DCAU #225: The Blobs

IN THIS ONE... The Legion of Super-Heroes fights a blob in space, and a technology thief at home.

CREDITS: Written by Steve Vance; art by John Delaney and Ron Boyd.

REVIEW: In an issue that, but for only slightly more cartoony art, could have slotted into the regular series, Vance gives us two stories, really, but the second plays like a B-plot, not a back-up. And is a bit more interesting. But both are tied to the same theme - don't judge by appearances. In the A-plot, Legionnaires fight a losing battle against some kind of space antibody that sees them as a virus, but (spoiler) it turns out to be all an illusion broadcast by a wounded Sensor. Okay, but I wish it had more to do with her psychology. Instead, it's a bit of a runaround about an "unbeatable" amorphous foe. The Legionnaires get to show off their powers, but it's really to no avail.

The B-plot is less about the techno-thief who wants Brainiac 5's stuff and more about Ferro having a hard time fitting in as an exile from the 20th Century. And though disfigured, he's surprised the thoroughly alien Gates is accepted in the group. This serves as a platform for reiterating the Legion's basic tenets about different species collaborating in a positive way. And with "losers" like the characters formerly known as Bouncing Boy and Matter-Eater Lad helping with the bad guy, it really is about "IDIC". Everybody has a role to play and talents they can bring to the table.

Though in line with mainstream continuity of the time, the characters are just a touch more bantery, and Gates sheds a secret tear for the isolation he feels. Not that the Reboot Legion wasn't a happy place, but the characters seem just a little happier to be in the animated world. There's a lot of charm to the issue, regardless of its weaker plot elements.
IN THE MAINSTREAM COMICS: This is the Legion from the Reboot continuity, at a time when its supporting cast included Shvaughn Erin as Science Police liaison, Tenzil Kem as cook, Chuck Taine as engineer, and Koko the monkey. When we see the Legion on DCAU television, this isn't it.

REREADABILITY: Medium - Reads like a contemporary issue of Legionnaires, which is fine.

Comments