Legion of Super Heroes 2

[motteditor]

I really need a good intro for DC books. Where's Stan Lee when you need him? Anyway, Waid, Kitson, Gray, Pasco, Kitson (again), Blythe, Balsman, Richards and Wacker present Legion of Super Heroes #2, er, untitled.

I enjoyed LSH #1. With No. 2, I think this just moved up with Astonishing X-Men as my No. 2 favorite book behind Runaways (once that comes back out, I suppose). I thought this issue was absolutely sublime. I'm stuck trying to find a flaw and the biggest one I can find is that Element Lad has a soul patch (which is not a good look for anyone). Other than that, I think this solved almost every problem that I had with No. 1.

That's mostly done by the smaller focus on a few cast members, in this case Brainy, Dream Girl and to a lesser degree Karate Kid and Shadow Lass. It's all very accessible and I'd have no problem showing this to someone to try to get them interested in the book.

The issue starts with Brainy figuring out a threat to a group of UP ambassadors, which the team defeats in part thanks to Dream Girl's last minute precog powers. Much of the issue then becomes about their relative contributions and the role of fate in what the Legion does.

They eventually head to Naltor -- Dream Girl's homeworld -- where we learn that the underagers have lost their dreaming ability, a major problem there. Brainy quickly determines it's being done by the government. This almost engendered my first criticism, though that was wiped out by the end of the issue. For a few pages, I was thinking the book seemed head for a series of one-shot outings against the adults, without a long-term storyline, though that seemed to be a good way to introduce everyone (almost like a Legion World miniseries as the first "arc"). Mea culpa, Mr. Waid.

Dream Girl eventually sees a vision of war -- which will result in millions of underager deaths -- and the group realizes that the government is trying to protect the young Naltorans and this reader realizes deeper things are in the works. In the end, the Legion decides to let them know their fate (and as Brainy points out, potentially find some way to avoid it).

Things I especially liked:
Brainy. I love the way Waid wrote him in the last version and he seems to be doing the same here. I at one point mused that I missed Andromeda and the effect she had on him, but I think the vision revealed on the last two pages will serve perfectly in that role. Brainy really almost seems to come across as a zealot here as well, which is an added change, since I think he would dismiss that as far too emotional.

Dream Girl. I never had a real feel for her in the first volumes (Levitz) of Legion that I read; and while I thought the narcoleptic version on the post-reboot was fun, I could understand why a lot of people seemed to be upset. This version seems like a great heroine. Waid makes her come across as completely effective -- especially in a large fight scene -- while still maintaining some of her spaciness.

The big fight. It involved all of five people and seven pages. And it was brilliant. Precognitive powers take center stage in it, and Dream Girl really shines by the end. I seriously think I'd be happy with a Legion roster of just the characters that appeared here (of course, I'm sure I'll say that the first time we get a Shrinking Violent / Light Lass ep as well).

The humor. This book made me laugh out loud several times:
* The last page is classic (and Priest deserves a copyright fee).
* "I really wish they'd spar outside. Also, I'm going to miss that chair."
* "We insist upon assigning you an escort..." "Dream on."
* "Tell me something I don't know." "OK, you're wife's going to leave you next week."
* " 'What's she going to do next?' Look at my eyes ... which are up here, by the way ... "
* "I have to go to sleep. Now. Put me under." "I'll try. OK. Breathe deeply while we find your ajna shakra. Relax..." "Not with eastern philosophy, you dork. Clock me." *wok* "Ah, Legion. I genuinely think I have found my calling."

Brilliant work on this issue. I can't wait to read it again later on.

[NYCEvolution]

Yes! This was a really fun issue to read. I'm glad I picked it up. Dream girl is awesome. Karate Kid is cool and the rest of the characters do well in this issue. It has a Top Ten feel to it, but all in all it stands on its own two feet. Highly recommended!

[KyleV]

So, wait, no one over the age of 18 would spread word of the war?

Or no one over the age of 18 would have a problem with fighting and dying in said war?

Or is their army only made up of those 18 and under?

No, seriously, I'm confused on this point.

[motteditor]

I believe the Legion feels underagers across the UP would be drafted and would be the vast majority of the casualties of the war (and even those who weren't drafted might be casualties with a lack of parents around, though I doubt the Legion sees it that way).

