Written by John Ostrander & Lein Wein
Art by John Byrne; Steve Haynie; & Tom Ziuko
Cover Art by John Byrne
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 1986, it’s entitled “Once Upon a Time …!” Kicking off a six-part mini-series, it’s meant to jump-start some high-profile reboots in the wake of the 1985-86 Crisis on Infinite Earths series.
On Apokolips, Darkseid and DeSaad scheme to finally destroy Earth’s heroes. Brimstone’s fiery rampage forces Firestorm and a time-displaced Cosmic Boy to team up with the Detroit Justice League (Martian Manhunter; Gypsy; Vixen, Elongated Man; Steel; & Vibe). Wally West’s Flash dispatches Deadshot before seeking some advice from ex-teammate Changeling at Titans Tower. Darkseid’s underling, “Glorious” Godfrey, witnesses Captain Marvel’s magical lightning ‘kill’ Darkseid’s pawn: Macro-Man. Col. Rick Flag is incredulous that Amanda Waller wants him recruiting and commanding Task Force X (aka The Suicide Squad). A devastated Billy Batson makes a fateful decision.
REVIEW:
Boosted by John Byrne’s penciling, this first issue opens up some intriguing storylines. For instance, Billy Batson is a child again (vs. teenager), as his Captain Marvel is re-introduced as a rookie hero instead of the Golden Age legend he previously was. Readers also see Wally West’s deceptive approach at carrying on Barry Allen’s legacy as the Flash. Putting Darkseid’s clichéd prologue aside (it’s far more worthy of a Super-Friends cartoon), Legends # 1 doesn’t rely upon either Batman or Superman to get DC’s new ‘crisis’ underway. Keeping modest expectations, this kid-friendly issue by co-writers John Ostrander & Len Wein is a decent read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Editor Mike Gold provides an insightful two-page column re: the origin of this Legends mini-series.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
