Legion World Forums LEGION CLUBHOUSE The Legion of Super-Heroes Long Live the Legion! Dev revisits the 5YL era

Very cool. Will read through that soon. Coming soon here...Legion of Super Heroes, Legionnaires and Valor (mini reviews until the plot joins our characters.)

Speaking of FYL, I just bought a bunch of those issues.

#28-31, 33-34, 42, 45

Issue #39, Jan 93 - Beginnings

The title is "Beginnings", but a more appropriate name would have been "Wrap ups and Teases."

Overall a very solid issue that touches on what happened, and what's coming. Tom and Mary are on their own as writers, and Giffen is involved as an artist (one who uses both his regular LSH style and his "newer" (at the time) uber sketchy style.

Stuart Immonen comes on board here and knocks the art out of the park.

We are shown the things that several Legion members were doing during the destruction of the Earth. The choices they had to make and the no win situation that they found themselves in. No matter what they did, it could never be enough.

We are also shown Ayla and Salu having a touching moment...not that kind of touching...geez.

The Legionnaires are on the remnants of Earth, also known as the floating cities. MELad still is with the jokes. Obviously how he deals with his emotions...good or bad. I think we all know someone like him. That's what makes him a good character for the coming Legionnaires book.

McCauley is given a loss. Loss of several of the individuals that he had kept in stasis with the power of the Emerald Eye.

Issue #40, Feb 93 - Guess who's back? Wrong!

That was a cheap shot to the fans of Drake "Wildfire" Burroughs. Using a never before seen brother that was given the exact same powers as Drake to fake out the fans...low blow.

The issue itself is very solid and finally gets the Legion and Legionnaires together. Which leads to one of the most touching and heart wrenching scenes in this series.

Jacques brushes off duties that he never wanted, and that were thrust on him to find his sister. He tells Troy to deal, as he is the VP. Troy has come a long way from the angry young man he was when introduced.

The Subs, and Universo, get some admiration.

One of the prisoners from the mind-wiped super powered prisoners of the Dominators stages a small break and causes some mayhem. Some fun who's who with the characters involved.

The reunion/meeting of the two Legion groups is well done with great little one offs of conversations happening. The most prominent of these meetings is of course Jo meeting up with Ultra Boy and Phantom Girl. After trying to avoid them, he runs into Ultra Boy in the restroom...at least I think it was. In trying to get away from him he runs smack into Phantom Girl...the one he truly was trying to avoid. He then takes off, literally and floats in a ship outside the Floatilla and rereads Tinya's last note to him before she "died." The young Legionnaires realize what they have done to him too late. You can tell that Tom and Mary had a very big heart for Jo, and developed him more in their relatively short run than any combo of writers had done in the entire history oif the character until this time.

Valor #1, Nov 92 Endgame

This issue follows the Eclipso event that happened in late 1992.

Bearded Luthor (Jr. - heh) is having Lar analyzed after his possession by Eclipso. Lotsa background info here on Lar, but in hindsight it's all pointless because Lar (Mon El, Valor, Supes wannabe) has been introduced so many times into the Superman mythos it's kinda dumb.

Not a terrible issue, but nothing to write praises over either.

The art by Bright is fine. He has a definite style to his stuff (loved him on Quantum and Woody!) that I like.

Valor #2, Dec 92 - Boy meets Supergirl

They meet again for the first time...although this is neither the Supergirl from Legion past...or Lar from their past either...so wait...huh. Never mind.

The meet, they fight, she shape shifts into Luthor to get Lar where Lex wants him. This issue shows a Supergirl (matrix from the pocket universe) that is in love with Luthor. Hated this point in her story...Well honestly, I liked hewr intro into the Superman story and what Peter David did with her. The rest...not so much.

Note here. Doing the Valor stuff, like I did the Timber Wolf issues, to remain as consistent to the time period in which this all happened.

The Valor series becomes important later on in the run, and ties in directly to the main LSH and Legionnaires series.

Issue #41, Mar 93 - Introducing the Legionnaires

Very well done issue. Moves things along nicely. Sets up some new status quo. Gives hope to the darker future that we have seen since this book restarted "5 years later."

Art chores are split here between Immonen and Sprouse. Both provide good work, and Sprouse's stuff does give the Legionnaires a more youthful edge to them.

