Legion of Superheroes: week ten and eleven

 

NEW KIDS ON THE 30TH CENTURY BLOCK

Have you ever done something completely crazy just because you were bored, but then immediately regretted it?

…yah, I’ve never done that.

Life is a battle. When everything is going great, you might be more willing to take chances. When it’s not so good, the tendency is to become more conservative. When you are sick, you just want to get well. When you are feeling fine, you are more tempted to cheat, and put into your body that makes you sick. Some people feel, when nothing seems to work to make them better, that it’s okay to just blow everything up. Go big or go home, right? The problem is: when you bet the farm and lose, there’s no home to go back to. It’s all about the mitigation of loss while expanding your horizons. That’s what we humans do. Every single day. What are you willing to risk, just to feel more alive? What do you live for? What do you fear?

Me? It’s just a big old pile of comic books. I got that in spades. The only thing I worry about anymore is running out of room to put them all.

Comic book collecting is a battle. Sometimes you salivate over some new comic event, buy up every book and it turns out to be . Other times, you pass over a certain book on the shelf, only to see it become the next pop-culture sensation. I usually just follow my gut when it comes to purchasing. I pick up new releases based on my personal sensibilities and sometimes read reviews first before taking a chance. I like to look for bargains where I can. I remember buying the Incredible Hulk #271 for a buck, a few years back. I still have NYX #3 from right off the shelf. Then again, I sold my New Mutants #98 a long time ago. Why the is Daredevil #227 not worth a ton more than it is? Head-scratcher.

But, you win some, you lose some in this game. I’ve given up trying to figure out what’s going to be hot or not. It’s a happy circumstance when you happen to hold onto something like Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2 for a gazillion years. One day it’s selling for five bucks, the next it’s up to a hundred. I didn’t keep it for so long because I thought it would ever be worth anything, per say. It’s a cool story. I buy comics because I enjoy the content, not necessarily for padding my retirement plan. And, chances are: the best stories will eventually be recognized, sought after, mimicked and adapted over time. Am I sitting on a gold-mine, with all the comics I have collected? Who knows. They remain priceless in my eyes.

LEGION OF SUPERHEROES: WEEK TEN & ELEVEN

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ROLL CALL:

Main Team:

Cosmic Boy-magnetism, Wildfire-energy being, Dream Girl-premonitions, Star Boy-mass manipulation, Timberwolf-fighting and enhanced agility, Colossal Boy-increase size, Mon El-super strength, Shadow Lass-darkness projection, Invisible Kid-invisibility, White Witch-magic spell casting, Blok-rock creature, Brainiac 5-super smart, Sun Boy-heat and light projection, Lightning Lass-electrical manipulation, Dawnstar-super tracker.

Legion Lost:

Chameleon Boy-shape change, Element Lad-transmute elements, Phantom Girl-phase ability, Ultraboy-multiple powers but can only use one at a time, Shrinking Violet-size reduction.

Subs & Reserves:

Lightning Lad-electricity manipulation, Saturn Girl-telepathy, Bouncing Boy-rubbery, Duo Damsel-self duplication, Night Girl-strength in the dark, Polar Boy-chiller, Cosmic Queen-gassy, Lamprey-fishy, Stone Boy-hard, Fire Lad-hot, Chlorophyll Kid-plant control, Laurel Kent-invulnerability and heat vision, Jed the Power Boy-strong guy, Magnetic Lad-magnetism, Nightwind-blow hard, Crystal Kid-makes crystal constructs.

The story so far…

The Legion of Supervillains, led by Nemesis Kid, devised a plot to kill every member of the Legion of Superheroes. Lightning Lord captured his kid sister and tried to convert her to the villain’s side. Karate Kid and Queen Projectra were also captured and imprisoned on Orando. The villains stole the earth’s shield and some power orbs to build a machine to teleport Orando into another dimension. Good guys fought bad guys, Karate Kid sacrificed himself to save Orando and Projectra killed Nemesis Kid. The few Legionnaires who fought on Orando, left the planet in a giant bubble, to search of a way back home. After floating through limbo for a while, they eventually found a factory planet, developed by Controllers to build a new Sun-Eater. The group then discovered a portal back to Earth but could not ignore the terrible threat that was growing on the planet. Lightnings Lass and Lord wound up on Winneth, where they fought. After defeating her brother, Lightning Lass decided to re-join the Legion.

And now…

Volume 2, Issue #8 (1985)-Sundown.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

Hmmm…suns. It’s what’s for dinner, right? A nice, hot yummy meal. At least that’s what a Sun-Eater might think. Hence, the name. Not so great for anyone who might want to stay warm, though. Can’t have a Sun-Eater running around gobbling up the source of life-sustaining warmth for every creature in the universe. Anyway, that’s what the Legionnaires decide in this issue. Rather than jump through the portal back to earth, Chameleon Boy, Phantom Girl, Element Lad, Ultraboy and Shrinking Violet bust up the weapon-building machinery instead. They fight a weird cloaked dude and Chameleon Boy tricks him by changing his guise to appear as a Controller. Thinking his master has returned to the planet, the weird dude let’s his guard down and gets punched out by Ultraboy.

