Adventure Comics 525-529

Adventure Comics #525
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Phil Jimenez and Geraldo Borges

In the main story, Lamprey and Power Boy are put through a test and it seems like Cosmic Boy has decided they don’t have what it takes to join the Legion sadly. Jimenez’s art rocks and so does Levitz’s storytelling. In the backup Black Witch defeats Mordru although I can’t remember why she was fighting him to begin with. I really liked Borges’s art too.

Adventure Comics #526
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Geraldo Borges and Jeffrey Moy

I liked this issue much better. It was fun and easy to follow as the Legion Academy uses magic to remove the gene mod from a villain. Borges’s art is quite impressive and he seems to be a good storyteller. In the second story, Nigh Girl asks XS to help train the Legion Academy and in the process learn about Earth-Zero. I like that Levitz is following up on Final Crisis : Legion of 3 Worlds here. Levitz is a class act and a lover of continuity. XS declines the offer but is creating some kind of mosaic to honor her family and connects with the speed force having a vision of her running with Impulse and the Flash. Very cool! I have no idea where this is going but I like it.

Adventure Comics #527
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Geraldo Borges

In this issue, Comet Queen explains her origins as a Legion Fan girl who deliberately gained powers in order to join the Legion and be with her crush, Bouncing Boy. She eventually graduates from Legion Academy only to be told she is joining the Legion of Substitute Heroes. During her time with the subs, her mind is erased by Saturn Queen and although most of memory has returned there are some things still missing. It was a fun straight forward issue that I enjoyed a lot. Levitz seems to really enjoy writing this character and I enjoyed reading about her.

Adventure Comics #528
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Geraldo Borges and Ransom Getty

In this issue, Cosmic King breaks into Legion headquarters and quickly knocks out the only Legionnaires around at this time – Bouncing Boy, Duplicate Girl, and Night Girl. Therefore it looks like in the next issue the Legion Academy will have to take him on. I felt that the art was a little weak this issue but it was otherwise good.

 

 

Adventure Comics #529
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Geraldo Borges

Sadly this is the final issue of Adventure Comics. DC brought this historical title back only to get it pushed away by the dumb New 52.  And sad this issue was. The Legion Academy defeats Cosmic King but only by losing one of their own – Variable Lad. Who I thought was one of the best of them! So sad. I am glad the Legion is back in the rebirth DCU and I hope we see more of these Legion Academy in the future.

Legion of Super-Heroes 12-16

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #12
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar

It is fun to be reading Legion comics again, especially when Paul Levitz writes the book. He really loves these characters and puts so much story into every issue. This issue was packed with action, dialogue, and plot twists galore. This is a man who deserved to remain in charge of DC. I am a huge fan and I look forward to seeing where this storyline is going as Saturn Queen is now the big bad.

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #13
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar

Sometimes I like Cinar’s art in this issue and sometimes I didn’t. Anyways, this was still packed to the brim with action and intrigue and we had great moments with the “weirder” Legionnaires like Quislet, Tellus, and Gates. This was a fun comic.

 

 

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #14
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Fernando Dagnino

Levitz writes another action packed issue of the Legion. As usual, he hits it out of the park here. Not much else to say besides I love Mon-El with a power ring and the Saturn Queen sure is evil.

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #15
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar

This is Yildiray Cinar’s last issue of the Legion and I just got to say Cinar had a great run! This issue improved on the last with more action and we even get to see some of my favorite Legionnaires like Gates and Tellus. I am not sure where this is all going with the three immortal worlds but I am loving the ride.

 

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #15
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Daniel HDR

In this final issue of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Mon-El gives up the ring and Earth-Man sacrifices his life to save the Legion. It is sad to see this book go but I am so glad the Legion have been brought back with DC Rebirth. Paul Levitz had a great run here.

