Legion of Super-Heroes #4
Artist: Ryan Sook
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Review by Carl Bryan
Warning – Small spoilers follow
Core members and their motivations
Bendis has settled down to give the reader the true origin story, so it’s perfect in that he picks three core members to bring us to speed. I can only hope that every Legionnaire gets given their own “highlight” reel in issues to come, as Jonathan is oriented into the team.
I love that we are literally in Imra/Saturn Girl’s head… perfect story for a telepath.
Things couldn’t be more different for Garth’s origin story, which finds him and his sister battling against Science Police agents persecuting refugees on their planet. While Ayla is a radical with no tolerance for the United Planets, Garth is more moderate and is intrigued by their offer to join a secret mission for the UP. Sibling differences… so score another one for Bendis understanding teen issues.
Cosmic Boy’s story isn’t political, but one of a star athlete with magnetic superpowers who makes his name by throwing down in the ring against robots. It’s like a DC Comics version of a superhero wrestling ring. When he gets the chance to join the UP, his manager/father thinks it’s a great opportunity for the family. Cue the Big Baller Brand music as here we have another daddy living vicariously through their child.
Take this as my formal request for a complete revamped set of Legion trade paperbacks, so we can get ALL the back stories and the story line can remain intact.
Here Comes the Prez!
This leads to the three heroes meeting the United Planets President, a very different version of R. J. Brande – just in time for a crisis. The emergency that rips Jonathan out of his seat may not give readers the explanations we want, but Jon doesn’t get to answer all his questions, as yet another crisis emerges in the present that pulls him into action.
Conclusion
We needed to slow down a bit as preceding issues went along at a break-neck pace. If we’re going to be with these characters for quite some time, a back story was essential. Well done Mr. Bendis and the gang!