Written by Geoff Johns & Michael Shoemaker
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:
Published for November 2009, this series’ historical numbering is acknowledged, in terms of Issue # 505. Presumably titled The Boy of Steel – Part Two, the lead feature begins in West Virginia, as Brainiac makes short work of a pursuing U.S. military airstrike squadron. The hunt remains on for a fugitive Lex Luthor & Brainiac. In Smallville, a fretting Conner Kent continues his journal comparing his personality traits between both of his ‘fathers:’ Superman & Luthor. With Krypto & Martha Kent chaperoning, he enjoys a romantically poignant post-Final Crisis reunion with Teen Titans teammate/girlfriend, Cassie “Wonder Girl” Sandsmark. Catching up on recent headlines, Luthor is stunned to learn of Conner’s return.
The back-up feature is entitled “Long Live the Legion, Part Two: Lightning Lad.” Fellow original Legionnaires Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl struggle with telling her disgruntled husband, Lightning Lad, that his imprisoned brother wants a meeting. Shocking news sends Lightning Lad back to his home planet.
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:
Writer Geoff Johns continues a soft re-launch of Conner Kent/Superboy that makes good sense. As seen in the terrific cover image, Conner & Cassie’s long-awaited reunion plays out as fans hope it would. Johns is capably supported by the art team’s simple visual style. Artist Francis Manapul’s low-key elegance (including life-like facial expressions) provides a major contribution to the lead feature’s charm.
The same doesn’t apply to the back-up feature (co-written by Johns and Michael Shoemaker), which relies on fan knowledge of Lightning Lad’s criminal brother. The story’s dubious highlight is Lightning Lad’s retaliation against a prison inmate for a very crude and unnecessary innuendo. Though adults will grasp what this lewd insult is, it’s extremely inappropriate for younger readers. DC Comics inexplicably failed to put some sort of parental advisory at the story’s beginning as fair warning. This Legion tale isn’t much of a read, as it equals the art team’s uninspired visuals. Overall, Adventure Comics # 2 (aka Issue # 505) best serves fans of the Conner-Cassie romance angle.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
It’s revealed that Red Robin (Tim Drake) will appear in Adventure Comics # 3 (# 505), as Sun Boy & Polar Boy take up starring roles for the next Legion tale. Dan DiDio’s single-page DC Nation column contemplates the possibility of restoring Wonder Woman’s original numbering, as her landmark 600th issue is fast approaching. Additionally, a six-preview of R.E.B.E.L.S. Annual # 1 guest-starring Starro the Conqueror is included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
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