Journey Through Time: A Huge 10 Page Preview Of Legion Of Superheroes: Millennium #1

From what I’ve dredged up around the internet regarding the new LHS series, Legion of Superheroes: Millennium #1, (by Brian Michale Bendis and host of artists) this two parter seems to be a trip through time and towards the 32nd century and the Legion. And, with DCU’s rich history of futuristic characters to pull from – including O.M.A.C., Kamandi and Batman Beyond, who are all seen in the preview artwork below – this reminds me somewhat of the narrative structure of the classic Superman #400 in which we learn from future generations of the legacy of Superman spanning, eventually, to the end of time. We know that Superboy (an identity our Superman never took up in the re-birthed DCU) was the inspiration behind the original trio’s decision to form the LHS, but what about now? All will be revealed in Legion of Superheroes: Millennium #1, out this September.

Talking to Comicbook.com, Bendis reveals that this two-parter revolves around a character, “a familiar face to DC fans” but one he isn’t revealing so far. Who could it be, and do these preview pages hold the clue? Is it the red haired woman on Scott’s pages? Probably, but who is she? And, why does she suddenly find herself immortal and our focus as we journey through time and into the 32nd century? Not only will she act as our guide through time but “her 1,000-year odyssey will connect all of DC’s future timelines for the first time” as Bendis point out.

Like me, Bendis grew up when The Legion of Superheroes was one of DC’s best selling titles, alongside The New Teen Titans, and I must admit, it was a great time for the team. No wonder he’s excited about writing about one of the largest teams in the whole of comicdom:

It’s an enormous task, and the most fun I’ve ever had. I’m literally vibrating when I’m writing it, it’s so exciting. Because there’s a feeling people get from Legion, and the people who have been missing it all this time. Legion gives you a very special, almost uniquely potent feeling of imagination and hope. It’s almost like the whole theme of DC Comics, but amplified by how it’s laid out.

I’m a big fan of Bendis and his work thus far for DC Comics, so I’m looking forward to this new look and new take on some of my favourite characters who have suffered somewhat in recent years from a slump in popularity. More through the lack of LHS comics. Thankfully all that is set to change but for now, enjoy the unlettered pages with art from Jim Cheung, Dustin Nguyen and Nicola Scott.

But, ahead of this series look out for their official return in August’s Superman #15 from Bendis, Ivan Reis and Joe Prado.

At last, it’s the return of the Legion of Super-Heroes! The greatest super heroes of the 32nd century have traveled back in time not just to meet the heroes who inspired them, but to make an offer…but to which hero? And why will that choice tear Superman’s life apart? Plus, the fallout from Lex Luthor’s conversation with Lois Lane escalates! What dark secret did Lex tell Lois?

Exciting time for LHS this summer. Great stuff.