Release Date: February 7, 2023
Reviewed by: Steve Younis
Rating – 4/5: “Legion of Super-Heroes” follows on from the same continuity set by “Superman: Man of Tomorrow”, using the same animation/art style. In this story we are introduced to Kara Zor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian cousin, who is struggling to fit in on earth, finding everything so alien and technologically inferior to what she is used to.
While Superman tries to help her, he realizes that Kara may need a different scene, and takes her to the 31st century to train with the Legion of Super-Heroes. Not everything or everyone is as they seem, and Kara and her new friends must band together to save the day.
At the core of this animated film is the relationship between Supergirl and Brainiac 5. As such, the interplay between the two carries the story, and, while their relationship development is predictable, it’s enjoyable to watch it develop nevertheless.
The idea of Kara not fitting in on earth is one that has become common in recent years. Often depicted as brash and sometimes angry, “Legion of Super-Heroes” carries this idea well without taking it too far. Kara’s predicament is one we can sympathize with. While she’s different to Superman, she’s still likeable and heroic… just in her own way.
The action is mixed well with the character development, and we come to know the members of the Legion Academy enough to enable us to hope they all make it through their trials. For the action is at times gruesome, and there are sacrifices made along the way by some of the would-be heroes.
The visuals and language make this animated movie one that is better suited for a more mature audience. I don’t think it’s necessarily suited for young children. Teens and adults are definitely the target audience for this version of the Legion of Super-Heroes.
All in all, “Legion of Super-Heroes” is a worthy sequel to the other films in this animated universe. While it is titled “Legion of Super-Heroes” it should probably have been “Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes” as Kara is the main protagonist of the story.
Be sure to stick around for the mid-credits scene, as it opens the way for the next film in this series.
Meg Donnelly (American Housewife) and Harry Shum Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians) lead a star-studded cast as the voices of Supergirl/Kara and Brainiac 5, respectively. Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace), Matt Bomer (Doom Patrol, White Collar) and Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, The Boys) reprise their roles in this ongoing Justice League continuity as Superman, The Flash and Batman, respectively.
The remainder of the robust Legion of Super-Heroes cast features Cynthia Hamidi (FBI) as Dawnstar, Gideon Adlon (Blockers) as Phantom Girl, Ely Henry (Players, Smallfoot) as Bouncing Boy, Robbie Daymond (Critical Role) as Timber Wolf & Brainiac 4, Yuri Lowenthal (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Spider-Man) as Mon-El, Eric Lopez (Young Justice) as Cosmic Boy & Chemical King, Darin De Paul (Mortal Kombat Legends franchise) as Brainiac & Solomon Grundy, Ben Diskin (Muppet Babies) as Arms Fall Off Boy & Brainiac 2, Victoria Grace (Pacific Rim: The Black) as Shadow Lass, Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect franchise) as Alura, Daisy Lightfoot (Avengers Assemble) as Triplicate Girl, and Zeno Robinson (Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons) as Invisible Kid & Brainiac 3.
Jeff Wamester (Justice Society: World War II) directs Legion of Super-Heroes from a screenplay by Josie Campbell (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power). Producers are Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) and Kimberly S. Moreau (Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Butch Lukic (Batman: The Long Halloween, Superman: Man of Tomorrow) is Supervising Producer. Sam Register is Executive Producer.
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES is available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray and Digital from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.