I believe the Naltorian adults who have had this dream feel there is no way to prevent their vision from happening. Thus, they blocked the underagers' dreaming so they could at least live out the rest of their brief lives without knowing they're all going to die in the near future. I don't think the adults were worried about the entire UP finding out about Impending War I, though Karate Kid obviously thought they were.

[The_Adventurer]

Originally posted by motteditor
I believe the Naltorian adults who have had this dream feel there is no way to prevent their vision from happening. Thus, they blocked the underagers' dreaming so they could at least live out the rest of their brief lives without knowing they're all going to die in the near future. I don't think the adults were worried about the entire UP finding out about Impending War I, though Karate Kid obviously thought they were.

That's the way I see it, the Naltorians weren't trying to pervent the spread of the knowlege of the impending war, they were trying to not let their children worry about it. so intrenched with the idea that destiny can't be changed are they, the poor knuckleheads, loved thier children so much they trying to blind them to their empending deaths. The Legion on the other hand seems to think that with all the kids aware they can change the future. We'll see.

As for the issue, Very good all around, the art's amazing, and Waid has a flare for Humor that I never realized. This book's rapidly going for my top 5.

[motteditor]

The Legion on the other hand seems to think that with all the kids aware they can change the future. We'll see.

I think Brainy thinks that; I'm not sure Karate Kid does, and I'm certain Dream Girl does not. The issue made it clear that she's sure her precog is infallible.

I think that's an aspect of the series that will become more interesting as it goes on. These are young people with an infallible belief in their abilities and a lack of experience. They're rebelling against their "parents." And it looks like they're going to behave in sometimes childish ways, even when it might not be the smart move (and I'm not sure that that's been done in other versions of LSH that I've read).

KK admitted the dream stealing was being done as a mercy. But it didn't matter. He felt children have a right to know what's going on, which is a constant fight in real civilization. There's a reason our parents lie to us and/or set limits when we're young -- because they want to protect us -- but how many of us accept that at the time?

[aceatkins]

I had some reservations about the first issue, but boy this issue knocked it out of the park. Dream Girl has long been a favorite of mine, and Waid sure does right by her. I like this Shady treatment as well--not quite the stick in the mud Umbra was, but she's got attitude. Karate Kid has always been a bit of cipher to me; here he at least has some personality. Having Coz in charge just makes sense. And Brainy is....well, he's Brainy.

Fantastic story with a very nice twist. Much love to Mr. Waid. I'm now fully hooked.

Criticism time: I still remain unconvinced that Kitson is the right artist for this book. Some of his stuff is lovely--he's got a way with women, and this issue wasn't quite as stiff. A few pages looked SERIOUSLY rushed, though. And...the costumes. Just awful. Seriously, Dream Girl's pants are...are...well, I don't even think a drag queen would touch them. Seriously awful. Brainiac's color palette is wholly unappealing--is that OLIVE? With a purple Dicky over it? Ew. E Lad looks cool, I'll give you that. But KK and Shady's outfits are pretty bloody generic. All in all, I'm still not digging the art on this book. But the writing makes up for it.

[IvCNuB4]

Yowzers ! Ace and I disagree on something ! I like all the outfits so far ...

[motteditor]

I think it's interesting Shady's had the most prominent role outside of Cos so far, though I think she's still pretty tabula rasa. We don't really have much clue about her personality. Actually, I think that's why I enjoyed this issue so much, because we actually saw some personality from KK, Dream Girl and Brainy, while issue one was much more generic setting the scene.

Also interesting to me (and I forgot to mention it in my review) is that the other two traditional Legion founders -- Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl -- haven't even shown up yet (though Imra did make this week's cover). I wonder what Waid has in mind for them.

Finally, I don't have any problem with the costumes. I don't think they're necessarily supposed to be good looking. After all, they've gone back to putting PG in the bell bottoms after mocking them in the reboot. It's supposed to be retro and what 31st-century sheltered teens think costumes are supposed to be. Then again, my general attitude toward art is if I can tell what's going on, I'm happy. Kitson more than fits that bill in my book.

[buhe]

It was ok, but they didn't seem to realise what they really did on Lallor which was get revenge on the adult fanatics during a cease fire, when they should have used that time to get the wounded and dying to a place where they can get medical attention. No doubt some of them died which was almost like the Legion helping the adult fanatics finish the job, even if it wasn't their plan.

