This version known to fans as the “Retro-boot” Legion can be seen on the cover of the forthcoming Justice Society of America #11.  Due out on July 24, 2024, this Legion can be seen fighting the JSA.  Cover artist Mikel Janin shared the cover on Twitter/ X after the solicit for issue #12 was released.

Foremost, demonstrating that this is the “Retro-boot” Legion are the depictions of Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl.  They appear as they did when the “Retro-boot” Legion was “reintroduced” back in “The Lightning Saga.”  Amongst others are Dawnstar, Ultra Boy and Cosmic Boy in their “Retro-boot” character designs.

The Legion of Super-Heroes has been plagued with reboots both total and soft ever since the Crisis on Infinite Earths back in 1985.  The Crisis reorganized the DC Universe, part of which eliminated Superman’s time as Superboy and thus his time with the Legion of Super-Heroes.  After a “pocket universe” story that fixed this paradox the Legion continued for about five years.  It then relaunched with a “5 years later” storyline that took the once bright and hopeful future in a darker direction.  This led to a couple soft reboots of Legion history along the way.  With the Zero Hour event in 1994 the Legion completely rebooted.  The Legion would again reboot in 2004.  Finally, the classic Legion returned in the aforementioned “Lightning Saga” in 2007.  This time, the Legion history picked up from the pre-Crisis Legion continuity and restoring Superman’s time with the Legion as Superboy.  This Legion would continue up through Flashpoint and into The New 52.  Just before Flashpoint they were appearing in their own title as well as the relaunched Adventure Comics.  It seemed like a new golden age for the team.  However, sales were not enough to sustain the title far into the New 52.

The Legion was set to return during “Rebirth” within the pages of Doomsday Clock.  A young and classic Saturn Girl was a large part of it until the team finally returned at the end of the 12-issue series.  Instead of a classic Legion returning it was Bendis’ new Legion.  It’s still my opinion that the delays on Doomsday Clock were mostly due to Gary Frank having to redraw the classic Legion as Bendis’ Legion.

It’s possible that the Legion on the cover of Justice Society of America #11 is just a ruse, but there has been another reference to classic Legion lore in “House of Brainiac.”  Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) mentions that once upon a future she was very close to a Brainiac.  Pre-Crisis, Kara and Brainiac 5 were a romantic pairing.  Brainiac 5 was devastated when she died in Crisis on Infinite Earths.  taken together, this reference and the cover to Justice Society of America #11 indicate that this is not just a one-of situation.  With the impending fall of the United Planets in Green Lantern we only need Jon to go back to being 13 and DC can finally be rid of the plague that was Brian Michael Bendis.

The post Are the Classic Legion of Super-Heroes About to Make a Comeback? appeared first on DC Comics News.

During an interview with The Comics Cube (via The Direct), Campbell said that classic villains like Brainiac, General Zod, and Lex Luthor were restricted from use in the first season.

“Some of it was… Warner Bros… and I think it was a good note,” she said. “Like our big execs on Warner Brothers were like, ‘Well, these are the big hitters that everybody’s seen and everybody’s expecting. And we’ve seen this a million times, so we want your twists on things.'”

Campbell continued, “And I think it was Sam Register and Audrey Diehl, who were doing notes with us, were like, ‘These characters take up the whole screen. They kind of suck the air out because they’re so famous, and there’s so many expectations, so hold off on them. Hold off on these characters, and build the story how you see fit.'”

They did manage to at least get a tease of Brainiac and Zod in the season one finale, which should mean more of these characters in the next season, which is exciting.

My Adventures With Superman is currently available to watch on Max and stars Jack Quaid as Clark Kent/Superman, Alice Lee as Lois Lane, and Ishmel Sahid as Jimmy Olsen.

