DC Comics; $3.99 

I've always had a fondness for the Legion of Super-Heroes. There's something about DC's futuristic team that has always appealed to me. Maybe it's the enormous cast of characters, the strange alien civilizations, or simply the idea that Superman's influence could still be felt a thousand years after his arrival on Earth. Whatever the reason, I've enjoyed the Legion for years, and I was curious to see what DC had planned for this latest incarnation. 

I'm happy to say that Legion of Super-Heroes #1 gave me plenty to be excited about. 

Joshua Williamson introduces a 31st century that isn't exactly the wonderful future Superman might have imagined. The United Planets is dealing with political violence, oppressive authorities, and a society where putting on a costume and helping people can get you into serious trouble. It's an interesting setting for characters who traditionally represent the promise of a better tomorrow. 

The murder of R.J. Brande provides the central mystery, with Brainiac 1 of 5 and Matter-Eater Lad attempting to piece together what happened. Meanwhile, we're introduced to several future Legion members who haven't yet become the heroes longtime readers recognize. 

I especially liked Lightning Lad. His admiration for Superboy reminds me of how superhero comics can inspire people, even within their own fictional universes. He's young, idealistic, and hasn't completely surrendered to the miserable circumstances surrounding him. That kind of personality makes him easy to root for. 

Cosmic Boy and Saturn Girl also receive some interesting attention. They're dealing with their own personal difficulties, and I appreciate that Williamson doesn't immediately present everyone as fully developed superheroes. These are young people with complicated lives, and watching them eventually come together should be part of the fun. 

Hayden Sherman's artwork is fantastic. There's an almost overwhelming amount of imagination in the futuristic architecture, technology, and character designs. Some of the page compositions are particularly impressive, giving the comic a visual identity that feels different from your typical DC superhero book. I found myself spending extra time looking at the illustrations rather than rushing through the story. 

Another thing I appreciated was how this new interpretation acknowledges the larger DC Universe. The connections to Superman 2026 Annual help establish a relationship between Superman's present and the Legion's distant future without making this feel like just another Superman spinoff. 

What makes this opening chapter work for me is that Williamson doesn't rush to put everyone in matching uniforms and send them off to save the galaxy. Instead, we're watching the circumstances that could eventually bring these characters together. There's a mystery worth following, a fascinating setting, and enough personality among the cast to keep me interested. 

Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is a strong beginning for this new creative team. Williamson and Sherman have taken a familiar DC property and given it an interesting direction without forgetting what makes these characters appealing in the first place. 

Issue 2 was released on October 14, 2026, and is already available, although I haven't had the chance to read it yet. After enjoying this first issue as much as I did, I'm looking forward to reading it soon and seeing how the story develops. 

–Scott Schlazer