 

Booster Gold 42-47

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #42
Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. Dematteis
Art by Christ Batista

Booster Gold tells the story to his sister about his time in 25th century prison where he is cellmates with a man who is constantly fluctuating between time periods – the man is revealed to be a future version of Booster himself with “Chronal leprosy” which is actually really gross as drawn by Batista. Interesting issue. I enjoyed it I suppose.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #43
Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. Dematteis
Art by Christ Batista

Booster finds himself running into the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st century which makes this a fun issue as Brainiac 5 works to cure Booster’ chronal leprosy. This was a fun issue. Giffen and Dematteis write some great dialogue between the legionaries and you can tell Batista had fun drawing them.  I wonder if the dangling plot points will ever get solved as I believe the next issue begins a flashpoint crossover.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #44
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens

I was excited to read this issue despite it being a Flashpoint crossover (a mini-series I have never read and have no interest in reading considering it lead to the disgusting New 52) because I remember Dan Jurgens’s run on this book rather fondly. Jurgens’s art is as beautiful as always and he writes very well but damn I don’t really care about Flashpoint and could not get excited reading this issue. That being said, I love the shout outs to continuity about Coast City. Jurgens knows his continuity.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #45
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens

The Flashpoint crossover continues here as we learn the girl Booster saved has powers. Who is she suppose to be? I am not sure. I do not recognize her name. This was another good issue by Jurgens – as the man can draw and write like a champ. But I still find it hard to care because I hate flashpoint. Albeit, I am intrigued by the mystery girl.

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #46
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Jurgens and Ig Guara

This was a very forgettable issue. I am sad this is the penultimate issue because this series is usually great under Jurgens but this flashpoint crossover is uninteresting. I really don’t care about seeing Booster Gold fight Doomsday again.

 

 

Booster Gold (Volume 2) #47
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Rick Leonardi and Jurgens

First of all, Booster calls the Flash Barry in this issue. Why would Booster Gold call him by his first name like they are friends? His character knew Wally West as Flash for his entire career. Ugh. It’s bad enough Barry Allen had to take up most of the cover on the last issue of Booster’s series. Jurgens only drew the last few pages and Leonardi is okay but he is no Jurgens. This just seemed last filler when it should have been a series finale. Disappointed.

Action Comics 900-904

Action Comics #900
Written by Paul Cornell, David Lindeloff, Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, David S. Goyer, Richard Donner, Derek  Hoffman
Art by Pete Woods, Jesus Marino, Ryan Sook, RB Silva, Gary Frank, Miguel Sepulveda, Matt Camp, and Brian Stelfreeze

This is the 900th issues of Action Comics and we get a special 96-page issue to celebrate. Some great things here. I loved that they actually mention Superboy’s tactile telekenisis power which has been ignored since the days of Young Justice it seems sometimes. Anyways, Lex Luthor is now a God and shows Superman some of the most emotional moments in the Man of Steel’s history, and then Lex finds out that Clark Kent is Superman finally! I love that Cornell has Superman confirming that the Kents made him who he is today. That is something that has been lost since Johns took over the Superman franchise and overemphasized Superman’s kryptonian heritage. The issue also shows how fundamentally wrong Lex is about Superman’s nature believing that he isn’t capable of human emotion which is the exact opposite because in many ways Superman is more “human” than Lex is. With all this look back at the death of Superman, would it have killed them to have the Matrix Supergirl/Linda Danvers involved instead of or in additon to Kara? That angers me but whatever. Anyways, Lex Luthor projects universal happiness well literally universally and we see even Death of the endless feel it. That was a genius moment from Cornell. Lex then learns that he can keep his new Godlike power and never kill Superman or do anything negative or he must give it up. Lex being the villain that he is chooses the second option and loses his memory of Clark Kent being Superman and the ending leads to what I don’t think looks that great called Reign of the Doomsdays. The rest of the book are smaller stories celebrating the 900th issue. Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, and David Goyer’s stories stood out. I loved Brian Stelfreeze’s final page art too.

Action Comics #901
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Kenneth Rocafort and Jesus Merino

This continues the Reign of the Doomdays arc which is stupid but Cornell shows he is a good writer even when given a stupid story. The Doomslayer is a clever creation too.  I wish there was just Jesus Merino on this issue though. It looks like The Eradicator may be dead.

 

 

Action Comics #902
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Kenneth Rocafort and Alex Gimenez

Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by this issue. Superman, Supergirl, Superboy, and Steel all work together and act like a real heroes. This is something that should happen on a regular basis and DC Comics but Paul Cornell really knocked it out of the park and had Superman not even want to have Doomsday die. I love that these are real heroes and I’m glad that they’re written that way.

 

Action Comics #903
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Alex Gimenez

This was a great issue with plenty of guest stars including the Justice League and the Teen Titans plus more I really enjoyed it and I was surprised by that. Paul Cornell is a good writer he knows how to create good suspense.