The post MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN Producer Reveals Which Characters Were Restricted For Season One appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Directed by: Jeff Wamester

Written by: Josie Campbell

Starring: Meg Donnelly, Harry Shum, Jr., Yuri Lowenthal, Ben Diskin, Ely Henry, Cynthia Hamidi, Zeno Robinson, Gideon Adlon, Daisy Lightfoot, Jensen Ackles, Darren Criss, Matt Bomer, Darin De Paul

Reviewed by: Joshua Raynor

Summary

Welcome to the 31st century and the Legion Academy, where a new generation hones their powers with hopes of joining the Legion of Super-Heroes. Devastated by tragedy, Supergirl struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Taking her cousin Superman’s advice, Supergirl leaves their space-time to attend the Legion Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. But a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows – the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault.

Positives

After the disappointment from the last DC animated movie in the Tomorrowverse line, Green Lantern: Beware My Power, I was thrilled to get a story that worked well and focused on the story being told.

Right off the bat, I gotta say, I love this animation style. The soft tones and crisp linework really make these characters pop in the best ways possible. It gives a more realistic look, instead of leaning into an overly exaggerated style. And the backgrounds are beautiful as well, at times almost looking like a painting, while at others, being as crisp as the characters that are living there.

The movie starts off with the origin story of Supergirl. We see some of her time in Argo City as she interacts with her mother. It was a great way to quickly become familiar with Supergirl, if you weren’t already. We get a sense of her personality, and it gives us an understanding as to why, unlike her cousin, she becomes more jaded during her time on Earth and has a harder time acclimating. She lived a life on Krypton, has memories of it, and to be completely uprooted from that home and that life is not an easy thing to get over.

We get a couple of cool scenes with some of the members of the Justice League – specifically Batman (Jensen Ackles), Superman (Darren Criss), and The Flash (Matt Bomer) – including a heartfelt scene between Superman and Supergirl, which really shows how differently they view their new “home”, and why it’s been more difficult for Kara. The inclusion of these characters helps to keep the connection to the Tomorrowverse, as they continue with the same voice actors, linking them nicely before moving into the part of the story with completely new characters.

Then there’s the Legionnaires. We get introduced to several great heroes from the 31st century, including Mon-El, Arms-Fall-Off-Boy, Triplicate Girl, Bouncing Boy, Dawnstar, and of course, Brainiac-5. Some of these are characters we almost never get to see in anything outside of the comics, so it’s great that they’re getting a chance to be showcased a bit. I was happy they mentioned that Mon-El actually changed his name because of his love for Krypton, and wasn’t actually a member of the El family, which I think many people don’t know.

I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll refrain from saying who the big bad of the movie is, but what I will say is that they did a fantastic job with this character, giving us a unique version that was both amazing and terrifying at the same time. And there’s also a post-credit scene (so be sure to stick around) that ties directly into the next Tomorrowverse film, Justice League: Warworld.

Negatives

My main negative is that I wish we had actually gotten more of Kara’s time on Krypton. That opening scene was great, but I wanted more. And, as with most of these animated films, I would love to see them be a little be longer.

Blu-ray Special Features

The home release includes four wonderful featurettes that dive into different aspects of the film, as well as two episodes of Superman: The Animated Series. In “The Legion Behind The Legion“, the cast and crew talk about the making of Legion of Super-Heroes. We also get some really cool glimpses of pre-vis animations and a peek into some of the writing process.

“Down to Earth: The Story of Supergirl” takes a deep dive into the character of Supergirl, why she was chosen to be the focus of this Legion story, as well as her journey up to now, including her relationships with Superman and Brainiac-5. And speaking of Brainiac-5, “Brainiac Attack: The Intellect Behind the Super-Villain” tells the history of Brainiac, leading up to this incarnation, and why he is the way he is.

Then we have “Meet the Legionnaires“, which tells us about the Legion and the Academy, spotlighting some of the main members of the Legion that we meet – including Timberwolf, Chemical King, and Shadow Lass – as well as the group of new trainees that make up the focus of this story. One of the best parts of this featurette is producer Jim Krieg dressed up as Matter Eater Lad throughout the whole thing.

Finally, within the special features were two episodes of Superman: The Animated Series from the DC vault – “Little Girl Lost – Parts 1 & 2,” which is the introduction of Supergirl to the series. These are the perfect episodes to include, and they do a wonderful job of telling Supergirl’s origin story.