Hearing Karate Kid say that they represent all underage people made him seem a bit hypercritical and naive when they didn't seem to do that on Lallor. My only hope is that this wasn't a blooper because Waid seems to have a habit of ignoring simple detail or he plans to have them fall from grace and realise they were never the heroes they thought they were and decide to do something about it.

For now, the Legion don't seem any better or different then the UP officials and there a chance that others, like Sun Boy, would agree with Brainaic 5's belief that the Legion should take over, but even though their tactics would be different, their results would probably be the same because of what Lallor has shown.

The stories are ok, but it seems that the Legion are only noble and heroic in image with some good points, but unless they have a "crisis" that erases the events of Lallor, it will always be a thorn on their side.

[JimShelley]

I just finished this issue, and I can't believe how good it was. The timing, characterization and humor remind me so much of the heyday era of Giffen's Justice League. This series is a Legion Fan's dream.

Thank God for Mark Waid and Barry Kitson!

[Amoebas]

Originally posted by motteditor
I believe the Naltorian adults who have had this dream feel there is no way to prevent their vision from happening. Thus, they blocked the underagers' dreaming so they could at least live out the rest of their brief lives without knowing they're all going to die in the near future.

So it's better to turn all the kids into raving sleep-deprived lunatics than to allow them the truth?

This is a really big corner Waid painted himself into imo. In his take on the 31st Century, it's all about age. I would hope 'maturity' gets answered soon.

I can name a ton of kids (underagers) who are FAR more mature than many adults in my peerage (early 40's). Is this factor nonexistant in Waid's future?

This whole underagers versus the overagers thing is cute, but I feel it's ill concieved.? Does the Legion become a Logan's Run when Ultra Boy turns 18 and he's forced to leave the team because he's one of them now? Does EVERY planet have it's species age at the same rate (sorry Blok even tho you're only 14 Dryad years old, you're 47 in Earth years - so you can't join)?

I'm glad this book is picking up a following. The Legion deserves that (and always has). The Legion is my #1 reason why I've been reading these books for so long. This Ultimate Legion isn't anywhere near the previous runs yet (but then again it's only issue 2.1 (if you count the Titans special).

BTW - I've known Kitson's art for a very long time, and I have to ask - How is this art so well executed in Legion yet his recently concluded JSA mini-series was uninspired crap on a stick?

[I am MODOK]

Man, I'm still not quite sold on this book. I liked this more than the first issue, and I like the characterization of the legion, but I still worry about the "adults suck" theme, and I'm not sure if I want to start over caring about a new Legion...

I did like this enough to continue for now though.

Story: B
Art: A

[motteditor]

I think the issues you're getting at, Ameobas, are going to be the crux of the series. Part of adolescence is thinking you're superior to adults and that's what these teens are going through right now. And that's part of what makes them a threat to the adults -- not only are they having teen rebellion (when such things have been almost wiped out), but they have super powers that make their rebellion even more dangerous.

I'm not the biggest Waid fan, but I think you're going to see these questions dealt with in time. What happens with those teens who have abilities and don't believe in the Legion's philosophy? At the moment, it appears they're just pretty much ignoring them, continuing to do what their parents tell them. But what about those who believe in the adults and think the Legion is actively threatening that? What does the Legion do when confronted by an opponent its age?

And while this is purely a guess, I think the absence of Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad is no coincidence. I'm not a huge fan of either character, but their Legion icons (and SG at least was on the cover of issue 2). I just see them as factoring into this discussion/storyline and maybe not just in support of Cos.

[comicnazi]

First off, these first two issues are my first Legion books i've ever read. I mostly picked them up due to the creative team, having loved their work on Empire and JLA Year One. To be honest I thought the first issue was just ok. But issue two was terrific. Funny, thought provoking, great character interaction and solid story development for the future. I'm also really digging the longer stories, sometimes the 22 pagers are over before you know it, but not with LSH! As long as the book continues at this level of excellence, I'm in it for the long haul. Waid continues to impress me with his writing, I've been following him for years. And Kitson may not be a "hot" artist but his art here is excellent as usual. 5 out of 5

[COREMARK]

This was a brilliant issue by Waid and Kitson, all my worries about the Legion reboot have almost all vanished. The tease about an upcoming war was also very interesting, I'm sure in a few months the Legion are going to have their hands full.

