Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    DC

    Review: Legion Of Super-Heroes #41

    Matthew PetersonBy Matthew PetersonMay 13, 2008Updated:May 13, 20082 Comments5 Mins Read

    Or – “Shvaughn?  Is That You?”

    LSH2.jpg

    My new manager Deon (who is wrong only half as often as Tom Grice, but only about 1/3 as pretty) and I got to talking the other day about the work of Jim Shooter, a writer whose work bounces all over the spectrum.  For every Harbinger, Rai, or ‘Adventure Comics’-era Legion, there is a ‘Hank Pym punches Janet’ moment, a ‘Shadow State,’ or “MORE GORE FOR THE ORG!!!”  Whichever Jim Shooter you get writes tightly plotted yarns with nice character bits, but the overall effect of the writing varies wildly, as anyone who ever read ‘Plasm’ can attest.  Which Jim is onboard for this new run of Legion?

    LSH1.jpgPreviously, on Legion of Super-Heroes:  With the departure of Legion leader Supergirl back to the 20th century, (and a run of what I have to call some of the most gawdawful comics in recent memory) and Cosmic Boy still gallivanting in the 41st century, the big chair of the LSH fell to Garth Ranzz, known to his friends as Lightning Lad.  Garth has had some very rough spots, but is finally settling into a real leadership role.  After a hard mission on Triton, he was forced to mediate a dispute between Saturn Girl and Timber Wolf, which led to Imra agreeing not to meddle in the minds of her teammates, and Timber Wolf admitting that his behavior was beyond the pale.  As for T-Wolf’s ladyfriend Princess Projectra, she is dealing with no longer being royalty, no longer being rich, and no longer having the shield of the aristocracy to protect her.  Her possessions are being auctioned to pay Orando’s debt to the United Planets, and Jeckie herself is riding a razor’s edge of rage.  When accosted by tourists in downtown Metropolis, the Princess beats the holy hell out of an innocent alien…

    This issue starts seconds later, with Timber Wolf trying to stop his big blonde beau from walloping a second blue-skinned creature, only to find himself (rather embarassingly easily) taken down by Projectra’s fists of fury.  Saturn Girl flies down from above and intercedes, only to find that the alien is completely unhurt.  “We are from Planet Doopa!  We are very… not-breakable people.  Sturdy!”  Heh.  The tourists are placated with a quick photo, while Saturn Girl asks T-Wolf why he called her.  “Were you hoping I’d just telepathically mindwipe all the witness and get her out of trouble?  Like I did for you on Triton?”  Brin quietly admits yes, and the two Legionnaires seem to tacitly make peace. 

    Back at Legion headquarters, Brainiac 5, Invisible Kid, and Lightning Lad try to find out a: why they’re being charged for cleaning up a Venusian stinkwart plague decontamination, b: why a giant creature attacked Brainy and Shadow Lass last time ’round, and what to do about the Legion’s budget.  Suddenly, a vaguely familiar red-haired Science Policewoman bursts in holding a gun on them all.  “Stay where you are!  Take your pants off and lie face down on the floor!”  Heh.  Brainiac 5 immediately realizes that Chameleon is toying with them, explaining where the alien monster is being dissected.  Invisible Kid realizes that the only people that the U.P. could be protecting their discovery against is the Legion themselves, and immediately uses his abilities to sneak into the operating theatre undetected.  Saturn Girl broadcasts what he sees directly into Brainy’s mind, and they suddenly realize that all the superhumans rejected from the recent Legion tryouts are in costume and watching the procedure!