Jacques resigns as President, Troy is now in charge. Jacques also has a recruiting drive, which apparently does not include the Bimbino Twins (much to Tenzils dismay I'm sure.) Lot's of "we'll think about it" from the Subs as well as his own sister...not very promising.

Sean and Jan chat.

Brainy talks to Dawny. It seems to me that the reason that she was ignored so much previously was due to the K portion of the TMK team. But I could be mistaken.

There is a nice reunion between Invisible Kid and his parents...who buried their son 17 years prior. Nice touch by the writing crew here.

Reep decides to jump ship and form a "new" team with the Legionnaires. They receive sanctioning from President Troy. We meet the newer recruits (Computo, Dragonmage, Catspaw) and get to see their new uniforms...plus a few new code names for some old favorites.

Legionnaires #1, Apr 93 - Baptism by fire

Wow, has it really been that long since the SW6 kids got their own book?

This was a fun book overall. Lighter in tone from it's older counterpart...at least up until the end. Good art here by Sprouse. I like the Legionnaire Roll Call at the front, showing who is highlighted in the issue.

The thrust of the issue starts with trouble in the floating cities stability.

They find out a gang of kids called "The Hand."

Several of the Legionnaires attempt to infiltrate the hide=out, and are found out. Mega (a member of the gang that led them there) is killed, and Jo is in danger on the last page...

Things I really liked:

-Ferro Lad is back in action. Nice to see him and I like the daredevil attitude a lot.

-Great seeing the Legionnaires in action and in costume. It's been a while since we really had a Legion book with heroes running around in spandex. While I enjoy the more adult nature of the Legion book, it's a blast to see the young Legionnaires back in action.

While I enjoyed this book, there are a few quibbles with it:

-I know they set this up with the Proty/Garth thing, but I really do not remember Garth being such a dick before he "died." Ah well, can't have everything.

-What kind of undercover team goes into the opposing groups liar by only throwing coats over their uniforms. Cham (codename for him now that he is with the Legionnaires) is the leader of the Espionage Team, and this is the best disguises he can come up with for them?

-How does Mano know Apparitions new code name? The last he knew she went by Phantom Girl. Unless there was a huge media push while we were "away." On a total mess of a linked city floatilla.

I must also point out that I enjoyed the profile stuff in the backs of the first few issues. Nice touch to bring everyone up to speed on who's who.

Valor #3, Jan 93 - She's the One

Ummm...Valor fights off a gang of space hijackers led by The White Spider.

Valor seems strangely protective over his ship...which comes across as a pissy K.I.T.T.

He runs into Lobo (there's an original guest star, but at least they know each other) at the end and decks him because Lobo insulted his ship.

Valor #4, Feb 93 - Low Blow

L.E.G.I.O.N. is in this issue, and even though it's only as side/background guests, they're a welcome sight. The fight between Valor and Lobo takes up most of the issue. Meh. Dox of course double crosses Valor at the end, but what else would we expect.

LSH #42, Apr 93 - The Enemy Within

Good issue that gives Lu back a second body (Yay for Chuck)

Quick recap of Computo killing one of Triplicate Girls bodies. Lu wakes up from her dream to be taken by someone.

Poker night at LSH Headquarters when Chuck comes calling.

Brainy testsing Laurels strength after her recooperation. Receive message that someon is attacking Rond. Laurel goes to aid. Querl starts to puzzle it out.

Laurel is taken captive by the same mysterious figure. Querl is then taken, and we find out that the person taking the Legion members is working for Glorith.

That person is revealed to be Lu's second body that was lost during the Conspiracy story-line. Brainy is revealed to be Cham, and he ports Querl in, naked as a Jay Bird. He thought he had "worked it out."

Lu saves them from Glorith by using her shielding powers...a new development that is a really nice retconned gift from Querl.

Legionnaires #2, May 93 - 1...

Another great issue overall.

Short of not liking Live Wire's attitude, and the seeminglly forced triangle they were developing with the founders, there's not much to complain about.

Ultra Boy and the rest of the team are saved by great planning form Triad.

TRY OUTS!!!!!

-X-Bomb Betty - um...yeah. Not gonna really come up with anything that hasn't been said about her before sooo....

