Waid and Kitson offer up a fairly solid issue of this ongoing series and given the new title and addition of a key character to the case, the script wisely gets back to the generation-gap premise behind this incarnation of the Legion while incorporating the team's new legitimate status. There are a couple of strong scenes that hold the promise of greater conflicts to come, but it felt as though too much time and energy was devoted to the buildup of Supergirl's arrival. This isn't the first of the "One Year Later" titles to spend an entire issue leading up to a point that's plain to see on the cover of the comic book itself. I certainly hope it's the last.
The Legion of Super-Heroes takes to the streets of Metropolis, arresting criminals and beginning construction of its new Earth-based headquarters. Adults don't take too kindly to the Legionnaires' colorful and brazen attitudes and actions, but the young heroes have the last laugh, showing off their new government-sanctioned law-enforcement credentials. The Science Police don't appreciate the new partnership either, but the Legion has bigger concerns. A massive missile is headed toward the Earth, and it's of a size and power that will devastate the planet. It also boasts an insignia that's more than a little familiar to the Legionnaires, who were inspired by the super-heroes of the 21st century.
Kitson's art is capable throughout the issue, but it didn't strike me as being as strong as usual. I like how he made the ranting adult look rather ridiculous with his unnecessary protective garb, and the vision of Chameleon Boy behind him, aping and mocking him, is hilarious. The images of the Legion trying to dismantle the world-killing weapon didn't work for me, though. All of the heroes, including Supergirl, look rather stiff as they unleash their powers. We're told this object is travelling at unbelievable speeds, but it seems to stand still as Kitson goes about showing us each hero's activities.
The opening scene with the outraged adults and cocky young heroes is strong for two reasons. First of all, I love Waid's criticism of the NIMBY-minded adults who don't want the Legion or its new HQ nearby. It's a fun scene, but then again, the Legionnaires are rubbing things in the adults' faces so much that they come off as... well, they come off as dicks about it. They're too cocky, and I like that these characters are flawed in that respect. I also enjoyed the fact that there's continued tension between the Legion and the Science Police (as well as the general populace). Changes in attitudes are slow in coming, and Waid isn't treating the Legion's government affiliation as a magic cureall.
There's a unifying theme at play throughout this issue, and it's doubt versus faith. Cosmic Boy doubts the new Legion leader's abilities, for example, and everyone doubts the changes will be for the better or will prove to be permanent. people also doubt the veracity of the return of Supergirl while others believe in it with all their hearts. The ending offers the greatest example of doubt versus faith, as existence itself is questioned in an unexpected twist ending. It's enough to make me overlook the obvious and cliched way Supergirl is introduced into the title. I'm still undecided on whether or not the character's role will work to the title's benefit or detriment (in terms of storytelling, not popularity), but I'm keeping an open mind.
Plus, when it comes to that whole doubt-versus-faith thing... well, I have faith in Waid. After all, he's proved himself time and time again in the past. 7/10
