Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes
Encyclopedia
"Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" is a comic book
story arc
from DC Comics
by Geoff Johns
and Gary Frank
, featuring the Superman
character and the return of the pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
Legion of Super-Heroes
. Presented in Action Comics
#858-863 (Late December 2007 – May 2008), this arc marked Geoff Johns' debut as a solo writer on Action, having previously written alongside Kurt Busiek
and Richard Donner
.
This story arc is the second part of DC's three year reinvention of the Legion, taking place after the JLA
/JSA
"Lightning Saga
" story-arc, with the next and final part occurring in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds.
In the present day, Perry White
discusses how Clark Kent
needs to better his social life when he hears cries for help with his super-hearing. Finding a way out of the conversation, he changes into Superman
and races to provide help. He finds a Brainiac
robot attacking Metropolis
, and after defeating the machine, the face opens to reveal a monitor with the face of Brainiac 5
from the Legion of Super-Heroes
.
Brainiac 5 tells him that the Legion needs his assistance. Sending him to the 31st century, Superman finds that the Legion are now outlaws. Legionnaires Dawnstar
, Colossal Boy
and Wildfire
give him a Legion flight ring. The authorities then arrive and as Superman attempts to catch a shot meant for his friends, the shot instead goes through his hand. Fleeing with the Legion, they inform Superman that Earth's sun is now red, leaving him powerless without his flight ring. Superman asks what has happened, and Dawnstar explains that Legion rejects led by Earth-Man
(once known as Absorbency Boy) helped in dishonoring Superman's name by convincing Earth that he was not an alien, but in fact a human protector from all forms of alien life. In the process, Earth's people believes Superman's true origins are a lie perpetrated by the Legion.
The Legion is being hunted by Earth-Man and his villainous cohorts, who have dubbed themselves the "Justice League of Earth". After telling the Legionnaires that Brainiac 5 sent him here, Superman, Dawnstar, Colossal Boy, and Wildfire head to his likely location: an alien holding camp. Superman and the others encounter two more Legionnaires: Night Girl
and Shadow Lass
, who lead them to an improvised underground headquarters from which over ten thousand extraterrestrials have escaped to their home planets. Timber Wolf
and Lightning Lass are revealed to be running the interstellar "underground railroad
."
After a short reunion, Superman and his Legionnaire friends are discovered by Earth-Man and are attacked by the Justice League of Earth. Wildfire, Dawnstar, Colossal Boy, and Superman manage to escape through a warp-gate to Colu
, where they crash land, and are attacked by the seemingly brainwashed residents. After blacking out, Superman awakens and is confronted by Brainiac 5, who reveals that his dictatorship of the planet is fabricated as a way to keep Colu, which is the strategic beachhead of a proposed United Planets attack on Earth, from completing their plans.
On Earth, Chameleon Girl
sneaks into the Justice League's headquarters, and discovers that they captured Sun Boy
and placed him into a machine that uses his powers to tint the sun red. Superman, Brainiac 5, and Colossal Boy find the other Legionnaires and the crystal data tablet containing the false claims regarding Superman's origins.
Earth-Man reveals himself and steals Colossal Boy's power, and proceeds to attack Superman, gloating how he has forever ruined his name, but Superman takes the fight outside the station, and pushes Earth-Man into outer space. Meanwhile, the attack force of the United Planets wait for the signal to attack Earth.
Brainiac 5 manages to free Sun Boy
from the machine. Once he returns to consciousness, Earth's sun once again emits yellow rays, restoring Superman's powers. The Man of Steel is then able to face Earth-Man on equal footing, convincing Earth's people the truth of his origins in the process. With the Legion's help, Superman is able to subdue Earth-Man. With the Justice League of Earth defeated, the Legion set about rebuilding, and making plans to find their lost teammates. Before leaving for his era, Superman tells the Legion to let him know when they need his help. In the present, Superman returns to the spot where he made his first trip to the future, and places his hand on a tree Lightning Lad marked with an "L", to remind him where to wait for the Legion to return.
meets Superman and Lightning Lad
at the Fortress of Solitude
, shortly after the Man of Steel’s return from the 31st century. Batman expresses his distrust of the Legion, noting that he has encountered three distinct versions of the team over the years. He informs Superman that the bodies of Karate Kid
and Duo Damsel have been discovered on the streets of Gotham City
. The trio is then contacted by Starman, who suffers from schizophrenia
and resides in an Opal City
sanitarium. He hints that Duo Damsel is still alive, but states that Karate Kid is indeed dead, having died trying to discover a cure for his illness. He also notes that Dream Girl told him who dumped their bodies in Gotham City, but that he no longer remembers.