-Cera Kesh - Had potential, and it was interesting to see what happens to her later. One thing though, How did Live Wire fall on his hiney that hard if he is wearing a Legion Flight Ring?

-Plaid Lad - Best. Applicant. Ever.

Inferno shows what an arse he is here, which is interesting considering what he had seen himself become just months earlier. Again, this development feels a bit forced.

There's a monster in the tunnels, and the Persuaders axe is "stolen" by MacCauley.

Cuz he's an idiot.

Valor #5, Mar 93 - Go directly to jail

Valor ends up in prison thanks to Vril. Guest shot by the Blasters (anyone remember them?), but they seem to be here as a convenient plot device and nothing more.

Valor #6, Apr 93 - Blasters to the rescue.

Gee, the Blasters end up helping Valor break out. How convenient that they were in the right part of the Universe to help.

But wait...something else has escaped...or has it?

LSH #43, May 93 - The Witch is Back

Not a bad issue here. Art is fantastic, and the story is not to bad either. We finally revisit some lingering plots.

Mysa finds what she believes to be Amethyst and goes to attack Mordru. The Martian Manhunter (really old version) drops in to help, and try to warn her off as well.

Sussa shows up at Legion HQ for help opening her canister that she stole like 283 issues ago. How's that for a lingering sub-plot. Nice thing was her holding her own against some big guns of the LSH and immediately backing down to Drura,

Jacque is back, and he wants to get them outfits...

Legionnaires #3, Jun 93 - 2...The Beast below

We're setting up the Fatal Five. Good issue...same dislikes.

Mordecai fights Leviathan and Gossamer. He/it takes Goss, and leaves Leviathan for dead. Garth makes all tough guy and people shout him down.

Another team goes out after the monstre, and Leviathan goes after them. Once Mordecai seems defeated, he/it is teleported away.

The Persuader gets his axe back.

Cera makes a new friend...a green glowing orb of a friend.

Valor #7, May 93 - Unimaginable Consequences

Valors ship os possessed...but comes out alright. Valor takes some old prisoner with him as they escape. The sun they are near is going to go supernova soon thanks to a creature relased from the prison.

Valor #8, Jun 93 - Red Alert

Valor saves a small creature from the supernova and gets out of there just in time.

LSH #44, Jun 93 - Projectra Returns

Good issue. I cannot say enoough about how much I love Immonen's Legion art. Great stuff. Good story that bring us towards Night of the Living Heroes...all they need is a Black Lantern ring and we could have a retro crossover.

Man, Mordru is one sadistic S.O.B. Mysa gets duped by Mordru, and he gains all kinds of crazy power.

Andrew (from the Mordruverse) appears and tells Rokk and Jacques that Mysa needs them and their love. They do and Mordru is brought back down a bit. He has another plan though..."The Romero Initiative."

Jeckie is visiting Val's grave and is then attacked by every dead Legion member there is. Including a put together Blok...Did they use Quick-crete or something when they buried him?

The Khunds ask for help, and the Legion accepts 4 Khund members.

Tenzil comes back from searching for Mysa with J'onn. Kono get's a new outfit and persona...Amethyst.

The dead are rising on Legion asteroid...uh oh!

Legionnaires # 4, Jul 93 - 3...If Looks Could Kill

Okay. Good issue, good writing and good art. Keeps the story moving. No complaints except the characterization of Livewire and Inferno.

Cera gets some revenge in this issue. Let's face it folks, Ineferno deserved it. No permanent damage done.

The Fatal Five are back...mostly. There are two Eyes and Empresses right now. MacCauley has bought his Fatal Five, and has Tharok in a "Bacta" tank, if you will.

Trouble is coming for our heroes.

Valor #9, Jul 93 - How to win friends and influence people

Hmmm...look at that, a guest written (and nicely drawn by Paris Cullins) by Mark Waid, featuring a Darkstar (remember them?) named Bron. Who happens to be appearing in Trinity, coming soon to a LCS near you. Or at least if you go back in time it'll be.

Not a bad issue, too bad it was all a stunt to give Bron some cred heading into said event.

Valor #10, Aug 93 - Power Struggle

White Spider is back. Yawn. The unimaginable is back as well...yawn. The old prisoner used to be a hot female Green Lantern. Convenient. Oh yeah, Valor is sick as well.