One thing that is certain in the last five years at DC Comics is that they totally understand how to put together great anthology comics, especially ones like Legion of Bloom, out this week. It’s one of many holiday special anthology issues that celebrate one thing in different ways with different creative teams and different characters. With DC’s Legion of Bloom, it’s all about celebrating spring, plant-based characters, and in some instances, turning over a new leaf.
There are eight stories that make up DC’s Legion of Bloom #1, which feature Batman, Swamp Thing, Wonder Woman, Captain Carrot, Blue Beetle, Poison Ivy, Titans West, and Superman. It’s an eclectic mix, which makes the reading experience nicely varied with plenty of different styles from the artists as well.
The collection starts with “Growing Pains” by Ashley Allen and Isaac Goodhart. Poison Ivy works in a florist shop and takes matters into her own hands when she realizes the local gang is shaking down the owner for cash. Even though she’s helping some folks, she probably goes too far in killing a bunch of goons with some horrific floral powers. The gore is tops here, and Goodhart makes you feel every vine popping out of a mouth.
This story feels like it aligns with what G. Willow Wilson is doing in Poison Ivy since she isn’t a squeaky-clean good guy, but she’s also connecting with people on a human level.
Next is “The Peculiar Pieces of Pierre O’Neill” by Zac Thompson and Hayden Sherman, which leans into the body horror of plants. This tale ties into a major Swamp Thing villain who is mucking about Gotham. The moody art works well with the monstrous villain, and it’s an enjoyable detective-focused Batman tale. Some of the plant/human hybrid monstrosities are right out of a Cronenberg movie.
Blue Bettle gets the focus in “Florida Man” by Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo. This story might have the most outrageous deep-cut villain in this collection, and it hilariously ties into the title. Jaime is looking for a good Cuban spot in Miami but gets distracted by a villain trying to put down roots in Florida. This story has some good comedic bits, with the villain looking all kinds of weird when he changes his form. Some of the explanation and exposition can be heavy and slow things way down, though.
Cavan Scott and Atugun Ilhan tell a Titans West story featuring Queen Bee. The art is detailed and looks as good as anything in a AAA DC Comics title. Fans of characters like Dove and Bumblebee will love their appearances and characterization by Scott.
Do not mess with Poison Ivy.
Credit: DC Comics
“Monsters” by Kenny Porter and Brian Level has Swamp Thing and Flash team up. They are an unlikely duo, but they must save a girl who can’t be found, yet Flash can still hear her calls for help. The villain they must defeat is straight out of a Halloween nightmare, depicted well by Level. A flowing cape, the open wound of a red lava chest, and a jack-o-lantern face combine into something terrifying, and he can hold his own against a god-like Swamp Thing too.
Captain Carrot fans rejoice, as Vitor Cafaggi’s art and colors are astounding in a story written by Calvin Kasulke. The cartoony look, kinetic energy in the fast-moving baby bunnies, and comedic timing are all on point. Captain Carrot has been tasked with watching his many babies, but they get into some super carrots, and things fly off the rails. This tale is a delight.
Siggy, aka Siegfried, has ex-boyfriend problems in “Frosti Reunion” by Travis Moore and Eren Enrica Angiolini. The story opens with Wonder Woman wondering why a giant snowman is attacking in spring. Soon we see Siggy slipping on ice, getting snow sprinkling on only his head, and generally having a bad time with coldness. Enter his ex, and things start to make sense. This tale reminds us of Wonder Woman’s close connection to the gods and develops Siggy as a whole person.
Wrapping up the book is a Superman story by Dave Wielgosz and Riley Rossmo titled “We Just Have to Make it to Spring.” Of all the tales, this one might connect with people the most. That’s in part because it shows during the winter months, even Superman can lose his edge. There’s a sense that seasonal depression might take hold of him, though one could say it’s due to the lack of sun. At the end of the day, even Superman needs others to cheer him up and right his mindset. That’s a sentimental and nice way to end this collection.
DC’s Legion of Bloom #1 is a nice way to celebrate the coming of spring. We’ve made it this far, things are starting to warm up, and even our favorite heroes have tough days, but there’s always tomorrow. DC’s Legion of Bloom reminds us where flowers bloom, so does hope.
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