Verdict

Overall, this was a great addition to the pantheon of DC animated films, and makes me want more of these characters. I hope they do follow-ups with the Legion and Supergirl, as this told a great story and really fleshed out some amazing characters that need more time on screen to shine. We also got some great special features that everyone should take the time to watch.

Legion of Super-Heroes is available to buy digitally and on Blu-ray right now.

Score: 4.5/5

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and all related characters and elements are TM and © DC. © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

The post Blu-ray Review: Legion Of Super-Heroes (2023) appeared first on DC Comics News.

Welcome to the 31st century and the Legion Academy, where a new generation hones their powers with hopes of joining the Legion of Super-Heroes. Devastated by tragedy, Supergirl struggles to adjust to her new life on Earth. Taking her cousin Superman’s advice, Supergirl leaves their space-time to attend the Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. But a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows – the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy’s vault. Find out if the budding heroes can rise to the challenge in this all-new DC Universe Movie!

We have four brand new images from the film to share with fans. Enjoy!

Brainiac 5 focuses his powers during this key scene in Legion of Super-Heroes. Harry Shum, Jr. (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Crazy Rich Asians) makes his DC Universe Movies debut as the voice of Brainiac 5.

Supergirl and Brainiac 5 overcome their initial combativeness with each other to focus their combined forces on their mutual enemies in Legion of Super-Heroes. Meg Donnelly (American Housewife, The Winchesters) provides the voice of Supergirl.

Utilizing his unique powers and unmatched intellect, Brainiac 5 unveils a kinetic energy shield to fend off laser blasts in a thrilling scene from Legion of Super-Heroes.

The ever-relentless Supergirl emerges from the remnants of an explosion to continue her attack on the enemy in Legion of Super-Heroes.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and all related characters and elements are TM and © DC. © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

The post Supergirl & Brainiac-5 Team Up In Latest LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES Images appeared first on DC Comics News.

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Wilfredo Torres

Colours: Jordie Bellaire

Letters: Dave Lanphear

Reviewed By: Derek McNeil

Thanks to Penguin Random House for providing a review copy.

Summary

Superman ’78 Collected Edition: Fly into director Richard Donner’s Superman once more in Superman ’78! Written by Robert Venditti (Superman: Man of Tomorrow) and drawn by Wilfredo Torres (Batman ’66), Superman ’78 tells a brand-new adventure in the world of the beloved film.

A bright, shining day in Metropolis is interrupted by a mysterious drone that crash-lands in the city and starts wreaking havoc. This looks like a job for Superman! Where did the metallic menace come from? What is its purpose? Who is Brainiac?

As Metropolis is invaded by this being and its mechanical drones, Superman must make a life-changing sacrifice and leave Earth once and for all. Once aboard Brainiac’s ship, however, the Man of Steel finds he might not be the last son of Krypton as he believed after all.

This volume collects issues #1-6 of the hit miniseries Superman ’78!

Positives

In recent years, DC has been revisiting the worlds of classic movies and TV shows based on DC heroes; such as Batman ’66 and Wonder Woman ’77. This year DC revisited another pair of classic movie series with Batman ’89 and Superman ’78. The latter revisited the world of the Christopher Reeve movies, with a new adventure based on the character as originally envisioned by Richard Donner, the director of Superman: The Movie.

I have fond memories of this series of films, especially the first one. At the time, superhero movies were pretty uncommon and were mostly relegated to TV shows and cartoons. So, as a young comic reader, it was thrilling to see DC’s flagship character appearing in a blockbuster movie.  I was lucky enough to get to see it in the theatre twice, and then countless times with the advent of home video a few years later.

There are many great references and call-backs to the movies – even some of the sillier aspects. At one point, Superman throws a cellophane-like copy of his S-shield which enlarges and entangles an enemy – just like he did with Phantom Zone villain, Non, in Superman II.

Positives Cont.

Wilfredo Torres does a fantastic job of evoking the original actors who played the roles. His renditions were so good that I almost could hear the voices of those actors speaking the dialogue as I read the story. He also did a great job of capturing the look and feel of the movie versions of Krypton and Metropolis.