    Brainiac warns I.K. to keep himself under control, but is distracted by the realization that the monster isn’t quite dead yet.  As the creature leaps back to life, Invisible Kid kills it with a power saw (Hee.)  “Zorkies!” cries one of the idiot pseudo-Legionnaires, “That was Invisible Kid.  Invisible Kid did that!”  No crap, there, Skolnick…  And could the fake cursing get any more annoying?  Yeesh…  The team suddenly tries to regroup, realizing that they’re all busted, barely gets to think before the President calls.  Invisible Kid is being prosecuted, and the entire Legion is grounded, pending a full inquiry.  Worse than that, of course, is the realization that more cyborg destroyers may be on their way, and if Brainiac’s theory is correct, they’re going to be even more powerful than the ones they’ve already faced.  We get a somewhat sexy little scene with Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl decompressing from a rough day (with implications of something a little naughty, to boot) before the United Planets interrupts them with a cry for help.  Saturn Girl agrees to lead a mission to Rimbor, with Ultra Boy as her first recruit…

    This issue is interesting, but passes by quickly, and the events, while noteworthy, don’t really give the impression of a full chapter, instead seeming more like a few pages in a larger continuing story.  It’s not a satisfying chunk of action, even with the nice character developments for Saturn Girl, Ultra Boy, Timber Wolf and Princess Projectra.  Shooter’s story is nicely plotted, but I’m not feeling the urgency of “What will happen next?”  The art, by Aaron Lopresti, is more reminiscent of Barry Kitson’s work than Francis Manapul’s reworking of the team from recent issues, but it’s solid nonetheless.  Overall, this issue, while good, doesn’t quite get past the 2.5 out of 5 star mark, well-crafted but not overwhelming, and while I am interested in where the story is going, I’m just not getting the world-shattering changes that DC’s hype seemed to be promising for the LSH.  Still, at least we don’t have women with breasts twice the size of their head screaming “I’m dripping with gore for my lust-mate!” so it’s an overall win…

    25stars.jpg


    20th Birthday Adventure Comics aristocracy Clock King Cosmic Boy Deon Fangs Fists Of Fury Future Self Futuristic Time Girl Robin Grice Hank Pym harbinger Holy Hell Infighting jim shooter Junior Justice Kid Flash Killer In Disguise Leadership Role Legion of Super Heroes Lex Luthor lightning lad Lsh Martians Onn Plasm Roster Changes Rough Spots Saturn Girl Stone Killer Superboy Supergirl Teen Titan Timber Wolf Wonder Girl Yarns
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleReminder: Major Spoilers Podcast
    Next Article Spider-Man Goes Dark this Saturday
    Matthew Peterson
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Once upon a time, there was a young nerd from the Midwest, who loved Matter-Eater Lad and the McKenzie Brothers... If pop culture were a maze, Matthew would be the Minotaur at its center. Were it a mall, he'd be the Food Court. Were it a parking lot, he’d be the distant Cart Corral where the weird kids gather to smoke, but that’s not important right now... Matthew enjoys body surfing (so long as the bodies are fresh), writing in the third person, and dark-eyed women. Amongst his weaponry are such diverse elements as: Fear! Surprise! Ruthless efficiency! An almost fanatical devotion to pop culture! And a nice red uniform.

    Related Posts

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Major Spoilers Podcast #1130: Good Ol’ Major Spoilers

    Read More

    Act 4 Publishing and Skybound Entertainment announce Jim Aparo’s DC Classics Artist’s Edion

    Read More

    2 Comments

    1. Jacin B. on May 13, 2008 2:56 pm

      Speaking of Deon, I think I may’ve inadvertantly called him Frank last week …

      Reply
    2. Katzedecimal on May 13, 2008 7:18 pm

      “Zorkies”…arrrrgh. Thanks for comin’ out, Shaggy, now get back in the Mystery Machine and take that annoying puppy with you. *facepalm*

      Chameleon was really the high point of this issue. From the “pants off” to the finger puppets to the “my nest or yours,” Cham is just… just….. Dammit, Cham just keeps getting weirder with every reboot. You almost want them to reboot it again just to see how much weirder Chameleon can get! For me, Cham’s been the only saving grace of the Threeboot. I’d be happy if 3Boot!Cham survived Legion of Three Worlds.

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    6.0
    June 9, 2025

    Power Rangers Prime #7 Review

    6.0
    June 8, 2025

    Retro Review: Detective Comics #20 (October 1938)

    8.0
    June 7, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #3 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: I Want More than Good Memories!
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT