It’s good that DC Comics is listing this series as an anthology, because it might just win some awards in that category. So far each story has delivered sharp art–some of which quite unique–and varying stories from different genres. Can it sustain this kind of quality? Is it good?
Legends of Tomorrow #3 (DC Comics)
Four stories are contained in this series which all appear in the same order each issue. First up is ‘Firestorm: The Nuclear Man,’ which has an official summary that reads:
Ronnie and Stein are back together as Firestorm! But as they struggle to work together again, Major Force shows up with nothing but punches and fists to the face—don’t miss this all-out action fight issue!
Next is ‘Metamorpho: The Element Man:’
Metamorpho and Sapphire have been transported to another planet, one torn apart by war over the orb that gave Metamorpho his powers! Meanwhile, the alien criminal Kanjar Ro isn’t too far behind, planning to steal the orb by any means necessary.
Then we have ‘Sugar & Spike:’
When an ex from Wonder Woman’s past threatens to expose their relationship on daytime television, Sugar & Spike are on the case! Will our heroes uncover the secret and horrible agenda that guides this menace’s hand before it’s too late?
And finally it’s ‘The Metal Men:’
The Metal Men face off against a threat who might make them lose their breath and their chance for escape! Meanwhile, General Scaletti begins her own plan to capture the Metal Men!
Why does this book matter?
Each story has its strengths but also their weaknesses, and it’s pretty clear DC stuck these stories together because they’re all stronger for it. So far the ‘Sugar & Spike’ series has been a favorite with fantastic pencils from Bilquis Evely and a story by Keith Giffen. That story brings two human detectives into the superhero fray. ‘Metal Men’ by Len Wein has a decidedly classic comic book feel and ‘Metamorpho’ brings a science fiction zaniness similar to something out of The Twilight Zone. Finally, ‘Firestorm’ has an intriguing hero who shares a body with someone else and each of them have their own powers. A lot of inventiveness in this book!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
‘Firestorm’ finally begins to be enjoyable for me in this issue, mostly because the old doctor is inside the high school boy as he’s replaced his partner. Their dynamic is a lot more interesting as they argue about trust and figure out how to work with each other. The 20 pages of this story break down to one long fight sequence and Eduardo Pansica delivers a lot of double page spreads that are in great detail and quite dramatic. Along with inker Rob Hunter and colorist Andrew Dalhouse, they’ll knock your socks off with blockbuster caliber action. The new partnership seems to develop too, which makes the story interesting.
There’s a lot of big sweeping hits like this!
‘Metamorpho’ continues to look great from writer/artist Aaron Lopresti. Metamorpho is beginning to understand his powers in a strange new world (or is it a dimension?) and it’s neat to see what he can do. The story in this issue has a Conan vibe as he’s on an adventure to find the source of his power, but also keep Sapphire safe. There is a lot of exposition in this issue, but it goes a long way in creating a bigger story outside of what we know already.
‘Sugar & Spike’ continues to look amazing–seriously, if you don’t agree buy this and see for yourself. This time they’re on a case for Wonder Woman. Sugar shows a lot of gall in this issue as she’s in a very bad mood (maybe because Spike thinks Wonder Woman is hot?) and much of the story is about people reacting to her sour mood.
‘Metal Men’ continues to be old school comic fun with heroes and bystanders saying what they’re doing as it happens and the Metal Men themselves coming off as cute and adorable. The addition of Red Tornado adds some nice conflict and even better fight sequences. Yildiray Cinar is on pencils and it’s a joy to see what he does with the Metal Men. Their skin and oddly shaped bodies are quite inventive which give it an old school science fiction feel. Their doctor creator gets something to do (something I complained about in the first issue) and there’s plenty of campy dialogue throughout as well. A lot to love if you like those sorts of things.
How does that not kill you?!
It can’t be perfect can it?
Moving backward, ‘Metal Men’ does end on a rather unearned cliffhanger. There’s also an odd bit of dialogue about fighting fire with fire. Relatively minor.
‘Sugar & Spike’ tried to bring a comical sort of story into the their lives and I’m not so certain it worked. I certainly wasn’t laughing. Sugar comes off as incredibly mean too and there isn’t much done to make you think any of her hellfire was deserved.
Is It Good?
Say it ain’t so, my favorite story in this series isn’t my favorite! Still looks good though. Overall this continues to be the strongest anthology on the stands. Each story packs a wallop of something–be it action, science fiction, or great characters–which makes this a no brainer. Buy it!
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