Robert Venditti’s story expands the mythos of the movie series with some inspired additions, as it’s unfortunate that the films never made use of one of Superman’s main villains, Brainiac. This story rectifies that oversight, using him as the main antagonist of the story. I also loved that Brainiac’s look is based on his classic Silver Age appearance, but also uses drones based on the 80s redesign of the character. Similarly, I was pleased to see Luthor sporting his classic 70s purple and green costume.

This being a Brainiac story, it’s not surprising that it introduces the bottle city of Kandor into the movie mythos. However, the identity of some of the surviving Kryptonians is quite surprising and introduces a major departure from most versions of Superman’s history. I won’t spoil any of the surprises, but I will mention that I find this to be an interesting development. If Venditti gets the chance to do a follow-up story, I hope we’ll see more of these characters.

Positives Cont.

I find it fascinating to ponder where this story sits in relation to the movies in the series. It’s clearly set after the events of Superman: The Movie, which is mostly Superman’s origin story and debut as a superhero, but there’s not much to connect the book to the later movies. There’s little to suggest that the events of Superman II to IV  have happened yet or even if they ever will. Venditti bases his story around Richard Donner’s original vision, and Donner was the director for the first movie, being replaced by Richard Lester partway through the production of Superman II.

This book is a handsome hardcover collection of the 6-issue miniseries and looks amazing. There aren’t a lot of special features, but there are a few nice additions. There’s a Sketchbook of Tottes’ character designs and a gallery of the miniseries’ variant covers. There is also a lovely little Easter egg for any readers who take a peek under the dust jacket, as it hides a book cover cleverly designed to look like a VHS videotape. The back cover and spine are also part of this design, giving it a three-dimensional feel.

Negatives

I have no complaints about this story or this hardcover presentation of it. The writing was fantastic and the artwork is also beyond reproach. I did wonder where Otis and Miss Tessmacher were, though.

Verdict

In Superman ’78, Venditti manages to walk the fine line between nostalgia and innovation. He pays due tribute to the classic movie series while expanding the mythos. The homages to Donner’s films or the franchise as a whole don’t end with Superman, as we get cameos from Gus Gorman (as played by Richard Pryor in Superman III), and even the Goonies! I would love to see Venditti follow this up with more tales featuring Christopher Reeve’s Superman.

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment. Penguin Random House ISBN: 978-1-77951-265-9

The post Book Review: Superman ’78 – Collected Edition appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Wilfredo Torres
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Dave Lanphear of a Larger World

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Metropolis is being collected by Brainiac! Will the bottled cities Brainiac has already collected be destroyed?  Will Luthor escape?  This looks like a job…for Superman!

Positives

Sometimes, there is a story arc or limited series that just doesn’t flow when read issue to issue and it’s much better when reread all in one sitting.  Sometimes, there are stories that you reread because they are just that good- Superman ’78 is that kind of story.  It’s both the “Superman III” we deserved and a beautiful homage and love letter to Superman: The Movie and the creative forces in it and behind it.  Superman has been around for a long time and he’s had numerous iterations in various media, but Christopher Reeve’s interpretation is simply a joy and Robert Venditti, Wilfredo Torres and Jordie Bellaire translate that perfectly in the finale of this tale in Superman ’78 #6.

It’s hard to keep heaping superlatives upon superlatives, but everything about this series and issue has been perfect.  You can hear Reeve delivering Venditti’s dialogue in your head, Torres gets the look of all the characters beautifully.  He is able to communicate the subtleties of the actors.  It all goes together in a truly wonderful experience that combines nostalgia, excitement and love of the characters.  Torres even gets Luthor in traditional purple and green outfit to look no only like classic Luthor, but also…Gene Hackman!  There’s no doubt that this series was crafted with a great deal of effort and love and it comes through in the finished product.

Perhaps the single aspect that is able to bring the comic world and the film world together is Venditti’s understanding of the character.  It comes through in the dialogue and in Superman’s actions, it’s that inspiring sense of hope and the will to never give up.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t eat my word a bit and say my feeling that last issue felt like it rushed to the ending seems to be unfounded.  I’m sure that proposed rereading will bear it out as well.  