Before returning to the 31st century, Lightning Lad gives Superman a new Legion flight ring — with an "emergency rip cord" that will bring him to the Legion’s era in case of an emergency. The heroes are unaware that the entire episode is being observed by the Legion’s longtime enemy, the Time Trapper
. Having failed in his many attempts to erase Superman from history, the Trapper has vowed to corrupt everything for which the Man of Steel stands.
, Mike Grell
, and Keith Giffen
, all artists on a Legion title at some point in their careers, contributed covers to three issues in a 1:10 ratio.
" crossover in Justice League of America
and Justice Society of America
) shares the history of the original, pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
Legion. This version of the team is clearly distinct from the one that was presented in Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 5; their appearance is a result of the Infinite Crisis
and 52
limited series, and the revelation that there are 52 parallel universes in the DC Multiverse
. This version of the Legion appears in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds alongside Superman and the "Reboot" and "Threeboot" versions of the team.
This team is revealed to be from the future of Earth-0 in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #3.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
story arc
Story arc
A story arc is an extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strips, boardgames, video games, and in some cases, films. On a television program, for example, the story would unfold over many episodes. In television, the use of the story...
from DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
by Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
and Gary Frank
Gary Frank
Gary Frank is a British comic book artist, notable for pencilling on Midnight Nation and Supreme Power, both written by J. Michael Straczynski...
, featuring the Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
character and the return of the pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
. Presented in Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
#858-863 (Late December 2007 – May 2008), this arc marked Geoff Johns' debut as a solo writer on Action, having previously written alongside Kurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek
Kurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.-Early life:...
and Richard Donner
Richard Donner
Richard Donner is an American film director, film producer, and comic book writer.The production company The Donners' Company is owned by Donner and his wife, producer Lauren Shuler Donner. After directing the horror film The Omen, Donner became famous for the hailed creation of the first modern...
.
This story arc is the second part of DC's three year reinvention of the Legion, taking place after the JLA
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
/JSA
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
"Lightning Saga
The Lightning Saga
"The Lightning Saga" is a comic book crossover story arc that took place in DC Comics' two flagship team books: Justice League of America and Justice Society of America. It was written by Brad Meltzer and Geoff Johns, and illustrated by Ed Benes, Dale Eaglesham, and Shane Davis...
" story-arc, with the next and final part occurring in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds.
Story
As the story opens on an unnamed planet in the year 3008, the planet's light violet skin colored humanoid race is in the midst of a civil war and one of the armies threatens to unleash a destructive weapon that could blow up the entire planet. To save their race from extinction, a scientist and his wife prepare to send their baby aboard a spaceship to Earth, inspired by how Superman was spared from Krypton's destruction over a thousand years ago. The spaceship leaves just as the planet explodes from the civil war's doomsday weapon. After traveling through space, the spaceship reaches Earth and lands on the outskirts of Smallville in front of a farming couple, but instead of taking in the baby alien as one of their own, the farmer takes out his rifle and kills it.In the present day, Perry White
Perry White
Perry White is a fictional character who appears in the Superman comics. White is the Editor-in-Chief of the Metropolis newspaper the Daily Planet.White maintains very high ethical and journalistic standards...
discusses how Clark Kent
Clark Kent
Clark Kent is a fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, he debuted in Action Comics #1 and serves as the civilian and secret identity of the superhero Superman....
needs to better his social life when he hears cries for help with his super-hearing. Finding a way out of the conversation, he changes into Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
and races to provide help. He finds a Brainiac
Brainiac (comics)
Brainiac is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #242 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
robot attacking Metropolis
Metropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
, and after defeating the machine, the face opens to reveal a monitor with the face of Brainiac 5
Brainiac 5
Brainiac 5 is a fictional character who exists in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Universe. He is a long standing member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Brainiac 5 is from the planet Colu...
from the Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
.
Brainiac 5 tells him that the Legion needs his assistance. Sending him to the 31st century, Superman finds that the Legion are now outlaws. Legionnaires Dawnstar
Dawnstar
Dawnstar is a fictional superheroine in comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Paul Levitz and Mike Grell.- Fictional character biography :...
