Legion of Super-Heroes #568.... I mean #15 *spoilers*

[davros42]

Well, it's the one we've been waiting for now for months... Dawnstar, Blok, and the Lamest Blaxploitation Hero ever return to grace the pages of LSH.... Well, sort of...

In the spirit of the old school "Tales of the Adult Legion of Super Heroes" or LSH v.2 #300, we have three stories of what might have been and some surprise guest stars along the way.

A group of LSH groupies are discussing the recent collapse of the HQ when they are approached by a mysterious hooded stranger (who is sadly NOT the Time Trapper), they then start swapping stories of the Legion and some of it's time travelling exploits...

Story 1 - Element Lad, Brainiac 5, DUO DAMSEL, and BOUNCING BOY go back in time to team up briefly with the JLA and JSA. It's a cute little 60's era "Time Bubble" story.

Story 2 - WILDFIRE, DAWNSTAR, TYROC, and a certain PINK DISCO BIKINI team up with a time travelling Captain Comet and Karate Kid to take on the 70's version of the Secret Society of Super-Villains (Gorilla Grodd, Star Saphire, Angle Man (!), and the Flouronic Man) who have travelled to Weber's World in the future. Include authentic Disco Legion-style Wildfire pounds his fist on a desk and leans out of the panel towards the viewer "I-Mean-Business" pose. Wildfire also manages to blow himself up, Tyroc indicates that he does that about once every six months or so and will be fine when they get him a new containment suit.

Story 3 - WHITE WITCH, BLOK, QUISLET, and SENSOR GIRL arrive in the middle of Crisis on Infinite Earths and stop Barry Allen from sacrificing himself, destroying the anti-matter cannon for him.

After the stories have been told the hooded guy reveals he is just "A guy who remembers the ancient times, just like all of you... just a BOY." pulls back hood to reveal a very familiar spit curl. Don't get too excited he's apparently Dav Huntr... a powerless kid from a planet called T'Spiri. The other kids introduce themselves to each other, loudly proclaiming themselves to be Legionairres... One is named "P'al Gif'n" so I think these are supposed to be representation of various Legion writers and such... That was the only name that rung a bell with me though..

And then a standard Who's Who in the Legion letters page. With handy who lusts for who notations. Dream Girl not mentioned, but Timber Boy included. And another surprise (sort of) at the end.

So we get to see almost all of the "missing" members of the classic (pre-5 year gap, pre-reboots) Legion. (what, no Matter-Eater Lad? Come on, guys.) But they're apparently not here to stay, just deluded memories... So not quite what I expected but a fun nostalgia trip... And next month.... Supergirl....

[Sir Tim Drake]

I already made some comments on the other thread, but I'll reiterate that I enjoyed this issue very much, more than I expected to.

One minor quibble, though: When Luornu played rock-paper-scissors with herself for the second time, each of her bodies should have made a different throw. That would have been funnier.

[Patriot07]

It kind of sucks that Dawnstar and Blok aren't here to stay, but the team is huge already.

[Ryan K]

I loved this issue personally. I hope they do this more often (ove every year or two). The "eat it grandpa" stuff is lame but forgivable. And I'm all about Bouncing Boy. Is it too much to hope for that maybe he actually makes an appearence in the promised issue 22?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I really enjoyed this one. I'm not familiar with any of the stories or characters being referenced during this comic, but I enjoyed the ride none the less.

By the way, I knew the LSH's Karate Kid had his own solo series during the sixties where he was stuck in the 20th Century, but don't remember anything about it. Is this how they brought him back to the future? Did he ever actually fight the late 70s Secret Society?

[davros42]

I really enjoyed this one. I'm not familiar with any of the stories or characters being referenced during this comic, but I enjoyed the ride none the less.

I'm glad to hear that a new reader liked it. As I was reading it, I was like "Awww yeah, this is the Legion the way I remember it... but everyone's gonna dump on it for being filler or something".

So yeah, I wanted multiversal protecting and a bigger, broader theme for the series, but I got cute nostalgia. Which was good, and a nice nod to the old-timers who are trying to keep up with the third reboot. Dammit, why no Matter Eater Lad!

And, man, it's been forever since I the Karate Kid mini and I have forgotten everything about it... But since the first and third stories are both made-up for this occasion, I think the second most likely is as well...

[kcekada]

The Grandpa line needs to go away fast!

Issue 15 sported a beautiful cover -- possibly the best ever for this series. It's a shame Barry wasn't able to handle the interiors -- would have made this book much better.

It was a fun throwback, but I was hoping to see Dawnstar and Wildfire join the team.

Can't say I'm looking forward to Supergirl joining, but I guess it can't hurt.

[Paul Newell]

I really enjoyed this one. I'm not familiar with any of the stories or characters being referenced during this comic, but I enjoyed the ride none the less.