Negatives

The only negative is that this is the last issue of the mini-series.  This is a series we NEED to continue.  DC Comics, are you listening?

Verdict

Superman ’78 #6 is everything you want it to be and need it to be.  Many have wished that Christopher Reeve had made more and better Superman films, and this is the perfect way to do that.  Originally, Lois and Clark were going to get married in Superman V ….  So I guess I’m suggesting a timeline of Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman ’78,  Superman III (we’ve already seen Richard Pryor’s Gus Gorman in issue #5), Superman IV: The Quest for Peace and then  Superman V….  V for Venditti? 

The post Review: Superman ’78 #6 (Final Issue) appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Wilfredo Torres
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Dave Lanphear of A Larger World

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Superman ’78 #5: Superman escapes from the Bottled City of Kandor to face down Brainiac one on one.  

Positives

For many readers, Superman ’78 will conjure up feelings of nostalgia for the Christopher Reeve Superman films.  It’s no surprise, for many Superman: The Movie was their first introduction to the character.  Superman ’78 #5 goes a few steps better.  It goes without saying at this point that Robert Venditti’s script is pitch perfect and Wilfredo Torres recreates that film world and the likenesses of the actors with seemingly unbelievable ease.  (You know it’s not really that easy, right?)  It really is amazing how flawlessly Torres does this!

In this issue there are lots of cameos and Easter Eggs and details that evoke many elements of the ’70’s.  It’s an interesting aspect of the issue.  As last issue carried a lot of emotion, this issue is more about moving the plot along.  However, these added details are a real treat for anyone that has fond memories of growing up in the ’70’s or has a long comic book memory.  The first one I’ll mention is that Jordie Bellaire’s shade of blue in Superman’s costume not only fits the movie costume, but is dead on the color used in Superman comics of the ’70’s.  Furthermore, it also evokes the classic Mego Superman action figure.  Also, we get a shot of Luthor in his ’70’s era purple and green costume seen throughout the ’70’s in comics and the Superfriends Saturday Morning Cartoon.  Richard Pryor who plays a role in Superman III seems to make a cameo as well as part of the cast of Barney Miller!

There are some panels in this issue that go into a sort of “red shift” as the panels appear to be inked in red and colored only in shades of red.  It’s a striking effect by Torres and Bellaire that not only sets these panels apart, and emphasizes their place in the story, but they just flat out look awesome!

Negatives

As Superman ’78 #5 is the penultimate issue of the mini-series, it feels like the ending may be a bit rushed.  It definitely feels like this story needs two more issues instead of one.  An extra issue would be a good thing, right?

Verdict

The ’70s are back with a vengeance as the creative team take the opportunity to pepper this plot driven issue with bits and pieces to which children of that decade will thrill.  It all goes hand in hand in developing the look and feel of the series as a continuation of the films.  And, it only really works if the book can conjure up the notion that it actually comes from the ’70s.

The post Review: Superman ’78 #5 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Wilfredo Torres
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Dave Lanphear of A Larger World

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Luthor puts his plan to contact Superman in motion and much to everyone’s surprise..it works!  But, does it work too well?

Positives

The first couple of images Wilfedo Torres gives us in Superman ’78 #4 are that of Colu, Brainiac’s home planet, and the backgrounds look really cool.  They are minimalist, but they give just the right suggestion of what has transpired there.  It’s also the first time I’ve ever seen Brainiac cry.  And, with that we get the ball rolling that by the end feels like we are travelling at breakneck speed.  And, that’s a good thing.

As mentioned in the review of  last issue, the pacing of this series is much like a movie, and this issue feels like it’s ending the second act heading into the third.  That pace picks up and you almost can’t wait to turn the page, because you can tell, you can sense that once Superman gets out of the Bottled City of Kandor there’s going to be some iconic action.  The cast can tell it’s about to hit the fan also as Perry peers out the window announcing, “Here we go again!”  We can imagine he’s recalling Superman’s showdown with Zod, Ursa and Non from Superman II.  Venditti doesn’t give us what we’re anticipating, wisely leaving it for issue #5 where it will have the greatest impact.  Instead, we get Lois in typical danger setting up “a job for Superman.”

