Supergirl & LOSH Issue 27

By: Merin
Date: Friday, March 16, 2007

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes – Issue 27
Writer: Mark Waid ; Penciler: Barry Kitson ; Inker: Mick Gray
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Roll Call: Supergirl, Lightning Lad, Cosmic Boy, Invisible Kid, Chameleon, Shrinking Violet, Brainiac 5

One Sentence Synopsis: An alien race known as the Dominators has unleashed a virus at all the machines on Earth.
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The Meat: A wonderful thing about Mark Waid as a writer is that he can keep a plot line weaving in and out of other story arcs, arcs which take center stage, but then bring that plot line full force up front and have it dominate the whole story. By the time he does this you care about everything else that has happened or is happening and yet feel rewarded for your patience as everything ties together. The robot uprisings, for example, have been background for such issues as Supergirl, the Wanderers, and other sub-plots, but now it is revealed as part of the bigger story arc.

The issue begins with the Dominators gloating to their captives, Sun Boy and several other supers. We learn that not only did they use the AI virus on Earth but the Dominators have used the captured supers to create their own powered soldiers.

Meanwhile on Earth, the interplanetary ambassadors are trapped in the United Planets HQ. With all the teleport gates and vehicles compromised by the virus, they are sitting ducks for the robotic assault. Nearby Cosmic Boy and some Legionnaires try to come to an agreement with Mekt Rannz and his Wanderers when the delegates are attacked. After butting heads, Mekt and his crew agree to help the Legion rescue the diplomats. Under cover created by Plant Lad, Brainiac 5 constructs a one-use gate while Lightning Lad and Mekt provide covering fire for Cosmic Boy and the others to bring the ambassadors to the gate.

The Dominators send a strike force after the gate just as the Legion fire it up. The gate fails, some of the delegates are injured and the group falls back. While trying to buy time for their escape, Cosmic Boy is overrun.
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Character Watch: Very little Supergirl which makes me sad, but she's been a big focus for many issues so it is ok. Cosmic Boy gets to shine as a leader and a hero. Lightning Lad is given props and has a good moment with his elder brother Mekt. More Brainy arrogance – I can never get enough of this, especially how Waid writes him (reminds me of his excellent characterization of Simon Archard in Ruse for Crossgen.) Even Theena, not technically a Legionnaire, gets her moment to shine.
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Favorite Line: “G0D save me from tenth-level intellects who thin they're elevens . . .”

Favorite Moment: Lightning Lad and Mekt holding off the Dominator super-soldiers.

Favorite Image: The first page, where the Dominator is shown holding the virus-infected Earth in the palm of his hand.
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Overall Grade: A-
- a strong issue that moves the story along at a good pace; there's action and revelation, some character development and plenty of drama; Waid's new take on the Legion continues to impress me.

Click here to read the staff review by Mania.