978

Going from Secret Identity to this was like going from top shelf Whiskey to stale beer. I feel like I came into this at a disadvantage, I had no idea what's going on, which timeline they're in, what happened to the Justice League or who the Legion are.

The art is really clean and I definitely read this quickly, but pretty disappointing and one of my least favorite Superman stories. ( )

Access a version of the below that includes illustrations on my blog.

So this takes place prior to Legion of 3 Worlds, but I actually read it afterwards. I wonder what I would think if I'd read them in the proper order, because as it is, this read like a less successful widescreen Legion action story in much the same vein as Legion of 3 Worlds. There are some good ideas here (I like the idea that a 31st-century nativist group has made the Earth's sun red as a giant "screw-you" to Kryptonians), but the story never clicked with me like Legion of 3 Worlds did, was never quite as fun or brash or crowd-pleasing.

At least part of this is due to the art, I think. Gary Frank is a good artist, but his linework makes young people look old, and youth is one of the essential qualities of the Legion, and everything was a bit too fussy. I guess what I'm saying is that he's no George Pérez. And yes, I know that's unfair. (I also don't really care for his costume designs.)

There's a good idea here-- the diversity of the Legion standing against nativism-- but Johns doesn't quite pull off the thematic resonances, the end of the story getting kind of bogged down in a giant fight and gratuitous appearances by the Legion of Substitute Heroes. The Legion's large cast is, as always, its strength and its weakness.

Much better than the Shooter-era vision of Superman visiting the Legion after they had all become adults. After a strange encounter in Metropolis, Superman travels to the 31st Century, only to find the Legion scattered and hunted as fugitives, with Earth's sun having turned red leaving Superman powerless. The story covers the unravelling of the plot, with a time limit imposed by the other members of the United Planets who are about to invade to 'restore order' to Earth. Not a great Legion story, but readable. ( )

Book Summary: This book explores the adventures of Clark Kent and his life as a super hero. It has tons of action as Superman fights for his friends in the 31st century.

Personal Reaction: First of all I am quite discusted with all of the half naked women in this book, This is suppost to be a fun action story, it is not nessessary and gives the wrong ideas to readers. Children should not read this novel. There is also some filthy language in the novel. It is very graphic.

Classroom Extension: First of all I would like to state that this book should not be used in the classroom. If you must use it, choose only certain pages that are acceptable. For instance in the first part of the book you can spark children's imagination by reading how the alien was sent to earth and became a super hero. Another way to use this literature is to talk about the nature of graphic novels and use this one as an example.