By the way, I knew the LSH's Karate Kid had his own solo series during the sixties where he was stuck in the 20th Century, but don't remember anything about it. Is this how they brought him back to the future? Did he ever actually fight the late 70s Secret Society?
It was fifteen issues and published in the 70's. He never fought the SSOSS, but regularly fought Major Disaster and the Lord of Time.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

It was fifteen issues and published in the 70's. He never fought the SSOSS, but regularly fought Major Disaster and the Lord of Time.

How did he get back to the 30th Century?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

The Grandpa line needs to go away fast!

No way. "Eat it, Grandpa!" is one of my favorite bits about Waid's re-imagined Legion.

[Calamas]

How did he get back to the 30th Century?
For some unspecified reason--or if it was mentioned it was so weak that I’ve forgotten--he had a time machine. I think it was called a Time Bubble, as it was shaped like a big glass ball. He traveled back and forth at will. Ric Estrada did the art and Barry Jameson, a pseudonym for David Michelinie, was the writer for most of the run. It was a “good enough” comic.

[Paul Newell]

For some unspecified reason--or if it was mentioned it was so weak that I’ve forgotten--he had a time machine. I think it was called a Time Bubble, as it was shaped like a big glass ball. He traveled back and forth at will. Ric Estrada did the art and Barry Jameson, a pseudonym for David Michelinie, was the writer for most of the run. It was a “good enough” comic.
He didn't have the bubble at first...I think he regained it after the crossover with S&LOSH #231....But he was travelling to the 30th Century to find a cure for a friend he had made in the 20th Century....Along the way he found time to cross over with Kamandi before both titles were cancelled.

[Michael P]

For some unspecified reason--or if it was mentioned it was so weak that I’ve forgotten--he had a time machine. I think it was called a Time Bubble, as it was shaped like a big glass ball. He traveled back and forth at will. Ric Estrada did the art and Barry Jameson, a pseudonym for David Michelinie, was the writer for most of the run. It was a “good enough” comic.
Oh, the Popemobile go-kart.

[Mulett]

I was expecting a lot more from this issue. The preview suggested to me it was linked to IC and I thought this might be more than just a 'tales of . . . ' type of story.

I wasn't quite sure who the main guy in the robe was supposed to be. He did seem to have the Superman curl . . . .

All in all, fairly good fun but pretty misleading publicity for the issue took away from the enjoyment and - all in all - little more than a light 'filler' issue.

And I really hate the stories at the end of each issue where the Legionnaire directly address the readers.

[Sir Tim Drake]

And I really hate the stories at the end of each issue where the Legionnaire directly address the readers.

This is probably the first time I've heard this opinion. Is there any particular reason you hate the letter columns?

[Zero Hunter]

This is probably the first time I've heard this opinion. Is there any particular reason you hate the letter columns?

I hate them too. I think the letter column is a waste. When they said they were doing extra pages for back up stories I thought they might actully you know tell stories. I would much rather see solo tales of the members of the team that flesh them out a little bit instead of the lame jokes and teasers Waid through in the leter page.

[Calamas]

Well, you certainly have the right not to like it, the idea and/or the execution. But remember, the LOC strip doesn’t appear every issue. Sometimes we do get back-up stories. But even when the letter columns run, I don’t see how you can complain too loud. Those eight pages are free. You’re still getting your 22-page story for $2.99. The rest is gravy. Waid can play around, have fun, whatever; and not risk cheating the reader. It’s a no-lose situation.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I really got a kick outta this issue. Waid is pretty much the man to write the new LSH. Its a shame Supergirl is showing up next issue but hopefully she won't cramp the entire book.

[kcekada]

I was expecting a lot more from this issue. The preview suggested to me it was linked to IC and I thought this might be more than just a 'tales of . . . ' type of story

Same here.

And it would have been better had they gotten someone like Perez or even the Kubert Brothers to draw this issue. The guest artist have been hit or miss. Can't they attract top talent to this title?

[Calamas]

I really got a kick outta this issue. Waid is pretty much the man to write the new LSH. Its a shame Supergirl is showing up next issue but hopefully she won't cramp the entire book.I’m glad to hear you say that. Stuart Moore wrote the main story. Waid wrote the “letter column.”

[DDM]

I really got a kick outta this issue. Waid is pretty much the man to write the new LSH. Its a shame Supergirl is showing up next issue but hopefully she won't cramp the entire book.

Pre-Crisis, Supergirl was a member of Legion of the Super-Heroes; she had adventures in the 30th Century (Brainiac 5 was her boyfriend) & had adventures in the 20th Century.

I just see Supergirl joining Legion as a nod to her pre-Crisis past.

[Sir Tim Drake]

Same here.

And it would have been better had they gotten someone like Perez or even the Kubert Brothers to draw this issue. The guest artist have been hit or miss. Can't they attract top talent to this title?

Obviously I'd love to see George draw the Legion, but the poor man's schedule is full enough already.

Anyway, the whole point of guest artists is that they're worse than the regular artist. A guest artist cannot be better than the regular artist, because if s/he were, s/he would have been the regular artist.

[Calamas]

Oh, let me clarify something. In my previous post I was not being snarky. I really like Stuart Moore’s work and I’m extremely happy that it was mistaken for Waid’s by a lot of people--and that it was well received. I feel the man isn’t getting his due. Hopefully this will help.

