Computo is a god! Olivier Coipel's finale! We look at The Legion #13 & 14

Can you believe we're starting the second year of The Legion? This book has been humming along nicely and, judging from some of the feedback I've gotten here, we're in the middle of one of the best Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning (DnA) stories. I know that I probably come across a little snarky in some of my comments, but I've been enjoying this as well. Let's hope everything keeps working.

To recap: The Robotican forces have taken over the Earth and changed everything into robotics. They've changed all buildings, structures, etc., and reworked them into their own form. At least, that's what I think is happening.

Brainiac 5 has been taken by the leader of the Robotican forces: Computo, who seems to want a heart-to-heart moment with his "father" while Brainy seems to want nothing to do with it.

The Legion, and Legion World, are above the force shield the surrounds the Earth and are unable to get in. The Coluan hive mind have figured out how to get past this and an attack is eminent. Unfortunately for the Legion, the Coluan scientist who's assisting them, Sharn Nux, has promised the Coluan council that she will destroy the sentient mind of the Roboticans, even if it destroys the Earth too.

Let's begin:

 

The Legion #13

Kev Walker is our guest artist this issue - I liked what he did on a past issue, so I'm hoping he'll continue his strong work here.

We begin on Earth, where Brainiac 5 and Computo are rehashing the latter's creation and how he was treated when Computo solved the problem of getting the Legion back to the 31st Century (everyone remember the time when half the Legion was in the 21st Century?). If I remember correctly, Computo was created from a Mother Box, a Responsometer (from the Metal Men), and Brainy's Omnicom. Is there a chance that he could possess the New Gods' knowledge? Could Computo be even more dangerous than we thought?

Also, it's nice to see them actually reference the previous run of Legion stories. I'm guessing DnA was tasked with creating a completely new feel to the book but you can't ignore everything else, right?

Outside the force shield, Kid Quantum orders the Khunds to begin their bombardment run. Not sure why the Khunds are taking orders from the Legion, but I guess they're following the U.P.'s orders for... reasons?? Legion World starts firing, as does Warworld. They're all shooting everything they've got. Star Boy is "buffering... deadnought's mass..." to prevent Warworld from throwing off the Earth's orbit. They know this isn't how his powers work, right? This isn't how anything works... He makes things heavier, he doesn't change mass either way... or that's what I thought.

Inside Legion World, Timber Wolf and R.J. Brande are chatting about how there's probably not going to much left of the Earth once they're all done. Then we get a great moment where Brin admits he doesn't know who he's talking to. And he's shocked he's talking to the former president of the United Planets. Before the apologies are over, Brin makes it abundantly clear that he helped Appartion for no other reason then he cared (no romantic subplot here) and Brin's got no future plans. So R.J. gives him a Legion flight ring. The team doesn't get any say in their members? Also, why completely kneecap a possible storyline before it even begins?

Computo decides that now is the best time to explain what he's been doing for the past 1,000 years and tells Brainy about how he fled to the stars to get away from anything organic. And he watched the Coluans "perpetuate its foulest crime against the machine."

Meanwhile... back to the Kwai galaxy we go and discover that the Credo is spreading their killing to new planets. Singularity kills the planetary hero for the crime of offering asylum to the Progeny.

Back to Earth, and Computo continues... in the 25th Century, Colu granted machines free will and the organics were infected by the Mentallo virus. The robots shut themselves down until a cure was found. Instead of finding a cure, Colu just destroyed every machine. This is what led Computo to creating Robotica.

Speaking of Colu, we drop in to learn that some of their scientists are dying as they try to discover a solution to the Robotica problem. Two of them are nice enough to reveal everything else we need to know:

• Sharn Nux has the execution program woven into her body
• The Coluans were the ones who infected the robots with the Mentallo virus
• They wanted to start an organic/inorganic war to stop the rise of the machines
• And they want to do it again...

Basically, the Coluans are the bad guys now. Which, if done right, could make for some interesting future stories.

Somewhere on Earth, Neo-Kinetix and Shvaughn Erin are hiding in the battered city of Metropolis. So was she unable to fly to safety? But why stay in Metropolis? Isn't the goal to assist anyone else? Or help someone?