 

Action Comics #904
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Alex Gimenez and Ronan Cliquet

I’m very glad that DC is returning this book to its original numbering. This is the final issue before it relaunched under the new 52 Banner. It was a fantastic finale that it really showed Paul Cornell understands the character . I literally cheered out loud when Lois said Jonathan and Martha made Superman not Krypton. That was fantastic and it is the truth.

Boy Man

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #11
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Daniel HDR

 

So Starman is going back to being called Star Boy now? Seems kind of strange…why is Earth-Man the only one allowed to be called Man now? None of them are really teenagers anymore right? Anyways, this was a fantastic start to the Legion of Super-Villains arc as all of the Legionnaires search for the villain group. Levitz sure knows how to pack a lot into one issue.

Bad Aunt

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #10
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar

 

So it was Chameleon Boy’s aunt all along behind everything as she wanted Brande’s money to pay for rebuilding Durla (That is if I am not mistaken) this was a good issue but the resolution seemed a little fast. Not much else to say here.

The Power Of Tyroc

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #7
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and Francis Portela

In the main story, the Legionaires deal with the murder of a United Planets Council Member by Durlan Asassins and Levitz really shows how powerful Tyroc can be. I thought he dislike Tyroc? I guess not. And hey it takes a good writer to challenge themselves and make a character they dislike look awesome right? In the back-up Brainiac 5 meets with Professor Li – who we know is old, very old. I can’t wait to find out who won the election!

The Legion’s First Death

Adventure Comics #520
Written by Paul Levtiz
Art by Kevin Sharpe
Co-Feature by Jeff Lemire
Art by Mahmud Asrar

 

The final early days of the Legion story was in this issue and it was really good as it focused on Saturn Girl’s thoughts after the death of Lighting Lad (who came back to life as we all know) although there was some annoying editorial mistakes (that was the original Invisible Kid, yet he is listed with the name of the secone one – come on they don’t even look the same!) I enjoyed it and it looks like Supergirl was officially a member of this Legion now. The Ant Farm concept is what is saving the Atom back-up from the boringness that is Ray Palmer but the annoying I am the science hero stuff was unnecessary.

Vote For Gates!

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #6
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Francis Portela, Phil Jimenez, and Yildiray Cinar

The first part was really good…so Brainiac 5 put “Morality Enhancement” in Earth-Man’s ring, which explains his quick change of heart about offworlders. I liked that because I found his change to be too rapid to be believable and I wonder what he will be like now that he has asked for a standard ring. It was good to see Chameleon Girl too. The second part was great as we visit the Legion Academy – I have to say that Dragonwing and Variable Lad seem to be the coolest possible Legion recruits and I can’t wait to see who wins the election. I voted for Gates!

Xenophobia

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #5
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and Francis Portela

 

A xenophobic group called EarthForce attacks the refugee camp for the Titanians and it is up to the Legion to save the day. There was a lot of good stuff and some interesting revelations about Harmonia Li – apparently she is immortal or something like that. I still think she is up to no good. Earth-Man seems to be changing rather quickly – and seems to be a lot less Xenophobic now, even sleeping with Shadow Lass – that was quick, too quick! I wonder if something is up with that and he isn’t being genuine or his mind is being effected. I don’t know but Levitz continues to bring the Legion to new heights.

Superman Batman 75 and 76

Superman/Batman #75
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Jerry Ordway

 

The anniversary issue has a bunch of tiny back-up features that I won’t cover here cause most are not in continuity but the main story was an epilogue to Levitz’s previous arc as a future Lexor citizen comes back in time to kill Superman and the Legion and Batman team up to stop them. It was good and Ordway’s art was great but nothing to get too excited about. I am kinda sick of the same four Legionnaires always being used – let’s mix it up a bit Levitz.

Superman/Batman #76
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Marco Rudy

Now this was great! We finally get to see Superman’s reaction to Batman’s “death” during Final Crisis and it was a really great. Winik could have made this cliche and dumb as hell (imagine if this was written by Meltzer) but instead we get a look at how Superman views death and the fate of his friends as well as some awesome moments between him and Wonder Woman. I loved it!

His Future

Adventure Comics #518
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Kevin Sharpe
Co-Feature by Jeff Lemire
Art by Mahmud Asrar

 

The main feature was okay…definitely not the best chapter of these early Legion stories Levitz is doing as it was basically Superboy confronting the fact that he will be killed by doomsday one day and a weird ghost talking to him. The Atom back-up wasn’t bad – still find Ray Palmer to be boring and missing Ryan Choi but ugh oh well.

