Legion of Super-Heroes #2 – Brian Michael Bendis, Writer; Ryan Sook, Artist; Wade Von Grawbadger, Inker; Jordie Bellaire. Colorist
Ratings:
Ray – 8/10
Ray: If there is any property where Bendis’ tendency to have characters talk at each other could spiral out of control, it’s the one with a cast of thousands, as in Legion of Super-Heroes #2. Despite that, the first two issues of Bendis reinventing the Legion have been a lot of fun – with a few exceptions.
Legion of Super-Heroes #2 kicks off with an elaborate fight between the Legion (including the newly arrived Jon Kent) and an army of crab people who want to capture Aquaman’s trident. The chaotic city battles escalate until Jon accidentally activates the trident and causes a tidal wave. That two-page spread in particular is one of the best art pieces in the book and of Ryan Sook’s recent art career. They accomplish their goal, but it comes with a lot of property damage – and the ire of the President of the United Planets, a powerful and officious woman who resents the Legion’s long-standing free authority and wants to bring them under tighter control.
The one big problem with this issue is the presence of Rose and Thorn, Bendis’ new pet character who is a liaison for the Legion and is the one who talks to the President. For some reason, she comes across as a 20th-century Metropolis street tough, like she hasn’t evolved in her long-way trip to the 30th century.
The President is puzzled, and so am I. The book is much better when it focuses on the young heroes interacting, as one of them shares a powerful secret about their family and they get ready to follow the trail of the trident’s mystery. Finding out about Planet Gotham leads Jon to pick up another time stowaway at the end of the issue, and I for one can’t wait to see Damian in the 30th century. It feels like when Bendis keeps the focus on this mixed group of teenagers saving the future, it’s recapturing the fun of many of his earlier Marvel works. I just wish Thorn had a book that was more suited for her story.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