Book Grade: A

[HugoFurst]

This issue kept up the quality of the first issue, and improved upon it! I really liked seeing a new take on Brainy and Dreamy's abilities; Waid seems to 'get' these two, and I am eager to see more of this!
The only scene that bugged was between Karate Kid and Dream Girl, as a martial artist should have been able to accomplish putting her to sleep in a less violent way (nerve pressure, for example). Otherwise, even the age thing makes a sort of sense. As an earlier poster pointed out, rebelliousness is normal for the teenage years, and superpowered teens would rebel in a 'super' fashion! (And the parents having high-tech controls on their kids for their 'safety' isn't that far fetched, when one looks at the V-Chips, and proposals for implants and fingerprinting of children being seen even today to make parents feel more secure. )
On a lighter note, wonder if Dream Girl was pulling Brainy's leg at the end? And nice to see that this version of Cosmic Boy has a sense of humor!

[md62]

I am enjoying this series WAY more than I thought I would. To Mark Waid - Thank you so much for the single issue stories rather than a 6 issue arc!! With this book & FF you are crafting classic runs. And Barry Kitson - You are a superstar artist in my book. You consistently turn in excellent work. I have enjoyed watching you mature as an artist.

[skaly]

The first issue got off to an awkward start, particularly because there were so many characters and I didn't know which ones to focus on. This issue, however, was nearly perfect. There were lots of great moments in this issue. Waid writes a fun book. And I don't mean he writes fun dialogue or action or characters. He writes a fun book. I enjoyed everything about it.

[buhe]

What happens with those teens who have abilities and don't believe in the Legion's philosophy?

What would happen if there were some teens who know there needs to be change, that the UP is being unfair to the underage, but believe that the Legion is doing nothing but having a tantrum, that them blaming all adults is getting nothing done and decide to have a team their own where they believe they're being like the ancient heroes of the 21st century by just doing the right thing, no glory stuff and fancy promises or speeches, and they keep their true identities a secret.

They say that they don't fight for the underage, but for the innocent that has nothing to do with age. They fight for change, but for everyone based on true fairness because they are the JFU (Justice Federation of the Universe)

[capjr]

So far, I'm lovin' the Legion. Still a bit earlybut I think I may be around for a while now. There aren't to many DC books I get, but this may actually try some others... any suggestions?

[motteditor]

I'm also much more of a Marvel guy (though that's changing in the wake of Avengers: Ruination). The DC titles that have appealed to me so far are:

* Legion, obviously.
*Birds of Prey, which isn't mired in DC continuity so is easy for me to follow.
* JSA, which unfortunately tends to be too mired in continuity and is tough to leap onto, IMO. The first few issues I read were more or less standalones that had interesting stories and did a good job making the characters interesting. They were very good and I hope they get back to some of those soon. The more recent stories have been decent, but just much harder for me to follow (fortunately, forums like Newsarama and one of my co-workers who's more DC savvy than I do help).

Everyone recommends Teen Titans, but I've just never looked at it. I don't know why; I think the T-shirt clad super hero just throws me too much.

I prefer teams, but I did just try Green Arrow, to see if he could replace Hawkeye. Really didn't care for the art.

[capjr]

Originally posted by motteditor
I'm also much more of a Marvel guy (though that's changing in the wake of Avengers: Ruination). The DC titles that have appealed to me so far are:

* Legion, obviously.
*Birds of Prey, which isn't mired in DC continuity so is easy for me to follow.
* JSA, which unfortunately tends to be too mired in continuity and is tough to leap onto, IMO. The first few issues I read were more or less standalones that had interesting stories and did a good job making the characters interesting. They were very good and I hope they get back to some of those soon. The more recent stories have been decent, but just much harder for me to follow (fortunately, forums like Newsarama and one of my co-workers who's more DC savvy than I do help).

Everyone recommends Teen Titans, but I've just never looked at it. I don't know why; I think the T-shirt clad super hero just throws me too much.

I prefer teams, but I did just try Green Arrow, to see if he could replace Hawkeye. Really didn't care for the art.

Thanks. I've been told Teen Titans as well, but I never do. I will check out Birds of Prey and JSA for the heck of it.