quote:Originally posted by the boy with UltraPowers:
i quite liked the fact that they looked like twins !!! although i think BARRY mentioned in another thread, they will look diffrent in the coming issues .....
Matthew. [/QB][/QUOTE]
That's good to know. I did think that a resemble between two random people isn't so unusual. But it would be confusing in a comic... unless the creators really had a point in mind.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Huh? Knowing Ultra Boy, he probably has a mean, mangy-looking Rimboran wolfhound. Calls it Brin.
Guess I was being a shade too enigmatic here, huh? I thought *everybody'd* get the Legion of Super Pets 'future deduction'.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Their Silver Age confrontation in "The Mutiny of the Legionnaires" is burned into my memory. Now that Dirk is feeling a little better (hee, hee), these two are well matched. I dare say, Sun Boy seems smarter and more attuned to the spirit of the Legion than Cos.
Well, maybe *some* of the Legion.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: His hair color varied somewhat throughout. Earlier in the issue, it was almost identical to Ayla's (which varied as well). Personally, I prefer the muted red color for Light Lass and the golden blonde shade for Dirk, i.e., sun rather than fire. It compliments his costume, and would help distinguish him from Lightning Lad (who also has longish hair), assuming L-Lad's coloring is identical to Ayla's.
I'd actually prefer a bright red for Sun Boy, with L-Lad and Ayla bearing the strawberry blond/e shade.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Yup. I never realized how much I missed Sun Boy until now. SW6 Inferno and the postboot Dirk were pitiful imposters.
I loved the *look* of the SW6 inferno more than any visual representation, so far (though I still like the classic uniform best...). And I thought postboot Dirk had potential-- he was free from the negative influence of his father which ultimately led to his downfall in the 5YG years (an oversimplification, perhaps).
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Not only is she cute as a bug, but she's comfortable bantering with the tough guys and doesn't shy away from a bit of raunchy talk! This Light Lass doesn't need lightning to sparkle. One of the better characterizations, imo, along with Sun Boy and Star Boy.
I'd add Shadow Lass to that list. Ayla oughta keep that helmet, after personalizing it a bit. She looked *great* in it!
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Maybe, but I found his reaction uncharacteristically hot-headed and belligerent. A less melodramatic, but more "Cos-like" response would have been terminating the transmission while the senator was in mid-sentence, rather than destroying the holo equipment in a hissy fit. An intemperate Cosmic Boy doesn't bode well for the characterizations of other, traditionally less level-headed Legionnaires, imo. Next thing you know, Ultra Boy will be tearing up the rec room because Phantom Girl snubbed him.
Waid remarked in a recent interview that he wanted to explore both the joys and anger of being young. Fine, as long as he gets point across without distorting the characters. Speaking of which ...
We've seen Cos throw little hissy fits before... when he starts 'aiming' them at Legionnaires, then I'll think we're in distortion territory.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: I recall Barry saying the symbols would change as he transmutes. But you're right, we didn't see it happen here. While I dislike the wizard costume, I was very pleased with Jan's battlefield debut, even if he didn't utter a sound. The chess scene looked promising, too. It suggests he won't be portrayed as such an oddball loner this time around. We shall see.
I sometimes like the costume... though I'm all for a change to blue and green. He has a mischievous *something* in his expression that reminds me of his ADVENTURE persona a bit. I'm most curious about his origin.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: I agree, and Barry hinted we would eventually see adherents of all ages. The older ones prefer the battle cry "Eat it, sonny".
Actually, it'd be pretty funny to see a counter-culture 'oldster' say "Eat it, grandpa" to a pro-establishment teenager.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Exactly. I'd hoped for a more substantial explanation of their ideology and motives in the first issue. The historical montage was nice, but not particularly informative.
After a few days, I think the images have a cumulative power that sort of seeps in. Would I have preferred to receive information about characters or setting or philosophy in those pages? You betcha. But I'm sure that info'll come...
