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.

Reboot: Legion of Super-Heroes #95

Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) #95 (August 1997)
title: "The Emerald Doom!"

writers: Tom Peyer and Tom McCraw

penciller: Lee Moder

inker: Mark Farmer
lettering: Pat Brosseau
colorist: Tom McCraw

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson

cover: Alan Davis
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Apparition, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Ferro, Gates, Inferno, Saturn Girl, Spark, Triad, Ultra Boy

Guests:
Koko, Metal Men (Iron, Lead, Mercury, Platinum, Tin, Veridium), Mousey, Shvaughn Erin

Opponents: 
Brainiac 5's arrogance

Who's Who: Dxaundii

Dxaundii
by Russell & Siskoid

Aliases: Super-Moby Dick of Space, Philip's Folly

Super-Power(s): Giant size, flight through space, consume metal, repel electricity and turn it into deadly radiation
Planet of Origin: Dxaund

Relationship to Legion: Monster

TOS: Adventure Comics #320 Point-Counterpoint

Adventure Comics #320 (May, 1964)
title: "The Revenge of the Knave From Krypton!"
writer: Jerry Siegel
pencillers: John Forte and George Papp (pp 4-9)
inkers: Sheldon Moldoff and George Papp (pp 4-9) , Al Plastino (Superboy's face)
letterer: Milton Snapinn
cover: Curt Swan & George Klein
editor: Mort Weisinger
review by: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage and Mike "Nostalgic Kid" Lane

Mission Monitor Board: 
Superboy, Mon-El, Sun Boy, Element Lad, Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Chameleon Boy

Guests:
Proty II, Dev-Em, Radiation Roy

Opponents:
Molock the Merciless

LEGION TOYS: Karate Kid (Mattel 12-Pack)

by Derek William Crabbe
He is the man who would fight for your honor. He'll be the hero you're dreaming of. You'll live forever, knowing together, that you did it all for the glory of love. Obviously, we are talking about Val Armorr a.k.a. Karate Kid, who is the master of every known form of Martial Arts from the 31st Century!

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #10

Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate. But let's skip the chit chat and talk turkey. New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #10 continued to move the mega-plot of the Dominators plot to overrun the UP nicely. We have seen the Dominators using gene technology to engineer super-powered troops. We know they are close to realizing their goals. Now we see the UP side of things.

And writer Paul Levitz does a good job here showing us the factions of the team. We see some Legionnaires trying to take matters sneakily into their own hands. We see others quit the team so they don't have to listen to the UP at all. And we see a lot of interplay between Brainy and Dreamy, the couple I never knew I wanted to see together! But the best thing about this is we have an explanation why the UP isn't engaging the Dominion already. This has been a plot hole that has been bugging me and at least it is answered.

The art for the most part is by Francis Portela and I must admit it continues to dazzle. I want to read a Brainy/Dreamy mini-series drawn by him. Andres Guinaldo does some pages which have a less polished look and therefor stick out a bit. 

What amazes me is that I find myself actually getting caught up in the story more on these rereads than I did when it was happening. I honestly have no recollection of how this whole thing ends so it is brand new to me. Knowing that I don't remember it makes me think I will again be disappointed. But we'll see!

On to the old review!

Reboot: Legionnaires #51

Legionnaires #51 (August 1997)
title: "Picking Up the Pieces"

writers: Roger Stern and Tom McCraw

penciller: Jeffrey Moy
inker: W.C. Carani
lettering: Gaspar
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, Live Wire, M'Onel, Magno, Sensor, Star Boy, Umbra, Violet, XS

Guests: 
Andromeda, Chuck Taine, Dragonmage, General Hol, Lamar Zandoz, Lori Morning (using H Dial), Mysa, R.J. Brande, Uncanny Amazers (Kid Quantum II, Monstress), Wimena Wazzo, Workforce (Karate Kid, Particon, Radion, Spider-Girl); a doctor, a newscaster, Science Police, U.P. Marines (Reyep and Rimmer named); in flashback: Atom'X, Blast-Off, Mordru's Anatacian grandson, mystics

Opponents: 
Leland McCauley, Mordru (inside bubble); Emerald Eye of Ekron (in flashback)

Who's Who: Douglas Nolan

Douglas Nolan
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Douglas Nolan

Super-Power(s): Turning into iron
Planet of Origin: Earth

Relationship to Legion: Brother of Ferro Lad

TOS: Adventure Comics #319

Adventure Comics #319 (April 1964)
title: "The Legion's Suicide Squad!" / "The Charge of the Substitute Heroes!"

