Legion of Super-Heroes, Volume 1

While I’m awaiting the arrival of my review copy of “Heroes” Season 1 (which I’m more than anxious to review, based on hearing how good this series is), I’ve prepared this little review of the latest WB animated offering and the latest entry in the Superman/DC Comics DVD canon.

I’ve got to admit, one of my favorite comic books I enjoyed reading as a boy was “The Legion of Super-Heroes”. Created in 1958, “Legion” centered around a group of super-powered teenagers from a thousand years in the future and their efforts to protect not only the world but also the universe from the forces of evil. Originally the team focused on Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Bouncing Boy, Brainiac 5 (a descendant of Superman’s modern-day foe), and Triplicate Girl, among others, as they recruited the then-teenaged Superboy to join their team. It was another title that added an extended bit of fun to the Superboy/Superman canon, as the Legion traveled back and forth in time embarking on one adventure after another. On occasion they’d come back to the 20th century and have adventures with the teenage Clark Kent in Smallville, fitting in as normal teenagers with the rest of the crowd. As the title grew and matured, so did the teenagers become adults, as in the 1980’s the title focused on the now-adult Legion and even more sophisticated threats to their survival. But through numerous revamps and additional characters, the title has continued to survive and thrive into the new millennium.

Ultimately, with the success of the animated incarnations of Superman, Batman, the Teen Titans, and the Justice League, DC Comics and Warner Bros. looked for another successful franchise to bring to the animated front. Naturally, the Legion of Super-Heroes was just such a franchise. Given the current penchant for anime-style series and a kid-friendly environment, everything locked in place for the “Legion of Super-Heroes” animated series to arrive. The premise is essentially the same as in the comics, but with its own unique twist. This time, the Legion is focused on adding 17-year-old Clark Kent, who’s not quite Superman, to their ranks. Clark’s still finding out more about himself, yet in the 31st century he’s seen not as Superboy but as Superman. This to me is a logical extension of the current trend that dates back to the original 1938 story (and the classic 1978 feature film) that shows Superman emerging as an adult, not as a teenager. Because of the current legal proceedings between DC Comics and the heirs of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster over the rights to the Superboy character, this has further resulted in the Legion referring to Clark’s character as Superman, which definitely makes sense.

This first volume of “Legion of Super-Heroes” contains four episodes from the animated series’ first season. In the premiere segment “Man of Tomorrow”, the story focuses on an updated version of the Legion’s efforts to recruit Clark Kent as a member of their team. Here, Lightning Lad is seen as the de facto leader of the group with a cocky edge to him and a jealousy toward the teenaged Superman because of his strength and abilities. This is followed up with “Timber Wolf”, centering around one of the later additions to the team (in the comics, that is), as the Legion investigates the rumors of a mad scientist pursuing a lycanthropic boy, only to discover the scientist’s terrible secret. In “Legacy” we see an interesting spin on one of comicdom’s classic love-hate stories, as Superman is pursued by a spoiled rich girl named Alexis who wants him as her friend, and if he won’t be her friend, then no one else will, either. The ending of the tale harkens back to one of the most classic Superboy tales of the 1940’s and 1950’s, with its own unique twist. (And be sure to look for a quick blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo from the main man himself, Lobo! Now that would make for an interesting animated series – definitely not for the Kids’ WB, I assure you!) Finally, in “Phantoms”, Clark accidentally unleashes a dangerous villain from the Phantom Zone with powers similar to his own.

“Legion of Super-Heroes” is presented on DVD in its original full-frame aspect ratio in your choice of English or French Dolby surround stereo with optional English, French, or Spanish subtitles. The DVD format is a perfect presentation for the series, as it gives you a chance to check out all of the detail that went into this anime-style series. In addition, the DVD contains a nine-minute behind-the-scenes segment entitled “We are Legion”, featuring interviews with DC Comics vice-president Paul Levitz, series producer James Tucker (who also produced the two “Justice League” animated series), and different writers and producers as they discuss the challenges of translating the 50-year-old comic book into animated form. The DVD is rounded out with a trailer gallery for various DVD products, including “Scooby-Doo”, the third seasons of “The Batman” and “Teen Titans”, and “Tom and Jerry”, among others. Also unadvertised but included is a preview trailer for the upcoming “Scooby-Doo” direct-to-DVD animated movie.

The first volume of “Legion of Super-Heroes” is a nice addition to the WB and DC animated canon, and like past Kids WB animated series I’m sure we’ll see not only a second volume of episodes but also a full season set down the road in the near future.

Hopefully next time I’ll have that review of “Heroes” for you. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and I’ll see you again soon!