My first DC comic book was a big one…literally. While I think I first saw Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman first – it was on the small screen in SUPER FRIENDS. But the first DC heroes in a comic book were the teens from the future in GIANT SIZE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1.
After hints and speculation that started with DC Rebirth, the 31st century teens return. DC Comics announced LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES: MILLENNIUM, a two-issue prelude leading to a new LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ongoing series.
Brian Michael Bendis will write the prelude with art by Jim Lee, Ryan Sook, Nicola Scott and other artists. Bendis and Sook will be the creative team on the new ongoing title. Sook shared his new designs for some of the classic members.
The Legion first appeared way back in 1958 as friends of Superboy (the original teenage Superman version) but have been rebooted over the years to earn their own title.
In the DC Rebirth one-shot and issues of BATMAN, Saturn Girl appeared to be an inmate in Arkham Asylum, sparking speculation the Legion would eventually return.
According to the publisher, “the series focuses on a most unlikely tour guide to the 31st Century, a familiar face to DC fans who finds herself suddenly immortal. As she learns to cope with her newfound immortality and the reason she was chosen for this quest, her 1,000-year odyssey will connect all of DC’s future timelines for the very first time. Along the way she encounters a host of DC heroes from the future, as drawn by some of comics’ most popular artists:
Supergirl, drawn by Jim Lee
Batman Beyond, drawn by Dustin Nguyen
Kamandi, drawn by Andrea Sorrentino
Tommy Tomorrow, drawn by André Lima Araújo
“Since its Silver Age origin, the Legion of Super-Heroes has been the cornerstone of the future DC Universe,” said Bendis. “Over time, a wealth of future characters and stories have emerged since the Legion’s beginnings and connecting these threads to an updated version of the Legion is a story Ryan and I can’t wait to tell.”
More story below but first take a look at Sook’s design for four of the beloved heroes:
The second issue is scheduled for October and continues this mystery quest, making additional stops in the future DCU, rendered by an equally talented roster of artists:
Booster Gold, drawn by Nicola Scott
OMAC, drawn by Jim Cheung
A DC “off-world” chapter, drawn by Jeff Dekal
Legion of Super-Heroes, drawn by Ryan Sook
No word on the full roster but Sook shared designs for Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy, Shadow Lass, Chameleon and Brainiac 5.
Here’s hoping we’ll soon see my favorites: Dream Girl, Timber Wolf and Dawnstar!
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES: MILLENNIUM #1 debuts in comic book stores and online retailers on Wednesday, September 4.
Watch for the Legion to return in SUPERMAN #14 in August ahead of the two-part prelude.
By Editor