Legion of Super-Heroes #6 is published by DC Comics, written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Ryan Sook, inks by Wade Von Grawbadger, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Dave Sharpe. With New Earth falling under attack at the end of the last issue, it’s time for the Legion to save the day. With their enemies wielding the legendary trident of Aquaman, allowing them to harness the full power of Earth’s oceans, will the Legion be enough to save the day?
Legion of Super-Heroes #6 wraps up the struggle for the trident with a bang. Several Legionaries get to flex some muscle as they apply their combined strength to driving off the Horraz Collective’s assault. Of particular note is the arrival of the Gold Lantern. While I don’t know if the DC Universe really needed another color of Lantern, I’m willing to withhold judgment until I get the full details on what he does and where he comes from.
However, one thing I can say is a significant disappointment comes directly from this issue’s cover. The promised appearance of a new Doctor Fate. What makes this promised appearance so disappointing is the fact that it does not happen. Nowhere in this issue does anyone wearing Doctor Fate’s armor make an appearance. While the story is unhindered by this exclusion, it disappoints none the less. Why name a character appearance if they aren’t going to appear?
Aside from that hiccup, Legion of Super-Heroes #6 delivers a satisfying conclusion to its first story arc. Bendis manages to wrap up the immediate problem, while also using its resolution to set up future confrontations for the Legion to contend with. Plus, with the current situation resolved, hopefully, the Legion will be able to start addressing that universal threat they brought Jon to the future for.
The art for Legion of Super-Heroes #6 also continues its string of strong performances. There’s a lot going on in some of these panels, but Sook continues to keep the images clear and easy to follow. No matter how many crazy superpowers are going off.
My one small gripe with the illustrations comes from a panel featuring Saturn Girl. In this panel, she’s depicted as flying through space, presumably trying to dodge enemy attacks. However, the pose she strikes looks oddly sexy for such a moment. If you removed her from the image and laid her on a bed you wouldn’t know it wasn’t where she was supposed to be. This, coupled with a close up of Superboy’s face wide-eyed, seemingly gawking at her, and I couldn’t help but cringe ever so slightly at this bit of fan service.
The coloring also continues its strong performance. Bellaire continues to strengthen this book with a lot of bright vibrant color use. I particularly liked how the new Gold Lantern is colored. The visual effects pop off the page with the brightness of the power rings constructs.
Just as the rest of Legion of Super-Heroes #6 gives a strong showing of itself, so too does the lettering. Sharpe gives another of his trademark performances, keeping the story flowing smoothly and clear.
When all is said and done, Legion of Super-Heroes #6 provides a solid wrap up to the Legion’s first confrontation in their new series. With that business out of the way, I look forward to seeing where the Legion will go from here.
Legion of Super-Heroes #6 is available June 9th wherever comics are sold.
