Having long ago been an avid reader of comic books, I'm quite familiar with most of the more famous characters created in both the Marvel and DC Universes. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man… I know 'em well. I'm also quite familiar with those who are little less well-known to the general populace. Take for example, The Legion of SuperHeroes. This band of young upstarts protected the Earth (and surrounding planets and galaxies) in the 31st Century and teamed up with Superboy on various adventures in both the present and the future. The Legion first showed up in comics in the late 1950's and have, over the years, had a rollercoaster ride of popularity. I used to read the comics in the late 70's so that is what I'm most familiar with. Since my day, the Legion has gone through two separate incarnations which changed many of the characters drastically, the most recent of which came about just a couple of years ago.

These changes were mainly blamed on the various Crises that the DC universe has gone through, which in itself was just an excuse to revamp many of their series in order to appeal to newer audiences.

In 2006, Warner got in the act by adding a new series to its roster of DC animated shows. "Legion of Superheroes" introduced younger audiences to the Legion by having some of its members (Braniac 5, Bouncing Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl) travel into Earth's past in order to bring Superman back into their time to battle The Fatal Five. But they miscalculate just a little bit and end up in rural Smallville to find a very timid Clark Kent. Most of the first episode of the series dealt with their trying to convince Clark that he is the future Superman and that he needs to come back to the future (MARTY!!) with them.

"The Legion of Superheroes" seemed like a god idea to me as I really enjoyed their older comics. Yet I missed the series when it aired. This week I got to check out the first 4-episode release of the series and though it took a little getting used to, I kind of liked it. When I saw the cover art, I was kind of turned off because I thought it looked a little too much like the recent "Teen Titans", which channeled the world of Anime a little too much for my taste. However, once I began watching the DVD I found that it wasn't quite that severe and reminded me a little bit more in style to the also recent ""The Batman."

Like "The Batman" though, the first few episodes seemed a little too simple. I know they were aiming for a younger audience, but there is a way of appealing to both with good writing. The first three episodes were okay, but the fourth actually seemed to be heading in a direction that showed promise. I'm hoping to see another volume soon or a much preferred 'Full Season' before I completely give in to it.

The DVD for "Legion of Superheroes" does have one featurette that focuses on the show's creators and the direction they are looking to go with the series.

Episodes:
Man of Tomorrow
Timber Wolf
Legacy
Phantoms

Extras: We Are Legion: From Comic Book Origins to Animated Series Stars
Specifications: English Dolby Stereo
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 8/28/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
Website

We'll give Legion of Superheroes: Volume 1 a C.