if dark and a bit more raw.

This arc reminds me of a couple of other older arcs. One is the Universo Project where Brainy and Dreamy are kidnapped. The other was the cabal of Legionnaires (including Bouncing Boy and Duo Damsel) going against Legion rules and going after the Time Trapper.