Legion of Super-Heroes #1 Review – Back to the Future

Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (DC Comics, 9/2/26): Writer Joshua Williamson & artist Hayden Sherman return to the 31st Century when Brainiac 5 and Matter-Eater Lad investigate a murder on a world where superheroes are outlawed. Williamson’s murder mystery premise poses a lot of questions, but none of them are bad. Verdict: A strong start for the Legion’s return.

• Writer: Joshua Williamson
• Artist: Hayden Sherman
• Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
• Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
• Cover Artist: Hayden Sherman (cover A)
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Release Date: September 2, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Legion of Super-Heroes #1:

First Impressions:

The Legion is one of those fan-favorite titles that can’t seem to catch a break since the George Perez days. So, when the All-In news dropped that the Legion was coming back, I was mildly intrigued. After reading the first issue, I’m pleasantly intrigued.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue begins with a disembodied narrator lamenting the fact that heroes are outlawed in the 31st century. The scene shifts between worlds, expanding on those thoughts.

First, Brainiac 5 and Matter-Eater Lad quietly investigate the murder of super-rich inventor R.J. Brande on Earth. Brainy easily disables the security and Persuader droids to break into Brande’s office to peruse Brande’s personal journals and security footage to identify the killer.

Meanwhile, Lightning Lad risks trouble by going out at night and using his powers to stop crooks on Winath. Cosmic Boy risks his family’s future when he uses his magnetic powers to illegally interfere during a sports match. Saturn Girl grapples with psychic voices and visions that talk of people she’s never heard of from the past, including someone named Kal-El.

The issue ends with Brainy’s discovery of the killer, a person with a direct connection to Lightning Lad.

How is the story in Legion of Super-Heroes #1?

Considering the expectations and the legacy (both good and bad) of the Legion, Joshua Williamson starts the series off on the right foot. Since the Legion has been destroyed and resurrected numerous times, you’d be right to wonder which version of the Legion are you getting. Realistically, this issue serves as a reboot. Besides Brainiac 5 and Matter-Eater Lad, none of the familiar characters know each other or are even aware of each other. You could make the case that this is a prequel issue that sets the journey for a new take on the Legion that shows how they formed.

So, Williamson gives readers a fresh-yet-familiar take on the Legion with a fairly solid murder mystery. That’s about as great as you could hope for.

How is the art in Legion of Super-Heroes #1?

I’ll be the first to say that I’ve never been a fan of Hayden Sherman’s art from his main work on Absolute Wonder Woman. His squiggly, indie lines and almost cartoonish interpretations of action were a major detriment to AWW’s early issues. That said, Sherman put in the work to tighten up his lines, give the figurework more weight, and move away from the cartoonish action.

All things considered, Sherman delivers fairly solid work here, particularly with the setting and costume designs that envision a Moebius-like aesthetic for the future. Likewise, Tamra Bonvillain elevates Sherman’s work with an immense amount of coloring detail. Some of the color choices are a bit too harsh, but that’s a minor flaw you can easily look past.

Characters

Familiar characters such as Saturn Girl show up briefly, but the weight of the issue rests on two fronts. First, the detecting duo of Brainiac 5 and Matter-Eater Lad is fully realized and endearing. Their friendly snipes at each other underpin a well-developed partnership that you want to see more of. Second, Lightning Lad’s desperate need to use his powers as a superhero speaks to the relatable need to realize your full potential. When you see he has an illegal stash of Superboy memorabilia – considered a legend that may or may not be real – every superhero nerd knows exactly how that hero worship feels.

Originality & Concept Execution

Williamson’s script has several elements going for it in the originality department. Specifically, a prequel series that starts off with a murder mystery is fairly unique for Legion lore, but Williamson integrates the concept beautifully.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Fresh-yet-familiar introduction to the characters
• A solid mystery for the plot
• The strongest Sherman artwork yet

Room for Improvement

• The colors are a bit too harsh in spots
• The narration is jarring until the end
• The killer’s reveal comes a little too quickly

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 2/2

Final Thoughts:

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Legion of Super-Heroes #1 returns to the 31st Century – before the Legion became the Legion – when Brainiac 5 and Matter-Eater Boy investigate a murder. Joshua Williamson’s script puts a fresh spin on a familiar title, and the artwork is some of Hayden Sherman’s best.

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