THE LEGION #2
"Fight or Flight"
Recommended (8/10)
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DC Comics
Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Pencils: Olivier Coipel
Inks: Andy Lanning
Colors: Tom McCraw & Digital Chameleon
Letters: Comicraft
Editor: Mike McAvennie
Price: $2.50 US/$4.25 CAN |
The strength of Abnett and Lanning's new direction for the Legion of Super-Heroes continues, as does a sharper, clearer pencilling style from Olivier Coipel. The creators give the readers a lot of action and strong dialogue, but the issue is a little low on plot. Overall, though, I remain pleasantly surprised with The Legion and look forward to future issues.
After surviving a bombing at the hands of United Planets President Leland McCauley's agents, the Legion finds itself faced with the full force and dirty tricks of the Oversight Watch. While both teams suffer casualties, the Legionnaires decide that retreat is their best option. That, unfortunately, leads them to a radioactive sewer, not to mention a secret EarthGov facility. Meanwhile, an old friend of the Legion's arranges to spring the Legion's newest friend, Shikari.
Some of Coipel's work here shows a Jim Lee influence. Though it brings a more conventional tone to his work, it struck me as out of place, as most of the art boasts a unique, sleek and dark (but not too dark) look. His sci-fi designs are quite good, especially the one on the final page, revealing a new spin on a character/concept that's near and dear to the hearts of most longtime Legion fans.
There was really only one element of this story that didn't work for me, and that was Venge, McCauley's enigmatic assistant. He engages the Legionnaires in battle in this issue, and he turns out to be one of those seemingly all-powerful, can't-be-beat villains. His attitude is a cornball, one-dimensional one, and it doesn't make for interesting reading, really.
Abnett and Lanning have developed a fun series that combines the more innocent and darker takes on the team in recent years into one nice package surprisingly well. They're reintroducing characters slowly but surely, and they're handling the large cast of characters nicely. I lost touch with the Legion of Super-Heroes for a year or two there, but I'm pleased to be back on board as a fan.
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