‘Legion of Superheroes’: The ‘hidden years’ of young Superman and pals

(Published May 27, Philippine Daily Inquirer-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Superman’s old gang stars in the animated series “Legion of Superheroes,” a vibrant and colorful re-interpretation of the fan-favorite DC Comics team of 31^st century crimefighters. The show’s first season streamlines a bunch of things, making it easily comprehensible for new or younger audiences, without alienating its older fans.

For almost five decades, the interplanetary force made up of teens with super-powers has undergone multiple conceptual revamps in the monthlies, and has included icons Superboy and Supergirl in its eclectic, ever-growing roster. But while the members’ histories or personalities have gone through major changes, the idea that the team is composed of heroes from different planets remains.

After successful multi-character cartoon shows such as “Justice League Unlimited” and “Teen Titans,” the Legion is the next DC super-group deservingly given the small-screen serialization treatment. It has a young Superman among its ranks as well, giving it something instantly recognizable. Just like in Legion lore, Clark Kent is visited by time-traveling Legionnaires in Smallville, prior to his move to Metropolis. He travels to the future and joins them in subduing threats posed by super-criminals.

Being with other young people with powers makes this period crucial to Superman’s growth as a person and as a hero, according to the comics, and that’s replicated finely in the cartoons. He also inspires his teammates, who only previously knew him as a revered historical figure, considered by countless worlds as the mightiest of all superheroes.

Characters such as Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Bouncing Boy, Triplicate Girl, Phantom Girl, Timber Wolf, Brainiac 5 and several others hail from radically different home planets, but mostly enjoy each other’s company, a testament to the era’s generally harmonic co-existence of many worlds.

Episodes are easy to get into; season one’s stories are a mix of classic and new Legion moments, but they’re always about heroism in the face of impossible adversity. In one episode, Superman gains an admirer-stalker in the wealthy adventuress Alexis, an unhinged descendant of one of the DC Universe’s vilest supervillains. Another good episode focuses on a hilarious recruitment drive, where misfits of all shapes and costume designs try out for Legion membership. Meanwhile, the dramatic sacrifice of one of the Legionnaires in the season-ender reiterates how serious galaxy-saving is for these heroes.

The show’s continuity is tight, but each episode is contained enough to be jumping-on points. While “Legion of Superheroes” isn’t as edgy as the beloved “Justice League” series, it still has balanced doses of action and lively character development. It does get somewhat dark in the second season, with the addition of an unexpected member, and the debut of a popular and dreaded arch-enemy that appeared before in the comic books.

Young Superman and his unusually focused, emotionally mature peers unhesitatingly confront the toughest foes--costumed crooks, world conquerors and cosmic troublemakers--in these addictive “hidden” adventures. Sadly, “Legion of Superheroes” only lasted two seasons (26 episodes). That’s too bad; it’s been consistently fresh, smartly written, and a diverting galaxy-spanning show that brought animated life to some classic comic book concepts.

“Legion of Superheroes” airs on Jack TV, and soon on Cartoon Network.