writer: Edmond Hamilton

penciller: John Forte
inker: John Forte
lettering: Ira Schnapp (cover), Milton Snapinn
editor: Mort Weisinger

cover: Curt Swan and Sheldon Moldoff
reviewers: Siskoid

Mission Monitor Board:  
Bouncing Boy, Brainiac 5, Chameleon Boy, Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, Element Lad, Invisible Kid, Light Lass, Lightning Lad, Matter-Eater Lad, Mon-El, Phantom Girl, Saturn Girl, Shrinking Violet, Star Boy, Sun Boy, Superboy, Triplicate Girl, Ultra Boy

Guests: 
James Bannon, Legion of Substitute Heroes (Chlorophyll Kid, Fire-Lad, Night Girl, Polar Boy, Stone Boy), Tim Vare, U.P. President; a government consultant, hungry aliens, Metropolis citizens, Science Police, space farers

Opponents: 
Throonians, their giant robot

From the Legion to the X-Men: Nightcrawler & Storm

The comics community recently said goodbye to writer and editor Len Wein. If you are in my age range, you likely grew up reading a lot of comics he had a hand in, and enjoying many characters he helped create. Among his most famous co-creations are several members of the All New, All Different X-Men with classic Legion artist Dave Cockrum. This includes two of my personal favorites, Nightcrawler and Storm. And interestingly, both characters could have ended up appearing in the Legion of Super-Heroes comic instead, one of whom as an actual member.

Legion Profiles 1964

Here are the four pages of Legion Profiles that were featured in Superman Annual #4 (1961) and then re-printed and expanded for Adventure Comics #316 (January 1964).

JIm Shooter at Rhode Island Comic Con

My con season always ends in early November with the Rhode Island Comic Con. This year, the comic guest list was a bit more robust than usual (although the con tends to be more of a celebrity convention with a dash of comics). 

I was thrilled to see Chris Bachalo as a guest as I loved Shade the Changing Man and his subsequent work. I was also very happy to see Rags Morales as a guest as I loved the New 52 Action Comics with Grant Morrison.

But the big draw was Jim Shooter. 

This was my first opportunity to meet Shooter and as a long-standing Legion fan I couldn't wait to bring him a bunch of my old issues to get signed. What you will see in the pics are the actual issues from my collection, in the bag with my obsessive signature label on the bag. What you can see is that these issues are not in very good condition but who cares.

And Shooter himself was a great guy, engaging with the fans and telling stories about his work. 

Reboot: Legion of Super-Heroes #94

Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) #94 (July 1997)
title: "22 Pages About the Legion of Super-Heroes"

writers: Tom Peyer and Tom McCraw

pencillers: Lee Moder, Jason Armstrong, Philip Moy, Derec Aucoin, Stuart Immonen, Val Semeiks, Phil Jimenez, Jeffrey Moy, Paul Pelletier, Walt Simonson, Tom Grummett, Mike Collins

inkers: Drew Geraci, Ron Boyd, Walt Simonson
lettering: Pat Brosseau
colorist: Tom McCraw

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson

cover: Alan Davis
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Apparition, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Ferro, Gates, Inferno, Saturn Girl, Spark, Triad, Ultra Boy

Guests:
Captain Comet, Koko, Phase, Shvaughn Erin, Wimena Wazzo; L.E.G.I.O.N. officers, a senator and his interviewer Sally, grocery shoppers, soup kitchen staff and patrons

Opponents (sort of): 
Nosy Doctor Midwich, Koko's army?, Murl Wazzo, Roxy Leech; a bartender, a mall cop

Who's Who: Dr. R'Xalim

Dr. R'Xalim
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Leushk R'Xalim

Super-Power(s): None; all members of his species have 8 arms
Planet of Origin: Muratem

Relationship to Legion: Villain

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #76

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #76 (April 1964)
title: Elastic Lad Jimmy and his Legion Romances
writer: Jerry Siegel
artist: John Forte
cover: Curt Swan and George Klein
editor: Mort Weisinger

Supporting Cast
Lucy Lane


Mission Monitor Board
Light Lass, Saturn Girl, Sun Boy, Triplicate Girl, and Ultra Boy

Opponents
I am not sure...Lucy? The female Legionnaires? 

Bombshells United #4-5

Bombshells United #4-5:
American Soil Part 7-Conclusions
Writer: Marguerite Bennett
Artists: David Hahn, Pasquale Qualano, Siya Oum, Marcelo DiChiara
Colorist: J. Nanjan
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Cover Artists: Terry & Rachel Dodson, Emanuela Luppachino & Laura Martin
Editors: Kristy Quinn and Jessica Chen

So I was not aware ahead of time that this is the conclusion of the American Soil storyline. Once again I decided to combine the reviews for issues 4 and 5 since the physical Bombshells comics have been coming out so quickly.

