Writers: Various
Artists: Various
Let’s get something straight: this new 80-page anthology book has absolutely nothing to do with the Legends of Tomorrow TV show of the same name, aside from the inclusion of Firestorm. Yes, it will get some to buy on impulse if they don’t notice the $7.99 price tag. If you’re looking to buy a tie-in comic, this most assuredly isn’t it, but it still is a damn good collection.
As I have done in the past with anthologies, I’ll discuss the finer points of each story, making this different from usual reviews.
- Firestorm: Gerry Conway and Eduardo Pansica bring us this sharply written and illustrated chapter that features Ronnie Raymond, Jason Rausch, and Professor Martin Stein. It’s a fun action-packed superhero adventure with healthy doses of science fiction and day-to-day high school life. If all that and the threat of Multiplex weren’t enough, it seems the Firestorm Matrix is growing unstable. Will this prove to be a temporary problem or a possible change to the status quo?
- Metamorpho: Aaron Lopresti writes and illustrates this tale that isn’t exactly an origin story, but is a good introduction to the character for those unfamiliar. It features a new presentation of the Rex Mason/Sapphire Stagg relationship, which develops while her father experiments on him. Is there any version of Simon Stagg that I don’t want to punch in the face?
- Sugar & Spike: Keith Giffen and Bilquis Evely contributed what had to be my favorite part of this book. This entry follows a duo of private investigators who are looking into Killer Moth, a B-list villain that has pilfered those ridiculous suits Batman wore during the Silver Age. It has a nice balance of humor and stealth action that gave me some Splinter Cell flashbacks. Stick around for an Alfred Pennyworth cameo.
- Metal Men: Len Wein and Yilidray Cinar pit Dr. Will Magnus’ creations against government developed Missile Men who have run amok, no thanks to Nameless, the true threat. Although this was well executed, I must admit that I just can’t get into the Metal Men in any medium they are presented in.
While this is highly recommended for DC fans of yesteryear, I feel it is accessible for a new generation of readers. The $7.99 price tag is a bit steep, but do keep in mind that you’re essentially getting four comics from some of the top writers in the industry at a price lower than what you would pay individually.