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Perhaps, but didn't it bother anyone else that "Victory Day Plus One' epilogue doesn't portray one single Legionnaire or Legion follower mourning the dead of Lallor? Instead, Star Boy banters with Lyle about the team "leaving an impression" while the crowds below in the plaza look jolly. It was presumably a great loss to the movement, and should have had a more discernible impact. The term "red shirts" comes to mind.
It was a jarring transition... I need to reread these two sequences again, I think.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: I'm glad you mentioned this enhancement in particular. Very cool, indeed.
I wonder what else the rings can do... everything an Omnicom could? And are the telepathic earplugs still around? That'd explain some of the team's silence during the Lallor scene.
quote:Originally posted by Tromium: Well, it *is* an Elseworld as far as I'm concerned, until the writers come up with a good explanation why the Legion of the last 10 years was not the "real" one. I don't mean to sound obstinate, but they're not getting away with it that easily!
I dunno-- I don't think we've seen the last of the reboot versions of these characters, myself. Or the preboot ones, for that matter.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: SHADOW LASS: She's comfortably speaking her mind right off the bat. Shadey has more shades of Umbra than adventure-era Shadow Lass, but a better attitude towards the team. She's not taking much part in the casual banter, though. Maybe she's all business. I like her uniform, but wouldn't mind a more visible symbol on it.
Moy's reboot costume is still my favorite, though I *do* like this one. It'd be kind of cool if a symbol appears when she's merged in darkness, one that isn't visible in light.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: ULTRA BOY: I never considered that Ultra Boy's powers might change, so I suppose it's good that they didn't. He really exhibits a strong personality here, even if it isn't the most cuddly variety. Still, I too enjoyed his depiction. Provided he isn't later symbiotically linked to Tinya so that he's useless without her, I think I'll like what he adds to the team. His uniform is fine too, as one of the more iconic it couldn't really change too much, so whatever changes it does have are fine with me.
Good point about Jo and Tinya. No love at first sight moment for this pair (unless it happened long ago, and they both got over it). I hope they're kept separate for a good while, even if they do eventually get together.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: SUN BOY: Definitely more reminiscent of his adventure-era persona, and I too was surprised to see how much I enjoyed that. Not that I liked him calling Brainy a geek or arguing with Cosmic Boy when they really didn't need to. It's just nice to see someone else who can take charge instead of the usual take-charge panel-hogs. Now we just need him to not become one. I think his new costume is perfect.
I *definintely* didn't like the geek comment. Maybe Dirk feels a bit self-conscious at his *own* geekdom and thus lashes out at the more obvious geeks? I hope he still has some scientific bent in his 'new' makeup.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: COLOSSAL/MICRO BOY: He appears to like to hang out with Ultra Boy, which might introduce an interesting dynamic. I appreciate the shift in his origin too. Something needed to happen with the "affected by a random comet-fall" type origins that haven't passed muster since the 70s. His costume works, though some epaulets or shoulder ruffles wouldn't be bad.
I like the idea of eqaulets... maybe he'll have to *earn* them?
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: STAR BOY: I never cared much for Star Boy, and yet he was easily my favorite character from this story. He wins best new costume award, and his fallibility was likeable rather than overdone. Make too much of it, though, and I'll just get sick of it like I did with the whiney reboot version.
He was likeable, here. A great costume never hurts, either. He's definitely one to watch, along with Sun Boy.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: LIGHT LASS: Light Lass was at her worst when she left the legion after the Great Darkness and when she had issues when her powers changed in the reboot. I hated those depictions. Here she wasn't trying to prove something or wallowing in self-doubt; it was the best I've ever seen her. I suppose the bare midriff costume is today's version of the 70's swimming-suit. At least it makes more sense, and Light Lass's is well done.
I don't think her doubts after the Great Darkness had so much to do with herself as they did with her impression of the Legion and it's mission at the time. Those were definitely low periods for her. I'm sorry we won't be seeing her masquerade as her brother, though. I think that could've been a fun, comedic subplot for a few issues... here or even in the earlier reboot.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: INVISIBLE KID: I suppose that he's the one we're supposed to identify with. Well, he serves the purpose of an avenue for introducing an established team well enough, though I felt the result left him without as well-developed a personality as the others. Maybe I'll be more impressed later.