In the end, Element lad turns the air into explosive gas and they run through the portal while detonating it. Wow. That weird dude is d-e-a-d now, man. I thought the Legion didn’t commit murder like that. Despite that small incongruent detail, this is another fine issue by Levitz and Lightle. The lost Legionnaires work well together as they fight to dismantle the Sun-Eater machines. Chameleon Boy’s disguise provides a clever end to the conflict. Everybody gets home safe in the end…except for the Controller’s minion-ulp!

Grade B.

Volume 2, Issue #9 (1985)-Home, sweet home.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

The lost Legionnaires are back and now it’s party time for everyone! Whenever you go through an intense battle such as what the Legion endured at the beginning of this volume, it makes sense to balance it out with some relaxation time. This issue is all about the relationships between the LoSH team-members; setting the stage for the dynamics that will drive future stories. Its necessary to take stock of yourself, every once in a while, I guess: just to make sure you are still on the correct path to where you want to go. This issue gives readers a sense of who these characters are. But, it’s also kind of boring. My favorite LoSH issues has a good mix of action, drama, adventure, wonder and humor. This issue is not that.

When Levitz is at his best, he juggles multiple groups of characters throughout the tale: switching from perilous, to humorous, to intriguing scenarios after every other page. Here, we have a bunch of domestic dramas unfolding one after the other. Element Lad reunites with Shvaughn and gets all kissy with her. Shrinking Violet confronts Colossal Boy’s wife. And on it goes. There’s a full-page party scene full of awkward dialogue and goofy situations involving Legionnaires in a casual setting with each other. While I think it is important to show how these characters interact outside the next galactic threat scenario, this type of scene is not Levitz’s strong suit. Oh, well: I’m in for the long game, and can suffer through some of the dull parts.

Grade C.

Volume 2, Issue #10 (1985)-Voter Slog.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

Colossal Boy’s Mom is stepping down as the President of Earth, and the replacement candidates are being targeted by Kundian assassin. After the first assassination attempt, Legionnaires fly around the world to protect the remaining few potential leaders. Sun Boy defeats Ghorbak the Khund in Acapulco, Invisible Kid takes out another Khund in Asia, and Wildfire completes the trifecta in Hyperbad. Then, yet another Khund attacks Colossal Boy’s Mom in her home but is also easily beaten. It’s all so repetitive. Khund here, Kund there: everywhere Kund, Khund. How are they all getting around on Earth so easily? Never mind. The Legion has them all contained. Invisible kid even kills one of them by accident. In the end, Mojai from Hyperbad becomes the new President. Hurrah!

I’ve got to admit: I was bored while reading this issue. One threat against some political figure after another is not my cup of tea. Although politics adds an appealing layer to the overall complexity of these stories, I don’t particularly care who is in charge of the planet or why they must be protected. The one redeeming factor is Steve Lightle’s excellent artwork. I loved looking at the powerful images in each fight scene and wondered at the detail in each locale. But, it felt like another set-up for other stories to come. I’m running out of patience, Levitz! Let’s get to the Earth-Khund war already!

Grade C-.

Volume 2, Issue #11 (1985)-Rebound.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Ernie Colon & Keith Giffen.

This issue is split between two short stories. The first, drawn by Ernie Colon, features Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl and Cosmic Boy traveling to a prison structure in Antarctica to visit some soon to be released inmates. On the way, they find some trouble with the security forces at the instillation. It turns out, the prisoners are the same individuals who tried to assassinate R J Brande, way back in the original LoSH story. I’m not sure why this was in any way necessary, other than giving some closure to the past, while marching on toward the future. Again, this is a simple thread to the grand tapestry Levitz is weaving: unremarkable on its own, but worth noting, in the long-view. Ernie Colon provides some decent art, but nothing spectacular.

The second story is all about Bouncing Boy and Comet Queen. Here, Bouncing Boy narrates the time he was a performer on tour to entertain the citizens of some colony worlds. At the end of one of his routines, he found himself accosted by a strange young woman with an energy trail flying out of her head. She demands that he reciprocate her physical advances and he offers her a fruit juice. It’s all very cute and awkward. The girl reveals herself to Bouncing Boy as the Comet Queen: showing off her gas emission powers to him. It’s a goofy story but a lot more fun than the previous one in this issue. Keith Giffen is the perfect artist to represent these shenanigans.

Grade C.

Volume 2, Issue #12 (1985)-Space Jam.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Steve Lightle & Ernie Colon.