The bulk of the story still focuses on Donna Troy and the Wonder Girls, but while Dawny's role isn't as big as Donna's, it's still pretty substantial and sets up possibilities for Dawny's place further in the series. From what I've seen on tumblr, she's definitely got a role to play after this story ends.

My final thoughts on this aren't as deep as the previous two issues. This was a straightforward ending but I think it lost a little steam, if only because of the art. I still enjoyed it and Bombshells remains one of the few DC titles to have kept my interest while Rebirth has kind of... languished, for lack of a better word.

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #9

Thanks for joining me for my re-review of the New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes. It has been fun for me to revisit this series, if only to contrast current thoughts to what I was thinking then.

For example, Legion of Super-Heroes #9. In re-reading this book, I can say that I enjoyed the semi-spotlight on Dream Girl. I liked the group shot at the end. I liked the slow progress of the Dominator plot. But I don't know if I liked it as much as I did in the original review. It is clear, rereading these reviews, that I am aching for a great Legion book. I keep talking about how I keep thinking the book is on the verge of something. That things are simmering and boiling. 

I don't know. I don't know if we ever get to the fantastic stuff I was looking for.

All that said, Francis Portela is just lights out in this book. The art is brilliant.

Reboot: Legionnaires #50

Legionnaires #50 (July 1997)
title: "The Bride of Mordru"

writers: Roger Stern and Tom McCraw

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

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson
adult legionnaires: Joe Edkin and Carmela Merlo

cover: Adam Hughes
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Chameleon, Element Lad, Invisible Kid, Kinetix, Live Wire, M'Onel, Magno, Sensor, Star Boy, Umbra, Violet, XS; in flashback: Apparition, Cosmic Boy, Leviathan, Spark, Triad

Guests: 
Andromeda, Atom'X (in flashback), Dragonmage, Fleet Admiral Everett, General Hol, Mysa, R.J. Brande, Uncanny Amazers (Kid Quantum II, Monstress), Workforce (Blast-Off, Particon, Radion); medical staff, mystics (in flashback), ship crew

Opponents: 
Emerald Eye of Ekron, Mordru; in flashback: Micro Lad

Who's Who: Dr. Mantis Morlo

Dr. Mantis Morlo
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Mantis Morlo

Super-Power(s): SCIENCE!
Planet of Origin: Earth

Relationship to Legion: Villain

TOS: Adventure Comics #318

Adventure Comics #318 (March 1964)
title: "The Mutiny of the Legionnaires!"

writer: Edmond Hamilton

artist: John Forte

letterer: Milton Snapinn
editor: Mort Weisinger

cover: Curt Swan & George Klein

reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Cosmic Boy, Sun Boy, Light Lass, Lightning Lad, Star Boy, Matter-Eater Lad, Triplicate Girl; cameos of Superboy and Mon-El

Opponents: 
space fatigue; cameo of the Time Trapper

Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #5

Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #5 (October 2007)

title: Lightning Strikes

writer:J. Torres

art: Alex Serra

colors: Heroic Age

letterer: Travis Lanham

editor: Jeanine Schaefer

cover: Steve Uy

reviewer: Mike "Nostalgic Kid" Lane

Mission Monitor Board: Bouncing Boy, Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Phantom Girl, Saturn Girl, Superman, Timber Wolf, Triplicate Girl.


Villain: Emerald Empress

Summary: Brainiac 5 is testing Superman's abilities and most of the team is impressed, except of course for Lightning Lad.

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #8

The New 52 Legion continues to baffle me as a run because it seems to take 2 steps forward and then 2.5 steps back. The series as a whole has been hit or miss. There have been interesting subplots introduced followed by weird rest issues followed by side missions. Each story has had their ups and downs. Interestingly enough, I enjoyed last issue more on this review reread than I did the first time I read it. And I actually was thinking maybe I had wrongly labeled the New 52 series as being underwhelming. Maybe the passage of time would make me rethink things.

Then I reread Legion #8, reviewed here, and remembered how the engine of this book always seemed to be sputtering. One of the things that Paul Levitz did well, when at the height of his Legion power, was juggle the huge cast. Those stories and issues flowed well. There was always a big plot chugging along with some subplots. And occasionally there was a solo or spotlight issue but because momentum was moving forward they didn't feel awkward.

Here, after giving us a good 2 parter focusing on Dragonwind and setting up some plots, we get another offshoot issue. We get an Invisible Kid solo story with new villains who he shouldn't be able to defeat but he does. Then we get a founders' story, always a nice touch. 

