‘The Legion of Super-Heroes’ #1 is superhero sci

The Legion of Super-Heroes is getting the Next Level treatment this week with a brand new series, which is cause for great celebration. Not since 2022’s Justice League vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes has DC Comics explored the ginormous superhero team of 70+ named heroes. Admittedly, it has always seemed like a high-learning-curve group not for casual readers. That said, the basic truth behind the series is very simple: A group of heroes inspired by Superman to do the right thing and save the common man. In The Legion of Super-Heroes #1, the creative team pulls that off, and more.

The first thing that grabs you with The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is how alien Earth is 1,000 years into the future. Artist Hayden Sherman pulls off some of their best work ever, possibly the best as far as world building is concerned, with an awe-inspiring double-page splash of Superlopolis. I dare you to get to this page and not linger on every detail, unable to look away at all the activity and imagination fueling this scene. And it’s only an establishing shot! Between the surroundings and many aliens that populate the background, this book feels as creative as sci-fi can get.

Once you pick your jaw up off the ground from the visuals, the story is compelling, pulling you in from the very start. The issue bounces around between young heroes and others who are a bit more established, all of whom you know will become the Legion eventually. Or maybe not, given the big mystery revolves around a murder and the Legion logo L, possibly painted in blood above a body!

An amazing double-page splash!
Credit: DC Comics

Joshua Williamson opens with the conceit that the universe didn’t start with a bang, but with love. After two panels convey the origins of Superman, we then dive into Superlopolis and a crime scene. It’s here we meet two of our main characters, Brainiac 1 of 5 and Tenzil, who are vigilante detectives. They want to do what’s right, even if it means going behind the back of the authorities, who seem a bit fascist, or at the very least opportunistic. As the A-plot, this portion of the story has a satisfying arc.

Lightning Lad is another main character in the issue who is already doing vigilante justice for fun, even if his sister doesn’t agree. Bubbly and having a blast, he’s a hero that’s easy to root for with a touch of naive positivity that’ll likely play into things later. His love of Superman ties things to a recognizable hero casual readers can relate to as well.

But wait, there’s more. There’s another character introduced with great power who is scolded for using it, which should add an entirely different flavor to the series. While another wants to be a hero who harbors telepathic powers. Surely there will be even more heroes entering the series as it goes on, but this is a great beginning batch to sink your teeth into.

Tamra Bonvillain colors the issue with great verve and brightness, leaning into the comic-book-ness of it all. The added volume to Sherman’s incredible character designs and backgrounds makes everything pop.

It is also a fantastic read thanks to letters by Eisner-winning Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. It was fairly obvious he was lettering by the fifth or so page, given the creative ways word balloons bounce between panels and sometimes interact with the art. The glow around Brainiac 1 of 5 adds a certain weirdness, while the electricity surrounding Lighting Lad when he’s powered up enhances the action. The creative choices in the lettering make the book stand out from other superhero titles, further making this feel special and unique.

The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is a phenomenal return for the team and an incredibly accessible entry point for newcomers. Joshua Williamson makes a massive cast and unfamiliar future immediately inviting, while establishing a compelling mystery and a group of young heroes you’ll want to follow. Hayden Sherman delivers astonishing worldbuilding, with Tamra Bonvillain and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou helping make every page feel vibrant, strange, and distinctly futuristic. This is superhero science fiction firing on every cylinder and one of the strongest DC Next Level debuts yet.

‘The Legion of Super-Heroes’ #1 is superhero sci-fi firing on all cylinders
The Legion of Super-Heroes #1
The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is a phenomenal return for the team and an incredibly accessible entry point for newcomers. Joshua Williamson makes a massive cast and unfamiliar future immediately inviting, while establishing a compelling mystery and a group of young heroes you’ll want to follow. Hayden Sherman delivers astonishing worldbuilding, with Tamra Bonvillain and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou helping make every page feel vibrant, strange, and distinctly futuristic. This is superhero science fiction firing on every cylinder and one of the strongest DC Next Level debuts yet.
Reader Rating8 Votes
8
Incredible worldbuilding from Hayden Sherman
Immediately accessible for Legion newcomers
Compelling murder mystery hooks you from the start
Great first batch of characters, especially Lightning Lad and Brainiac 1 of 5
Fantastic colors and exceptionally creative lettering
10
Fantastic
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