Hmmm. I suppose the preview had more character development for Lyle? Still, he's not as memorable, yet, as early-reboot Lyle. IMO.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: CHAMELEON: I liked Cham here, maybe because he didn't talk much. I never really appreciated the personalities he developed in previous versions, so the less I hear from him the more I can foster the hope that I'll like him better here. Still, I'd like to see something more imaginative than changing into more big monsters. His costume and look were fine by me, and I definitely appreciate the recognition of his (her?) non-gender.
He's more alien, that's for sure. A thorougly different character than other Cham's. Not sure if I like that yet.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: COSMIC BOY: Cosmic Boy representing the Legion to the authorities is just about what you'd expect from him. But, it was nice to see him get angry with himself and help establish that the Legion isn't a branch of the UP--which was a good. Now there's just all the other questions to answer about where the Legion came from and what they're up to.
I hope Cos' status as a former athletic star is maintained.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: KARATE KID: Looks like he does what he always has, but it's good to not hear from him during the issue. Actually it was good to see that none of the combatants were chatting while in action on Lallor. They may be smarmy when the job is done, but when they're at work it's time to focus. Anyway, Karate Kid's costume is okay. I'd like it even better without the yin-yang symbol. I just can't see that symbol without thinking of some kitschy consumerist merchandise.
Gotta pay for that HQ somehow, don't they?
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: PHANTOM GIRL: She looks good, appears a bit more hand-to-hand than I'd expect. But I suppose only making certain body parts tangible would be quite useful on any battlefield.
I'm looking forward to 'meeting' the new Tinya very much! I'd grown pretty tired of her in the reboot.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: ELEMENT LAD: Okay, he has to touch to transmute things--and apparently concentrate too. I'm not completely thrilled with that, but I suppose anything to keep him from becoming a lunatic again. I would really like to see one practical aspect of his power dealt with; however, and that's the technicalities of changing something from solid to liquid or gas and vice versa. If you're theoretically changing wvery atom in an object to an atom of something else, you couldn't change a dense solid into a gaseous form without some form of decompression could you? And you definitely couldn't change a batch of atmosphere into a solid metal--maybe metal dust or something, but not a defined object. Anyway, just some form of explanation for how he accomplishes that sort of thing would do. His costume is okay, a bit too intricate for my preferences. If you look at the lowermost symbol when he transmutes the weapons on Lallor, the triangle changes from pointing down to pointing up (perhaps evoking his up-arrow costume). It looks almost like an afterthought.
I didn't notice the triangle bit at all! I'm going to have to look again! We don't yet *know* that E-Lad *always* transmutes by touch...
The gas/solid/liquid question is a good one. I've always thought that'd make sense for E-Lad to carry around small objects to transmute, as well. A point for the cape (though I'm still getting used to a cloaked Element Lad-- maybe he should have a staff, too?)...
Hmmm... does he wear gloves? Wouldn't gloves hinder transmutation-by-touch? Or help regulate it? We just don't know enough yet...
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: BRAINY: He is kind of a mystery left over from the cover, isn't he. Well, we supposedly get more of him in the next issue. How many days until that again?
Too many.
quote:Originally posted by Awkward Pause Boy: THEENA: She's the Legion's blogger.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Colossal Boy: The big man with a chip on his shoulder! Oh, and he. is. alive!
Ultra Boy *was* goading him, so I don't know that I'd think he has a chip on his shoulder... yet.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Sun Boy: Radiant! Charismatic! Decisive! A veritable Apollo! A new keeper of the flame for the spirit of the Legion! (Whatever that is, at this point.) Sun Boy is easily the most interesting and surprising character of the new series.
I dunno, Gim and Ayla might get the surprising nodes for me. He's got that old ADVENTURE spark, that's for sure! Let's hope he stays away from space fatigue and Nefarious Nebulae in the future, though.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Shadow Lass: Calm, confidant, questioning, counseling, a little sarcastic. I love her, and let me go on record, I don't MIND her new color so much. She's like a dusky, kick-ass elf when she is talking with Cosmic Boy. I always thought the bright blue looked too cartoony.
LOVED the brighter blue! I liked her with longer hair, too... but I still think she looks great. I don't really see that much difference between her skin tones here and in other versions. At least when compared to other colors in the book.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Cosmic Boy: Very intelligent, very serious, very responsible, but still willing to listen to others and change his mind. Not bad qualities for a leader, but I will look forward to a non-CB leader someday. (How many of the past 16 years of the Legion's publication has Cosmic Boy BEEN leader, anyway? Geez, sit on your hands and give someone else a chance for a change!) What I like about Cos is that he is clearly struggling to lead something he founded, but that is growing beyond his ability to directly control. That's very real and very interesting.
I have a feeling there'll be a new leader fairly soon. Maybe with reader participation?!!
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Ultra Boy: "It's not all giant robots." Ultra Boy is, thankfully, still cool, and cooler than he has been in awhile. Also a natural leader and mentor, although in a tough-love sort of way. I vastly prefer this UB to the somewhat diffident, puppy love Jo of the early reboot. He's clearly accustomed already to being the most powerful Legionnaire. Wonder how he will feel when a Daxamite shows up?
I hope that Daxamite doesn't show up for a year or so. I preferred 'puppy love' Jo to henpecked (squared!) Jo.
I hope this one's playing the field and isn't already linked for life to one person.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Star Boy: Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest. The hard-luck hero with the heart of gold is back.
Uh- I'd say that's been characteristic of Star Boy in all the boots so far.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Light Lass: Sassy, sexy, and fun. Who could ask for more? Like others, I am delighted to see her enjoying her light powers again.
Me, too. I liked her banter with the two 'Boys', as well.
quote:Originally posted by doublechinner: Invisible Kid: Definitely not the inscrutable, devious character of the 1990s, at least, not yet. He's a great choice to represent us new readers in the story. He's smart, curious, wants to learn, but doesn't take things at face value.
I'm still smarting a bit from losing the reboot I-Kid. I hope a lot of the spirit of that character is incorporated into this one.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Please add my codolences to the list. Hopefully a new year will lift some of your sorrow.
I'm still not all that crazy about this reboot, but I daresay it might be more because I'm loathe to get attached for fear of the next inevitable reboot.
For some reason I keep seeing Kate Beckinsale whenever I look at Umbra, sorry Shadow Lass, (she was never a fave of mine until she became Umbra).
From: Boston | Registered: Jul 2003
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Faraway Lad
Senator of the UP. Permanent Ambassador to the Court of Saint James
posted
Todd, Great review as always and you raise some interesting points for me to mull over as i re read. I always like the way your reviews kick off so much diiscussion between posters as well.
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. To loose a parent at any time is hard, but in the run up to Christmas. Remember your legion world friends may be faraway geographically but we are here for you if you need us.
-------------------- Faithfull
From: Newcastle upon Tyne England | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Thank you for your thoughts Bubble Wrap Boy, Sketch Lad and Faraway Lad. I appreciate your collective kindness.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Bubble Wrap Boy: I'm still not all that crazy about this reboot, but I daresay it might be more because I'm loathe to get attached for fear of the next inevitable reboot.
That is a real danger, isn't it? I hope WaK are taking that into account.
quote:Originally posted by Bubble Wrap Boy: For some reason I keep seeing Kate Beckinsale whenever I look at Umbra, sorry Shadow Lass, (she was never a fave of mine until she became Umbra).
She was a favorite of mine from the early days of Bates/Cockrum/Grell. She was one of those characters in whom I always saw huge untapped potential; potential that I thought was closer to fulfillment in the reboot-- particularly under DNA/Coipel/Lightle/Batista.
Do you think she should be 'Queen of the Lot'? If her origin stands?
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Faraway Lad: Todd, Great review as always and you raise some interesting points for me to mull over as i re read. I always like the way your reviews kick off so much diiscussion between posters as well.
Hey-- consider your participation in whatever discussion occurs (or doesn't) is hereby solicited! Which is a long way to say... share what you're 'mulling over'!
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
Some additional thoughts that came to me during a second reading--
--The opening page featuring Roman Legionnaires was a fitting beginning to a new series featuring 31st century Legionnaires. As a bit of a 'romanophile', I appreciate this-- even if I did sort of pan the opening sequence a bit.
--I wonder... which Legionnaires could fill the roles portrayed in this opening? ... a Roman soldier ... Robin Hood ... Joan of Arc ... Jesse Owens ... Sgt. Rock? ... JLA member
-- How sterile 31st century Metropolis (I'm assuming Legion HQ is in Metropolis as well as the SP HQ) is... there's nary a tree, park or bit of earth to be seen.
Makes me wanna see Starhaven or Winath or some other natureworld.
-- Sun Boy's line: "Cos hasn't acted his age for weeks now." Reminds me of the Star Trek episode MIRI. Is Cos the first Legionnaire beginning to come up against cool, hard facts and the inevitable transition of growing up?
--Theena... is she the new 'Eyeful Ethel'? Or is the being on her back!!!????
--another Sun Boy line... "When gender applies" very subtle way to tell us that his dating Light Lass once upon a time might not be the full depiction of his... range? I know... grasping at straws (not even straws... the strawlets used to stir coffee in some diners!)
-- Projectra's couchmate... could it be one of her own illusions?
-- I love that E-Lad is reading a book! Wonder what it is? I hope it's a work of fiction... or history... or science... not some mystical tome.
-- Green-haired guy on Theena's first panel... Chlorophyll Kid? Girl between Greentop and Theena... Sade? Next panel... dark-haired guy with dark shades... Tenzil???
--What in the worlds is Brainy doing?
-- the panel where Theena is sharing the images of the Lallorian battle with the legionnaires/human (shouldn't that be sentient?) shield... there's a balding teen two rows behind her... Kid Psycho? His power and its complication would somehow fit in with the exploration of generational tensions, strangely.
-- Next to last page, 2nd panel... Command Kid? (with his arm draped over fish-head guy's shoulder?) I like the design of the gregarious guy in the same panel with the stripe down his face.
-- the HQ... I'm surprised the Legionnaires haven't give the place a coat of bright-colored paint... the uniformity of color in the cityscape could be a visualization of the very thing they feel 'oppressed' (is that too strong a word?) by.
From: Knoxville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Mystery Lad: --I wonder... which Legionnaires could fill the roles portrayed in this opening?
... a Roman soldier - Jo (the brute!) ... Robin Hood - Dirk (the scoundrel!) ... Joan of Arc - Shady (esp DnA version who heard voices) ... Jesse Owens - Star Boy (by breaking a race barrier in this new Legion), or XS (running, duh) ... Sgt. Rock? - Cosmic Boy (the good soldier) ... JLA member - WILDFIRE (flash and pizzaz!)
quote:Originally posted by Mystery Lad: -- Sun Boy's line: "Cos hasn't acted his age for weeks now." Reminds me of the Star Trek episode MIRI. Is Cos the first Legionnaire beginning to come up against cool, hard facts and the inevitable transition of growing up?
I just figured he'd been replaced by Proty...
From: New York, NY | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
I'm glad that you're back, Todd. I'll pray for you and your mom ~ I lost my parents a little over ten years ago and I still miss them. sigh
About the Legionnaires ~ I loved your comments, as always, and I hope Jo's dog DOES become a Superpet!
I loved all of the new characterizations. The ones that stand out in my mind though, are:
Sun Boy ~ I really like his look abd presentation. He's perfect in costume and attitude, IMO, and since his eyes were black, I still hold out a hope for him being a fire elemental.
Micro Lad ~ LOL! And what a 'jock' attitude. It's the first time I have ever liked Gim.
As for the lack of carry over from Lallor, I hope the missing grief/emotion isn't going to be a hallmark of the reboot. Waid just has to include those types of connections if the stories are going to have any true 'greatness'. Again, in my opinion.
Anyway. Shady/Candlelight
-------------------- Let the games thrive, friend and foe alike.
But, . . . the time is shorter than we think.
Registered: Jul 2004
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