If you haven’t figured out that this series perfectly channels Christopher Reeve’s Superman, then you haven’t been paying attention.  It’s WHY the series works, and in this issue, there’s just something about Lex that reminds us of why Gene Hackman was so good in the role.  We know Lex is the villain, but Hackman is so entertaining you just can’t help but LIKE his portrayal.  In Superman ’78 #4, there’s just that feeling again that you want to like him despite knowing he’s the villain.  It’s perfect, absolutely perfect.

Negatives

If there’s any negative to the issue, it may be a missed opportunity to explore what Kal-El’s life would’ve been like in Kandor.  It’s something we may have gotten more of in a movie, but it could also just feel derivative.  That was pretty perfectly depicted in Alan Moore’s “For the Man Who Has Everything” from Superman Annual #11 (1985).  Venditti seems to acknowledge a couple of the ideas Moore addresses, so maybe it’s best left at that.  It would be difficult to do justice to the concept in this format- it could be a whole movie in and of itself!

Verdict

Superman ’78 #4 is once again a fun comic that perfectly captures the feel of Superman: The Movie.  Lex shines in particular in this issue, but it’s the pacing that really drives the issue.  You can feel what’s coming just around the corner, and it’s going to be one of those iconic moments in a blockbuster comic book film.  Just wait…  Look!  Up in the Sky!

The post Review: Superman ’78 #4 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Miguel Mendonca

Colours: Enrica Angiolini

Letters: Andworld Design

Reviewed By: Derek McNeil

Summary

Justice League: Last Ride #7: It’s all been building to this – past and present and future all collide here in the final issue of this monumental series. Everything connects back to J’onn’s death, Batman’s final decision, and Superman’s regret-it all has been leading to this final confrontation with Darkseid. Who lives (some do!)? Who dies (some do!)? It all culminates in a bombastic finale from which the Justice League will emerge eternally changed.

Positives

With Justice League: Last Ride #7, Chip Zdarsky brings his Justice League story to a conclusion. Zdarsky has been generating a feeling of finality in this story so far. And considering that this miniseries takes place in a possible future timeline, I expected that we would see one or more notable deaths in this final chapter – perhaps several.

So was there? Well, it did seem like Zdarsky had actually killed off the freakin’ Batman. This was enough of a twist in and of itself, but the fact that this could be for real made it even more effective.

And I love the exchange between Superman and Batman as Bruce endangered himself to save Clark. Superman demands, “Bruce, you idiot! Why–“. And Bruce, apparently dying, gets a shot in with, “Can’t let…let you get yourself killed… You’d be furious… with me…”. Bruce is reproaching Clark for his anger at Bruce over Martian Manhunter’s death. But he does so in  joking, playful manner to signal that he has forgiven Clark. Of course, Batman pulls through, which does little from diminish his actions. He was fully willing to sacrifice himself to save his friend.

Zdarsky had dropped a hint early on in this story by having Hal Jordan being the only Leaguer who had adopted a new costume in this future timeline. This indicated that something was up with Hal, and last issue we found that Hal had been possessed by the essence of Darkseid. So, when we see Hal back in his classic Green Lantern uniform this issue, it’s a triumphant declaration that the real Hal is back.

Positives Cont.

True to his word, Lobo helps the League defeat Brainiac and his horde of Manhunters. But with Lobo having fulfilled his bargain with the League, there’s the question of making sure he faces trial before the United Planets. But Wonder Woman has an effective solution for making sure Lobo doesn’t cause any trouble – which I absolutely loved. Once Lobo’s obligation is complete, Diana lops his head off – which in Lobo’s case is merely an inconvenience rather than fatal.

Although this Zdarsky’s future seemed pretty bleak at first, the story’s denouement shows that things look fairly bright. Martian Manhunter lives on, although he’s permanently tied to Apokolips. However, that planet has been transformed into New Oa by J’onn and a revitalized Green Lantern Corps.

