Back Issue Box: Legion Of Super-Heroes Annual #2

Supergirl #52 is right around the corner, showcasing the reintroduction of Supergirl and Brainiac 5. I realized I still have a few trips into the back issue box to review the Supergirl/Brainy relationship and little time to do so.

After today's look back, I am hoping to still review Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes 314-315 (The Trial of Ontiir) and Action Comics #276(first appearance of Brainy, Supergirl joins the Legion). If I have time, I am really hoping to review the Justice League Unlimited episode 'Far From Home'. Whew ... I hope I can get to it all.

The quickest to review is today's back issue, Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #2 in which Supergirl has something of a cameo appearance. Written by Paul Levitz and drawn by Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons, it is best known for being the issue where Princess Projectra and Karate Kid get married.

This issue takes place immediately after the Supergirl/Brainy adventure on Weber's World as reviewed in prior posts, most recently here:
http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2010/02/back-issue-box-legion-of-super-heroes_25.html

With that battle behind them, the group of Legionnaires flies to Orando to help celebrate. Arriving on the planet, they join the party.


Even Superboy comes by to help celebrate the special occasion. It is always nice to see the super-cousins together in the Legion, if only because they are usually closer in age. Supergirl seems more at ease with Superboy than she does sometimes with Superman.

Superboy seems happy that the event seems to be peaceful and free of incidents. Unfortunately, he is wrong. When he flew out of the time stream to join the ceremony, he opened up a warp which swallowed up another Legion cruiser heading to Orando.

That Legion cruiser holds a team consisting of Dream Girl, White Witch, Cosmic Boy, Ultra Boy, and Star Boy.

The warp somehow sends them back to ancient Earth where a group of shape-changing Durlans have set themselves up as the physical embodiment of the Greek pantheon.

After a brief skirmish, the 'gods' are sent packing. The Legionnaires are saved from being trapped in the past by a time bubble flying Chameleon Boy.


With everyone now in attendance, the wedding commences. Now married, Projectra and Karate Kid have already submitted their resignation from the Legion. It is enough to make Supergirl consider re-applying for full time membership.

It is clear that Kara has enjoyed her time with Querl and her recent adventures with the Legion.



The issue ends happily with the 'kiss the bride' moment.

It was interesting to look back at this issue for a couple of reasons. As always, it is fun to see Supergirl and Brainiac 5 interact even if it is only for a couple of panels.

This happy time is short-lived for a number of the principals of the story. Shortly after this issue, 'Shrinking Violet' gets revealed to be a Durlan spy who has been acting as Vi for some time. And within the next couple of years, Orando gets overrun by the Legion of Super-Villains. In that battle, Karate Kid gets killed by Nemesis Kid. Projectra then executes Nemesis Kid (leading to her Sensor Girl identity). Such is the life of the Legion.

The biggest draw for this issue was simply to see Gibbons' take on the Legion and Supergirl. I can't look at Gibbons art without seeing panels of Watchmen in my mind. He had a long run on Green Lantern, drew the famous 'For the Man Who Has Everything' Superman Annual #11 story, and has had a storied career. Still, he is most associated with Watchmen.

This issue is probably $2-4 at many conventions and might be worth the money if only to see the art.

Overall grade: B