Darkseid Worshippers

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #3
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and Francis Portela

 

Levitz knocks it out of the park for the third time in a row as his Legion is filled with so many twists, turns, action, and character moments. There is just too much I could talk about here. Earth-Man’s ring bringing him to planet to save sentient bugs, the defeat of Saturn Queen and her revelations about the history of Titan, and finally Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl discovering Avalon worshipping Darkseid???? No idea where they are going with this but I am excited and I am not even a fan of THIS version of the Legion. Great stuff.

Saturn Queen Attacks

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #2
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar and Francis Portela

 

Saturn Queen shows up and brainwashes Brainy and Ultra Boy. At the same time, the Legion is dealing with xenophobic protesters as the refugees from Titan arrives on earth. There are so many plot threads going on and I love all of it. This is how you write a comic. It manages to have action, adventure, relationships, and politics but it doesn’t seem too busy. Levitz is a freaking master at storytelling. I love this series so much already and it isn’t even “My legion.” I never read the Reboot Legion but was Gates always so cranky or is that a new part of his personality? He seemed to be so here. A part of me misses the Phantom Girl from Earth-Prime who talked to herself and Saturn Girl being a mute. Those were cool additions to those characters but I Guess I will just have to get used to their Earth-0 counterparts. This book is great and I hope everyone keeps reading it!

Levitz Returns To What Made Him A Legend And Succeeds!

Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6) #1
Written by Paul Levitz
Art by Yildiray Cinar

 

Okay I went into this a little worried. This isn’t “my legion”. I got into them during the threeboot or what is now known as the Legion of Earth-Prime and I fell in love with those characters and this is the original Legion that I do not know so well. But Gosh darn it this was FUCKING AMAZING! I mean everyone said Levitz writes great Legion stories but I did not expect it to be like this. So much happened in this issue and he managed to fit in quite moments, action, and great characterization. There was truly never a dull moment. I think this could become one of my new favorite books! Pick this up people you will not be disappointed if you are a new Legion fan or old. There is even a strong connection to the rest of the DC Universe – the upcoming Flashpoint event is mentioned as well as Sodom Yot being involved. The art is fantastic as well might I add. Every page was breathtaking and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Oh and for a second there – I actually though they were hinting that Miss Li was actually Cassandra Cain with memory loss?? I wouldn’t be against that idea although I don’t know how she ended up in the future – but I doubt that is what they were going for. Maybe I am just looking for her wherever I can.

Time Loops

Adventure Comics #514
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Travis Moore
Co-Feature by James Robinson
Art by Bernard Chang

In the main feature Brainiac 5 delivers Brainiac to the Coluans and Vril Dox and then delivers the Lanothians to Titan where they will be ruled over by Jemm and called Titanians from now on. I love the use of Legion continuity here and really establishing the origins of these places. I wonder if Titan will interact with earth at all in the 21st century? The back-up was an excellent ending to James Robinson’s entire run on Superman. He wraps up Mon-El’s storyline by having him return to the Phantom Zone and then arriving in the future all the way back to whatever issue of Legion he first appeared in the future in. I liked that he didn’t just leave but gave the letter to Billi Harper and remembered that he spent a year in this century on earth. I will miss his character and I think Robinson – in the end – really did a great job with him.

Three Fronts

Adventure Comics #512
Written by James Robinson, Sterling Gates, and Eric Trauttman
Art by Travis Moore, Eduardo Pansica, and Pier Gallo

 

The main feature is Part 4 of the Last Stand of New Krypton Storyline that began in Last Stand #1, and continued here and here. Robinson’s portion of the story is more of a catch-up on the history of the Brainiac’s and we learn that the reason why the past is changing is because somehow Brainiac kills Superman so Brainiac 5 is going back in time to help stop that from happening. It was good. It is not the Legion that I am familiar with and I do miss them, but it is still cool to see all those Legionnaires. I like that XS and Gates haven’t been forgotten! The Sterling Gates written part of the storyline takes place in the present as Tellus uses his telepathic powers to convince the Kryptonians to work together. It was all good nothing to complain about. Finally Trauttman’s story deals with the sleeper agents on earth in a rather interesting way. All of this was good stuff I am loving this crossover so far!