When I ruminate over the LoSH, I think about stuff like: massive battles in space with colorful characters using their varied super powers against each other. This issue starts out exactly the way I like: a space battle! Wildfire, Superboy, Brainiac 5, Dawnstar and Sunboy start off fighting a group of would-be space-pirates in the middle of a heist. The Legionnaires generally kick-, until one of the pirate ships vanishes in-front of them. It has hidden itself so well, that even Danwstar can’t find it. After capturing the other pirates, Brainiac 5 comes up with a brilliant plan to uncover their partners. He calls for Phantom Girl who promptly uses her power to pluck them out from hiding in another dimension. Great Job, Brainy! Despite the great premise to the tale, though, it’s all over way too soon. I was left wanting more.

In the back-up feature by Ernie Colon: a few of the prospective candidates hang out at the Legion Academy. Tellus, Comet Queen, Laurel Kent and Jed all sequester Magnetic Kid for a chance at joining the Legion. Shvaughn and Gi Gi have a pillow fight. Baby Graym pinches some noses. Element Lad wins a second term as Legion leader. As much as I like spending quality time with the LoSH, there seems to be too much of nothing happening anymore. Other than the space-fight at the beginning of the issue, I’m starting to get tired of the Legion exploits. I’m struggling to get through these issues now…and its only week ten! Yikes.

Grade C.

Volume 2, Issue #13 (1985)-Hungry like the Wolf.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

Finally, a full-length story I can sink my teeth into! After Karate Kid’s death, Timberwolf decides to honor his friend’s last request by going on a mission to the planet Lythyl. This rough and tumble planet is full of nasty critters itching to take your head off: certainly not for the faint of heart. But, Timberwolf can hold his own in any hand-to-hand encounter, so he actually seems to relish the opportunity. Joined by Karate Kid’s sensei, Timberwolf is soon tested by the local judges: Steggus, Gorax and Myg. To determine their fitness, the judges unleash a nasty blue dragon, which Timberwolf quickly dispatches with a kraack to its chops. The duo continues to fight their way through the planet’s litany of bruisers before finally finding a rock temple which symbolizes the planet’s brutal values. Timberwolf breaks ground and plants a seed there, which eventually bears a plant that cracks the rock of the temple. Timberwolf and the sensei then take Myg away from Lythyl in a bubble carried by Mon-El. 

Finally, Levitz bring the story quality back to an engaging level. Timberwolf shows his character in granting his friend’s final wishes. The symbolism of the growth breaking through a hardened surface is analogous to Timberwolf’s own personal struggle as well as a comment on the plight of human beings in general. Life can be full of challenges. Over time, the constant threats you face harden your sensitivity to others and make you stop caring about anything but your own survival. All it takes is a seed of courage and love to break through the bonds of such a protective shell. Hopefully, Timberwolf can reconcile with Lightning Lass someday, and move toward a healthier life from this experience.

Grade B+.

Volume 2, Issue #14 (1985)-the Right Stuff.

Written by Paul Levitz

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

To help make up for some recent departures, the LoSH is finally ready to take on some new blood. The recruitment evaluation starts off with an impressive display of strength from Jed, the Power Boy. Next, Comet Queen has a gas while putting everyone to sleep. Mentalla of Saturn shows off her psychic abilities by controlling Ultraboy, then Energy Boy tries to show off his nuclo-globe, but Polar Boy puts him on ice. During the continued exams, Brainiac 5 takes the Tellus, Magnetic Kid and Comet Queen on a field trip to investigate some collapsing coastal cities. On the way, the group discovers Dev-Em who is also on the trail of the city-sinker. They are eventually attacked by Ontiir and appears to be defeated until Quislet shows up to save the day. At the end, Saturn Girl convinces Element Lad to let the mysterious Sensor Girl join the Legion, along with Polar Boy, Tellus, Magnetic Kid and Quislet. 

This issue is a fine introduction to all the potential and ultimately inducted new members to the Legion. Comet Queen continues to be a quirky-fun character to watch, however, she did not make the cut this time. Polar Boy has a long and respectable carrier as leader of the newly defunct Substitute Heroes, so he was a shoe-in to join. Magnetic Kid is a good replacement for Cosmic Boy who is off playing with Night Girl on Venus. The new characters: Tellus, Quislet and Sensor Girl are all very interesting and enigmatic. Tellus is a gross yellow beast with a fish-bowl on his head who can read minds but otherwise seems very nice. Quislet is a trippy creature in a miniature space-ship who can control inanimate objects. Sensor Girl is…oh well: we shall see. An overall fun issue with great art again by Lightle.

Grade B.

Volume 2, Issue #15 (1985)-Into the Furnace.

Written by Paul Levitz.