, Colossal Boy
Gim Allon
Colossal Boy , also known as Leviathan and Micro Lad, is a fictional character in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe who has gone by a variety of superhero names over the past several decades, although originally Colossal Boy. He is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He...
and Wildfire
Wildfire (comics)
Wildfire is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero in that universe's 30th and 31st centuries. Created by Cary Bates and Dave Cockrum, the character debuted in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #195 .-Publication history:...
give him a Legion flight ring. The authorities then arrive and as Superman attempts to catch a shot meant for his friends, the shot instead goes through his hand. Fleeing with the Legion, they inform Superman that Earth's sun is now red, leaving him powerless without his flight ring. Superman asks what has happened, and Dawnstar explains that Legion rejects led by Earth-Man
Kirt Niedrigh
Kirt Niedrigh is a fictional character, a semi-reformed supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. Created by Cary Bates and Mike Grell, Niedrigh is a former hopeful for the Legion of Super-Heroes under the guise of Absorbancy Boy...
(once known as Absorbency Boy) helped in dishonoring Superman's name by convincing Earth that he was not an alien, but in fact a human protector from all forms of alien life. In the process, Earth's people believes Superman's true origins are a lie perpetrated by the Legion.
The Legion is being hunted by Earth-Man and his villainous cohorts, who have dubbed themselves the "Justice League of Earth". After telling the Legionnaires that Brainiac 5 sent him here, Superman, Dawnstar, Colossal Boy, and Wildfire head to his likely location: an alien holding camp. Superman and the others encounter two more Legionnaires: Night Girl
Night Girl
Night Girl is a fictional character in the 30th century of the DC Universe. She is a member of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, and of the most recent incarnation of the Legion of Super-Heroes...
and Shadow Lass
Shadow Lass
Shadow Lass is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics. She first appeared in Adventure Comics vol. 1 #365 , and was created by Jim Shooter and Curt Swan.-Fictional character biography:...
, who lead them to an improvised underground headquarters from which over ten thousand extraterrestrials have escaped to their home planets. Timber Wolf
Timber Wolf (comics)
Timber Wolf is a fictional character, a superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the and member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He comes from the planet Zoon . His powers are enhanced strength, speed and agility...
and Lightning Lass are revealed to be running the interstellar "underground railroad
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The term is also applied to the abolitionists,...
."
After a short reunion, Superman and his Legionnaire friends are discovered by Earth-Man and are attacked by the Justice League of Earth. Wildfire, Dawnstar, Colossal Boy, and Superman manage to escape through a warp-gate to Colu
Colu
Colu is a fictional planet in DC Comics whose primary inhabitants are called the Coluans. Another name given for the planet was "Yod" , which has appeared only once in comics, was later pointed out in a letter by a fan...
, where they crash land, and are attacked by the seemingly brainwashed residents. After blacking out, Superman awakens and is confronted by Brainiac 5, who reveals that his dictatorship of the planet is fabricated as a way to keep Colu, which is the strategic beachhead of a proposed United Planets attack on Earth, from completing their plans.
On Earth, Chameleon Girl
Yera Allon
Yera Allon, also known as Chameleon Girl, is a fictional character, a superheroine and Legion of Super-Heroes member in the DC Universe's 30th and 31st centuries.-Pre-Zero Hour:...
sneaks into the Justice League's headquarters, and discovers that they captured Sun Boy
Sun Boy
Sun Boy is a fictional character, a superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe. Sun Boy is a Legion of Super-Heroes member with the ability to unleash internal solar energy to whatever degree he wishes, from enough to light a single candle to enough to melt nearly any...
and placed him into a machine that uses his powers to tint the sun red. Superman, Brainiac 5, and Colossal Boy find the other Legionnaires and the crystal data tablet containing the false claims regarding Superman's origins.
Earth-Man reveals himself and steals Colossal Boy's power, and proceeds to attack Superman, gloating how he has forever ruined his name, but Superman takes the fight outside the station, and pushes Earth-Man into outer space. Meanwhile, the attack force of the United Planets wait for the signal to attack Earth.