But when these two stories, sort of unnecessary to the main proceedings come out of nowhere, it feels jarring. And that I remember was my big complaint with this title as a whole. There was no flow. The subplot of creating a New Fatal Five would have unspooled in one page teases for years in the old days, slowly grabbing the spotlight. Here Levitz sort of hammers it into place.

The art by Steve Lightle and Yildiray Cinar is very nice. And I never mind seeing Night Girl. But other than that ... well, I'll let you read my 2011 review ...

Reboot: Legion of Super-Heroes #93

Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) #93 (June 1997)
title: "Knight Shift"

writers: Tom Peyer and Tom McCraw

penciller: Michael Collins

inkers: Drew Geraci and Ron Boyd
lettering: Pat Brosseau
colorist: Tom McCraw

assistant editor: Frank Berrios
editor: KC Carlson

cover: Alan Davis
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Apparition, Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Gates, Saturn Girl, Spark, Triad, Ultra Boy

Guests:
Dr. Welles, Ferro, Inferno, Ingot, Koko, Shvaughn Erin, de-aged seniors, Doc 30's patients, hospital staff

Opponents: 
Doc 30, Fangg, Kritter, Psych, Rockslide, Taser

Who's Who: Dr. Mayavale

Dr. Mayavale
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Mayavale

Super-Power(s): Super-creepiness? But seriously, incarnation awareness and access to all manner of technology, including 6 additional synthetic arms
Planet of Origin: Avatanda

Relationship to Legion: Villain

TOS: Adventure Comics #317 Point-Counterport

Adventure Comics #317 (January 1964)
title: "The Menace of Dream Girl!"

writer: Edmond Hamilton

artist: John Forte

letterer: Milton Snapinn
editor: Mort Weisinger

cover: Curt Swan & George Klein

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

Mission Monitor Board:  
Ultra Boy, Phantom Girl, Mon-El, Bouncing Boy, Sun Boy, Superboy, Shrinking Violet, Element Lad, Lighting Lad, Chameleon Boy, Saturn Girl, Invisible Kid, Lightning Lass, Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, Brainiac 5

Opponents: 
pure hubris, teen-aged male hormones

Secret Origins #42

Secret Origins (v3) #42 (July 1989)
title: "Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Boys"

writer: Tom & Mary Bierbaum

penciller: Dave Cockrum
inkers: Larry Mahlstedt and Jim Sanders

letterer: John Costanza
colorist: Tom McGraw

editor: Mark Waid
cover: Dick Giordano & Karl Kesel

reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes #7

This relook at the New 52 Legion of Super-Heroes has been something of an interesting experiment for me. These books aren't that old. This is a run that is relatively recent. So I shouldn't be surprised that my thoughts haven't necessarily changed too radically. What I have noticed is that the highs seem a little higher. I think that is because there weren't too many highs so when I see them now, knowing the way this title proceeds, they seem brighter. That said, I am also reading this with the foreknowledge of this book's trajectory and as a result there is more a sense of ennui about the whole thing. So higher highs with a lower foundation makes things even out.

Legion of Super-Heroes #7 bucks the trend a little bit. I liked this issue a bit more now than I did then. I think the high points, basically the scenes I comment on here, are numerous. And when you put that many memorable or powerful moments together in one issue, it has to get bumped up. In particular, the shuffling of the roster so we see lots of teammates pitching in is welcomed. And the added characterization to the new Legionnaires is welcomed. 

Lastly and as always, Francis Portela's art is just dreamy dreamy! So onto the book.

Reboot: Legionnaires #49

Legionnaires #49 (June 1997)
title: "Let the Call Go Forth!"

writers: Roger Stern and Tom McCraw

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

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

cover: Jeffrey Moy & W.C. Carani
reviewers: Siskoid & Shotgun

Mission Monitor Board:  
Chameleon, Element Lad, Invisible Kid, Kinetix, Live Wire, M'Onel, Magno, Sensor, Star Boy, Umbra, XS

Guests: 
Andromeda, Dragonmage, Dreamer (in flashback), Fleet Admiral Everett, General Hol, Heroes of Lallor (Beast Boy, Gas Girl, Splitter), King Charlz of Orando, Lori Morning, Marla Latham, Mysa, Night Girl, Polar Boy, Prefect Lamar, Prince Wyllm of Orando, Proty, R.J. Brande, Uncanny Amazers (Atmos, Atom'X, Insect Queen, Kid Quantum II, Monstress), Workforce (Blast-Off, Evolvo, Karate Kid, Particon, Radion, Spider-Girl); Heroes of Lallor handler, medical staff, mystics (in flashback), the People of Orando, ship crew, Vyrgans

Opponents: 
Emerald Violet, Leland McCauley, Mordru