Written by John Ostrander & Len Wein
Art by John Byrne; Karl Kesel; Tom Ziuko; Carl Gafford; & Steve Haymie
Cover by John Byrne
SUMMARY:
This 168-page paperback was re-released by DC Comics in 2016. First published as a six-issue mini-series in 1986-87, Legends heralds the Justice League’s reboot after DC’s historic Crisis on Infinite Earths. Specifically, Legends revamps the League concept, as likely contenders Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Wally West’s Flash are already busy in their own individual titles. For this series, potential Leaguers include: Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern; Doctor Fate; Martian Manhunter; Black Canary; Changeling (Beast Boy); Captain Marvel/Shazam; and Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle.
On the planet Apokolips, Darkseid initiates his less-than-subtly titled ‘Operation: Humiliation’ to disgrace and ultimately neutralize Earth’s super-heroes. Inspiring public antipathy through underling Glorious Godfrey’s hypnotic voice, Darkseid frames Captain Marvel/Shazam for murder. Even with Firestorm and a time-displaced Cosmic Boy, a outmatched Detroit Justice League can’t stop the menacing Brimstone. Upon halting a bank heist, Batman & Jason Todd’s Robin are ambushed by violent Gotham City demonstrators. A dismayed Superman observes U.S. President Ronald Reagan order a national ban on costumed heroes. Others, including Black Canary, Guy Gardner, and Blue Beetle face their own predicaments once they’re suddenly branded as outlaws.
Amanda Waller orders an incredulous Col. Rick Flagg to assemble Task Force X (aka the Suicide Squad) as a contingency plan. As world unrest burns, eleven heroes join forces once they realize who is ultimately pulling the puppet strings. A public showdown may be their last stand.
REVIEW:
On the upside, this simplistic premise contemplates how the fickle masses idolize super-heroes. The sequence re: Robin’s near-death, for instance, is compelling, as is Wally West’s public ruse impersonating Barry Allen’s deceased Flash. Other sub-plots, such as Doctor Fate’s presence; the debut of a new Suicide Squad; and a devastated Billy Batson (again, a child rather than a young adult), shine at the right moments. A predictable finale spells out why certain B-list characters are used in lieu of reliable Justice Leaguers to help sell this fresh start.
To this book’s credit, profanities, gore, and sexuality are excluded in an appreciated nod to good taste. Still, from an adult perspective, unfortunately, the one-dimensional plot is so blandly clichéd. Case in point: the ham-fisted opening Apokolips sequence seems straight out of The Super-Friends instead of kicking off DC’s new post-Crisis continuity. Further, co-writers John Ostrander and Len Wein unnecessarily muddy new continuity, as it isn’t clear which characters know one another or previously belonged to the League (in another life, of course). At least, Changeling and Wally West’s prior history in the Teen Titans is kept intact.
Ostrander & Wein further ensure that their cast members receive some welcome character depth at opportune moments, i.e. devising the post-Crisis Wonder Woman’s public debut. The problem is that these well-played ideas invariably get lost in the overall shuffle, as Darkseid’s political smear campaign takes precedence.
John Byrne’s fine visuals are an asset, but they don’t remotely challenge George Pérez’s stellar work on Crisis on Infinite Earths. Despite Byrne’s classiness, the major detriment against Legends is an underwhelming script that falls far short as a worthy follow-up to Crisis.
In fairness, as Alan Gold’s afterword indicates, Legends wasn’t designed to challenge Crisis, in terms of sheer epic caliber. Regardless of DC’s intentions, its awkward strategy gambles on mixing real world adult politics with a kid-friendly, middle school mentality. It’s no wonder that neither target audience will likely come away satisfied. For that reason alone, Legends is a middling read for adults and younger fans alike – suffice to say, this storyline doesn’t age too well with today’s generation.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
All six covers are nicely reproduced in a full-page format, as is the unremarkable cover for Legends: The Collection (the original release of this trade paperback). DC Editor Alan Gold provides an insightful, three-page afterword explaining the behind-the-scenes production of Legends. For instance, the creative rationale switching Superman and Wonder Woman’s scripted roles proves interesting.
ROSCOE & BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