Brainiac 5 manages to free Sun Boy
Sun Boy
Sun Boy is a fictional character, a superhero in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics universe. Sun Boy is a Legion of Super-Heroes member with the ability to unleash internal solar energy to whatever degree he wishes, from enough to light a single candle to enough to melt nearly any...
from the machine. Once he returns to consciousness, Earth's sun once again emits yellow rays, restoring Superman's powers. The Man of Steel is then able to face Earth-Man on equal footing, convincing Earth's people the truth of his origins in the process. With the Legion's help, Superman is able to subdue Earth-Man. With the Justice League of Earth defeated, the Legion set about rebuilding, and making plans to find their lost teammates. Before leaving for his era, Superman tells the Legion to let him know when they need his help. In the present, Superman returns to the spot where he made his first trip to the future, and places his hand on a tree Lightning Lad marked with an "L", to remind him where to wait for the Legion to return.
Epilogue
"Batman and the Legion of Super-Heroes", presented in Action Comics #864 (June 2008), serves as an epilogue to this story-arc (and as a prologue to the Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds limited series). In this issue, BatmanBatman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
meets Superman and Lightning Lad
Garth Ranzz
Lightning Lad , also known as Live Wire, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. He has the superhuman ability to generate electricity, usually in the form of lightning bolts. He is a founding member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries...
at the Fortress of Solitude
Fortress of Solitude
The Fortress of Solitude is the occasional headquarters of Superman in DC Comics. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was said to be built into a mountain on the outskirts of Metropolis...
, shortly after the Man of Steel’s return from the 31st century. Batman expresses his distrust of the Legion, noting that he has encountered three distinct versions of the team over the years. He informs Superman that the bodies of Karate Kid
Karate Kid (comics)
Karate Kid is a fictional character, a superhero in the future of the DC Comics universe, and a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. He is a master of every form of martial arts to have been developed by the 31st century...
and Duo Damsel have been discovered on the streets of Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
. The trio is then contacted by Starman, who suffers from schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
and resides in an Opal City
Opal City
Opal City is a fictional city set in the DC Universe. Created by James Robinson and Tony Harris, Opal City first appeared in Starman vol. 2 #0 . "The Opal" has been established as the home of several DC Comics characters, most notably several super-heroes who have operated under the name of Starman...
sanitarium. He hints that Duo Damsel is still alive, but states that Karate Kid is indeed dead, having died trying to discover a cure for his illness. He also notes that Dream Girl told him who dumped their bodies in Gotham City, but that he no longer remembers.
Before returning to the 31st century, Lightning Lad gives Superman a new Legion flight ring — with an "emergency rip cord" that will bring him to the Legion’s era in case of an emergency. The heroes are unaware that the entire episode is being observed by the Legion’s longtime enemy, the Time Trapper
Time Trapper
The Time Trapper is a fictional character, a supervillain in stories published by DC Comics. The Time Trapper's main enemies are the Legion of Super-Heroes...
. Having failed in his many attempts to erase Superman from history, the Trapper has vowed to corrupt everything for which the Man of Steel stands.
Legacy
DC commissioned past artists of the Legion to create variant incentive covers for certain issues in this story. Steve LightleSteve Lightle
Steve Lightle is an American comic book artist, working primarily as a penciller.-Biography:Lightle was interested in comic book art at a young age....
, Mike Grell
Mike Grell
Mike Grell is a comic book writer and artist, known for his work on books such as Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Jon Sable Freelance.-Early life:...
, and Keith Giffen
Keith Giffen
Keith Ian Giffen is an American comic book illustrator and writer.-Biography:Giffen was born in Queens, New York City....
, all artists on a Legion title at some point in their careers, contributed covers to three issues in a 1:10 ratio.
Continuity questions
The Legion as presented in this story (as well as the "The Lightning SagaThe Lightning Saga
"The Lightning Saga" is a comic book crossover story arc that took place in DC Comics' two flagship team books: Justice League of America and Justice Society of America. It was written by Brad Meltzer and Geoff Johns, and illustrated by Ed Benes, Dale Eaglesham, and Shane Davis...
" crossover in Justice League of America
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
and Justice Society of America
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
) shares the history of the original, pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
Legion. This version of the team is clearly distinct from the one that was presented in Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 5; their appearance is a result of the Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...
and 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
limited series, and the revelation that there are 52 parallel universes in the DC Multiverse
Multiverse (DC Comics)
The DC Multiverse is a fictional continuity construct that exists in stories published by comic book company DC Comics. The DC Multiverse consists of numerous worlds, most of them outside DC's main continuity, allowing writers the creative freedom to explore alternative versions of characters and...
. This version of the Legion appears in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds alongside Superman and the "Reboot" and "Threeboot" versions of the team.
This team is revealed to be from the future of Earth-0 in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #3.