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

Remember all those awesome new recruits from last issue? Tellus with his freak mind powers. Magnetic kid with his metal mastery. The Legion is quite formidable now, right? Umm…nope. At the start of this issue, they are already defeated and held captive by Doctor Regulus (last seen in volume 1, #286). Wildfire, the only one to escape, returns to Earth to get a new containment suit and gather reinforcements to help save the newbies. While Colossal Boy, Shadow Lass, Sun Boy, Shrinking Violet and Mon El work toward calming some space-dragons near Imsk, Element Lad conscripts them to assist in the latest crisis. The gang track down Regulus on an asteroid inhabited by fire-creatures. Each of the Legionnaires are defeated by the natural inhabitants, until Regulus decides to face-off personally with Sun Boy. With his newly enhanced powers, Regulus appears to hold victory until Sun Boy uses a flight ring trick to knock him out. 

This is another exciting adventure that held my attention from start to finish. I am pleased to see Levitz getting back to the style of story-telling that I enjoy the most. The new members seem to be duds after all, and Element Lad feels the pressure of adding them, virtually untested, to the team. Regulus has never appeared this powerful before, and even the seasoned veterans were lucky to get out of the jam alive. I’m sure the newbies will get a chance to redeem themselves soon enough. Lightle is consistently great and it’s good to see Levitz upping his game to give Steve some impressive scenarios to render.

Grade B+.

Volume 2, Annual 1 (1985)-Whodunnit?

Written by Paul Levitz

Drawn by Keith Giffen.

With all other Legionnaires on a special mission to Takron-Galtos, only Brainiac 5, Colossal Boy, Shrinking Violet, Magnetic Kid and Chameleon Boy are left on Earth to twiddle their thumbs. Since they are all as bored as I was reading the Earth election issue, Magnetic Kid decides to spice things up by re-opening the investigation of who shot Laurel Kent. Way back in issue #8, Laurel was hit by a kryptonite bullet while taking a swim. Now, even though the Legionnaires are curious to find the identity of her assailant, she is already past the ordeal. Without her consent, the team keeps surveillance on her while picking up clues to finding the suspect. One by one, the team notice there is a certain connection between the attacker and his prey: each victim being a descendant of a member of the Justice League. And the answer to the mystery of the unknown attacker is…oh well, that would be telling.

I enjoy a good mystery. It’s not so easy to pull off, though. You need to carefully construct the tale with just enough clues scattered around, that the reader remains curious throughout. You don’t want to baffle them with too many unnecessary details, but you can’t give the answer away too early either. It’s a tough balance to achieve. Luckily, Levitz and Giffen do a great job at providing just enough information through the entire story to keep the reader guessing until the end. In fact, they actually don’t ever tell the reader who it is. It is someone originally from the Twentieth Century, kept in stasis in some Arctic prison, but the name is never announced. Is it T.O. Morrow? I don’t know. Giffen’s art style is much more fluid in this issue, than in previous. I enjoyed his cinematic approach. I still wish they gave up the bad-guys name though. Hmmph.

Grade B+.

Volume 2, Issue #16 (1985)-I Miss You (but I haven’t met you yet).

Written by Paul Levitz

Drawn by Steve Lightle.

The cover of this issue says it all: Supergirl is dead. Cut down by the Anti-Monitor (still a stupid name for a villain) while trying to protect Superman. She was a symbol of all that was good in the pre-crisis world. Super messy, continuity-wise; but a glowing, positive character for all the boys and girls to look up to. Poor Brainiac 5. He pined for her for so many years, but never got the chance to seal the deal. Now, she’s gone forever. Except, in the Thirtieth Century, she actually died a hundred years ago. Oh, of all the timey-whimey bullshit, Brainy: snap out of it! I can’t believe a logically minded person like him getting that emotional over something that was always destined to happen. Meanwhile, the Science Police attack the new Legionnaires at a Technopark, and baby Graym gets baptized. What a weird issue. 

Look, back in 1986: the death of Supergirl was a really big-deal. Just check out the classic cover to Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 to remind you. There’s Superman: bawling his eyes out while carrying his battered nephew in his arms. Powerful stuff. But let’s be honest: even that cover was a homage to Uncanny X-men #136. And, I’m sure there have been similar covers previous. I understand why you would want to give a nod to Brainiac’s relationship with her, but the waterworks on display this issue was a little much. Especially since Brainy is usually a bit of a cold-fish. The artwork didn’t look as sharp in this issue either. Unfortunately, this is the last one in Steve Lightle’s run. Just when things were getting good!

Grade B.

…aww, who am I kidding? I would cry like a baby if I lost my best girl like that too. I guess there really is a heart underneath all that green skin after all.

Coming up next: Will I get caught up on the reviews? Will the story quality continue to improve? Tune in next week to find out!

Long Live the Legion!