Written by Geoff Johns
Lead Feature Art by Francis Manapul; Brian Buccellato; & Steven Wands
Back-Up Feature Art by Clayton Henry; Brian Reber; & Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
SUMMARY:
Returning for October 2009, DC Comics re-launched its long-dormant Adventure Comics series with Conner Kent’s newly-resurrected Superboy and the franchise’s long-time residents: The Legion of Super-Heroes. The series’ historical numbering is acknowledged, since this inaugural issue is technically Issue # 504.
The lead feature is entitled “The Boy of Steel (Part One).” Following the Final Crisis – Legion of 3 Worlds storyline, Conner Kent/Superboy has resumed his residence with a widowed Martha Kent and Krypto in Smallville. Quietly re-acclimating, Superboy keeps a private journal pondering how he should best try emulating Clark’s past. He reflects on his similarities to both of his “fathers:” Superman and Lex Luthor.
Entitled “Long Live the Legion,” the back-up feature recounts how the original Superboy pioneered the path for countless extraterrestrials to follow his migration to Earth. Once the narrator is revealed as a mentally addled Starboy, it appears that he is in present-day Smallville. Later meeting up with his Legion teammate, Tellus, Starboy is determined to find his beloved Dream Girl.
Note: Though DC Comics doesn’t include an image with the comic, there’s a variant cover by artist Francis Manapul that officially ‘honors’ the series’ original numbering.
REVIEW:
Pulling double story duties, Geoff Johns nicely parallels Superboy’s Smallville experiences to Superman’s. Conner’s chemistry with Martha, Krypto, and Superman are interwoven well into this mix. Far from his obnoxious first incarnation, the far humbler Conner is likable as a series lead. Yet, it’s uncertain if he can muster enough intriguing solo storylines outside of Teen Titans to capitalize on this newfound momentum. Still, Krypto’s presence is delightfully low-key in a modern rehash of the Silver Age’s Kryptonian boy-and-his-dog stories.
Reading the Legion of Super-Heroes story, however, requires some prior knowledge of the recent Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds mini-series and perhaps Starboy’s presence in JSA: Kingdom Come. The idea of a Legion stealth mission in the early 21st Century may well work, but this opener is just a teaser. Despite its grand title, what little Johns’ back-up feature accomplishes implies a work still in progress.
While Starboy spotlights the back-up tale, this book’s terrific cover image smartly reflects Superboy’s split existence between Superman and Luthor. As such, the classy storytelling in Adventure Comics # 504 is appropriate for all ages and is well-anchored by its artwork. Even if neither story is memorable, it’s a delight to see Adventure Comics welcomed back.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A single-page preview intriguingly hints at Adventure Comics’ upcoming storylines. Ian Sattler’s single-page DC Nation column hypes the upcoming Batman – Widening Gyre # 1. Sattler also revealswhy he likes word balloons on front covers.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