And we see Bruce, Clark, and Diana committing to reforming the League – and expanding its scope. As Bruce explains, “Darkseid and the Corps proved something to us–corruption and evil are everywhere. Far beyond Earth, there are those needing help, those who need Justice. We’re no longer American. Or International. We’re Justice League Universal”. This change in name and focus seems a natural evolution for the Justice League. And I’d love for Zdarsky to return and tell us the adventures of the JLU.

Miguel Mendonca has done a brilliant job on the artwork for Justice League: Last Ride. Every character is clearly recognizable and looks their iconic best. And he has wonderfully captured the high intensity of what might have been the League’s swansong.

Negatives

Some might consider that the fact that Batman survived his brush with death undercuts the significance of that heroic act. However, Zdarsky did a convincing job of establishing that Bruce’s death was a real possibility. So, the risk of death in itself on its own had much more significant than in a canon story where his survival would be a certainty. I don’t think that Bruce’s actual death would have added much to the impact. And it would have certainly detracted from the story’s hopeful ending.

Verdict

Justice League: Last Ride #7 was an fantastic conclusion to an awesome Justice League story. This is the kind of story I wish we were getting in the League’s regular series. DC should keep Zdarksy in mind for the job when Bendis eventually moves on from writing Justice League. But until then, I’d love to see a sequel project starring the Justice League Universal.

The post Review: Justice League: Last Ride #7 appeared first on DC Comics News.

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Wilfredo Torres
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Dave Lanphear of A Larger World

Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd

Summary

Superman has surrendered to Brainiac to save Metropolis!  What happens when he becomes collected and added to the Bottled City of Kandor?

Positives

First and foremost, this series works because Robert Venditti, Wilfredo Torres and Jordie Bellaire are able to evoke the look, feel and tone of Superman: The Movie and Superman II.  And, while last issue helped us forget the Brainiac that wasn’t in Superman III, Superman ’78 #3 makes it abundantly clear this isn’t simply an homage to the films, but rather something that can easily be taken as an alternate third Christopher Reeve Superman “movie.”

Superman: The Movie and Superman II were originally conceived of as a single story by Mario Puzo.  It had to broken into two films, not unlike Puzo’s The Godfather.  The through line of course comes not only through the Phantom Zone Villains, Zod, Ursa and Non, but also the themes of belonging and interference in history of which Jor-El warns the young Clark.  Superman ’78 #3 addresses this theme of belonging in a way that makes it feel part of the larger story the reader knows from the first two films.  Instead of redundancy, it is connective tissue.

Wilfedo Torres and Jordie Bellaire combine to make sure it is clearly the movie universe as well.  Torres again makes it clear these art the actors we know in these roles and Bellaire chooses colors that mimic the colors in the film, with Superman’s costume standing out as the only comic book looking aspect of the costuming and Earth-bound set design.  

Positives Cont’d

What Superman finds in the Bottled City of Kandor is not only interesting, it also ties this story to the films as well.  However, it is the surprise ending that has the biggest impact on the story.  Venditti has been finding ways to “up” himself issue after issue for years.  His work on Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps and Hawkman are proof of that and Superman ’78 #3 is no exception.

There are also a few Easter Eggs in the issue as well.  Venditti works in Thanagarian Hawks which are obviously a call back to his own recent AMAZING Hawkman series.  Though it appears Torres may be channeling a little Joe Kubert as an homage.  Additionally, we get a Batman reference as well.  It even appears that the image of Bruce Wayne on the cover of Gotham Gazette may even resemble Michael Keaton!  What DC fan in the late ’80’s wasn’t imagining a Christopher Reeve/ Michael Keaton Superman/Batman film!

Negatives

It’s hard to imagine any fan of Superman, die hard or casual, not enjoying this series.  Even if your only significant exposure to the character is the Reeve films.  And, even then it’s ok to have fun!  Do we need a reminder that sometimes comics can just be fun?

Verdict 

With Superman ’78 #3 it’s clear that this series can be “seen” as an alternate third Christopher Reeve Superman “movie.”  It’s heavy on the nostalgia, but that’s what really sells it.  It completely embraces the world of the films and lives there with them.  The story moves along with all the proper beats including the surprise at the end which, of course fits perfectly with the characters involved.

The post Review: Superman ’78 #3 appeared first on DC Comics News.