[Michael P]

Jesus, kids today. Not liking their letter columns. Why in my day...

Anyway, I'm still not entirely convinced the Supergirl who's joining the Legion is the same one who's been bopping around the 21st century DCU of late.

[Mulett]

This is probably the first time I've heard this opinion. Is there any particular reason you hate the letter columns?

Well, firstly I really think a letters page should just be a letters page, plain and simple. It’s important readers get to share the views with other readers and all we see here are just a few edited highlights.

Also, there's an old saying about theatre actors. It’s something like “How can I believe in an actor playing Macbeth if I’ve just seen him drinking in a bar”. It pretty much falls into this category for me – seeing the Legionnaires address the readers directly, and in a way that is so light and fluffy, really reduces the impact of the main story.

[CaptainAwesome]

I liked this issue. Im not sure who the guy with the curl was, but it seemed like it was supposed to be a big reveal at the end.

Also, I know that it said in this issue that it didnt matter if these stories were real or not, but the one about the Flash struck me as odd. Could this one have been true and somehow this will tie into the new flash series? I doubt it, but jut think about it.

[jadegiant77]

*sigh*

"Eat it, Grandpa?"

Now I see why you lot like this book so much. :rolleyes: This was one of the dumbest issues of a comic I have seen in some time(this is my OPINION, ok? Don't all jump down my throat at once, ok?), and I have no intention of buying this crap.

And I hate that stupid-ass leter column, too. Waid needs to quit trying to be cute(it's like the staff of Wizard is doing that column, so u know that's bad).

[Carl Orr]

*sigh*

"Eat it, Grandpa?"

Now I see why you lot like this book so much. :rolleyes: This was one of the dumbest issues of a comic I have seen in some time(this is my OPINION, ok? Don't all jump down my throat at once, ok?), and I have no intention of buying this crap.

And I hate that stupid-ass leter column, too. Waid needs to quit trying to be cute(it's like the staff of Wizard is doing that column, so u know that's bad).

I will not jump down your throat, I agree with you. I do not own every single issue of the 1000's of Legion comics that have been published over the years, but from the 100's I do own, this new Waid stuff is the worse I have ever read. It is a snnnnoooooooooooozzzzze fest.

[Mon-el]

Let's see here.....

I got an Issue with Dawnstar, Blok, Tyroc, Jay Garrick, Alan Scott, Hal Jordan, Barry Allen, Bouncing Boy, Duo Damsel, Element Lad, Wildfire, A Time Bubble, Captain Comet, Karate Kid, Star Sapphire, Grodd, Angle Man, Sensor Girl, White Witch, Quislet, and Saturn Girl in that great pink bikini.

Also with a complete listing of Who's Who in the current Legion. Along with a little tidbit that Shadow Lass and Karate Kid used to have a relationship. I also got excited at the spit curl moment.

Yeah color me freakin excited. :D

Cham as Bouncing Boy was great.

[TJ Shoun]

I think I'm gonna bow out with this one.

Legion isn't doing it for me.

I gave it 15 issues -- which is more than a fair shake, imho.

I love nearly everything Waid has done before, so this lends to my theory that despite this book initially being marketed as a clean reboot, it's still geared to life-long Legion fans.

And hey, it might just be me, because I gave the Legion a several-issue shot back in the 80's and it didn't float my boat then either.

After 15 issues, I find I still don't really care for any of the characters despite some nice "quite" moments and some typically witty Waid dialogue. And I never really got the theme -- the villification of adults seems kinda absurd. Isn't the theme to fight the slow cultural death that stagnation brings, not just "youth is king"? If that were truly the case, then couldn't anyone that was willing to adhere to such a philosophy be able to join?

For what it's worth, I liked the letters pages. :)

Waid, Kitson... if you guys get tired of Legion, I'd love to see more Empire!

[Ontir]

The Time Bubble is a staple of Legion Lore. It's how Garth, Imra, & Rokk went back in time to meet Superboy in their very first adventure. I don't remember too much about the series, except that Val had a girlfriend, IIRC, called Iris, who eventually became Diamondeath, or something like that. When the series ended, he was returned to the 30th century, I seem to remember he just showed up, and it was later claimed that he'd gone back to the past to prove his worthiness to King Voxv of Orando, to be Princess Projectra's consort. Voxv must really have had doubts though, because it took another like 10 years for them to get hitched!

I'm giving the book 3 more issues, to see what they do with Supergirl, but I'm not holding out much hope at this point! In general, I think this book is coasting on the prestige of the names Waid and Kitson.

Shoun,

One upside of avatars, is that it helps find a previous post more quickly.

[Bouncing Boy]

Okay, I finally was able to get to a comic shop last wednsday and they were sold out :( DAMMIT!!!! The first comic with Bouncing Boy in it since that Superboy's Legion elseworld and I miss it. &$#^%@#(^@#&%@!!!!!!!

[Nessor Sille]

Bouncing Boy is only "in" the issue in a metafictional sense.