DC’s All In initiative has spawned plenty of storylines, including the birth of the Absolute Universe and the massive expansion of the Justice League. But one of these storylines raised a bunch of questions: there was a version of the Legion of Super-Heroes that’s been corrupted by Darkseid’s death and influence. This “Legion of Darkseid” finally takes center stage in Superman #28, intending to hit the Man of Steel when he leasts expects it.
It does make sense that Superman is the comic that finally digs into the Legion of Darkseid. During his run, Joshua Williamson’s hinted at their presence and shown how cruel they are. But Superman #28 takes it to another level, especially when Superman meets a corrupted Saturn Girl. Using her telepathic abilities, she pushes him into what can only be called a nightmare, and shows that this Legion definitely isn’t the one that DC fans might remember.
This moment is preceded by a montage of Superman living his life, and a conversation with his mother Martha about the Legion. Both help set the stage for Superman’s upcoming confrontation with the Legion of Darkseid (while also tying back into the Summer of Superman Special) but it shows that Williamson understands what makes Superman such a great character. No matter the time or the place, if he can help you, he’ll can.
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Superman #28 sees the return of Dan Mora to interiors, and it’s just as epic as you’d expect. Mora’s artwork is a beautiful thing to witness no matter the title, but he has a special knack for drawing Superman. Whether it’s something as epic as diving into the path of gunfire or as simple as visiting a children’s hospital, Mora brings a quiet strength to the Man of Steel that fits his character. It’s the complete opposite of the Legion of Darkseid; while they look like the heroes Clark Kent knew in his youth, they’re sporting armor that bears the cracked, fiery visage of the former Lord of Apokolips. Mora also matches this apocalyptic imagery with permanent sneers etched onto their faces.
Mora’s return to artwork also means that fans will be treated to some pretty epic splash pages. Superman #28 is littered with epic images: Superman soaring through the sky, uppercutting Lightning Lad, or the final page (fair warning: it’s bound to cause some intense discussion.) But the real standout is when Saturn Girl takes Superman on a “walk” through his mind. It’s a way for Mora to display all of the different parts of Superman’s life, and it’s a vibrant sequence in a issue filled with some pretty dark moments, thanks to Alejandro Sanchez’s colors. Sanchez also delivers gorgeous backgrounds, including the golden plains of Smallville and the vibrant purple used whenever characters travel through time.
Superman #28 finally follows up on one of the biggest moments of the All-In era, and puts a dark spin on the Legion of Superheroes. Williamson and Mora aren’t holding anything back, and with DC K.O. on the horizon, fans can expect the Man of Steel to be put through the wringer.
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