They run into the new versions of the Terrorforms, which are now robotic in nature. And before we can get any more answers, Neo-Kinetix starts changing as well - she's evolving into a robotic form as well.

Computo is still recounting his past, telling about how he built Robotica as a haven for all unwanted robotics. It was a sanctuary for them and as they grew in size and strength, they came to Earth to claim their birthright. He doesn't like Brainy's sarcasm and lashes out at his creator for the first time.

Outside the shield, not much is happening. The shield is still strong and the Legion World computer, which has taken the form of a glowing, green ghost, says that it may take more time than they expected. Which is when the Earth starts counter-attacking. That took long enough.

Within an instant, Robotican forces have boarded Legion World and are looking to wipe everyone out. The communications hub is blasted open and the robots look to kill, starting with Saturn Girl.

The assault team, led by Kid Quantum, is still waiting by a threshold portal, waiting for an opening in the shield.

Computo begins his final speech - he claims that robots are organic's offspring and, much like people of different colors and gender that had to revolt to get acceptance in the past, the robots are doing the same thing now. Computo states that machines were born into slavery and wants to know why.

Brainiac 5 tells him that it's because Earthlings and Coluans are afraid of technology. They're afraid of intelligence that isn't controlled by emotions. The robots are their replacements. Brainy then offers to help Computo by showing everyone that robots aren't slaves or tools, but equals.

Finally, Brainy admits that Computo is his son and he'll help him achieve his goals.

Once again, we've reached the mid-to-end point of the story so this is the big issue where they ramp up the threat, explain the reason for the villain doing what they're doing, and place the Legion in even more danger. On that end, issue #13 does exactly what it's supposed to do here.

I'll say this about Kev Walker - he did an okay job and kept everything flowing. I thought he was much stronger on some of the character work, especially the Brainy/Computo scenes and struggled with some of the others. It's tough following Coipel and he'd definitely leagues better than some of the other artists they've brought in for fill-ins.

 

The Legion #14

Olivier Coipel is back and that's always good news. If this story follows form, expect a ton of great action.

We begin with Saturn Girl calling for help - her area of Legion World has been blasted and she needs assistance. Who arrives for her rescue? Timber Wolf. He tears through the robots, gets her to her feet, and they have very quick introductions. I think this is Coipel's first time drawing Brin and I really like the fluidity he brings to him. I will also give bonus points for, once again, DnA using futuristic slang with Brin - he says: "Gotta 'step, sweets... we got droids up the zootie on this deck." Okay, the sexism is insulting and I wish Imra had shut him down for it, but at least they're trying to make him sound like someone from a different era.

Every ship they have is still trying to blast their way through Earth's defense shield and failing. Even worse news is that Warworld can only maintain this attack for another minute or two - Star Boy's powers are at their limit and he's can't do much more.

Just as Triad is about to call off the attack, Chuck tells her that there is finally a hole in the shield. To the shock of no one, it's right above Metropolis. The Legionnaires waiting at the threshold portal are ready to attack.

On a quick aside, if Legion World, the Khund fleet, and Warworld are pounding raw destructive energy onto the shield, what's happening underneath? I mean, is the energy just dissipating into space? Is the energy wreaking havoc with every living thing underneath? And did the hole in the shield need to be above where the Legion wanted to threshold to? So many questions...

The Legion attack force is dropped into Metropolis Science Police HQ, and the only reason they got in was because Neo-Kinetix, using her robotic powers now, opened the hole. But she's losing her loyalty with every moment. Very nice of Shvaughn to explain all of that... well, except for how they got back into S.P. HQ, or how Neo-Kinetix is still in control of anything, or how the threshold got them to their exact point...

Also, for some completely unexplained reason, Live Wire is wearing a purple baseball cap and a jacket. Was her costume ruined last issue and I forgot? Did Coiple just get tired of drawing her hair?

To get through the robots undetected, Sensor has a booster so she can use her illusions to make them see interference instead of Legionnaires. It also means that Coipel can stop drawing details as every Legionnaire is presented in silhouette.

They realize that the Robotican army has spotted them, which means there's no point is using the illusion and the fight begins. It's not too hard for Kid Quantum to use her powers to cause all of the attackers, which look like helicopters, to rust over and explode.

They burst into Computo's main room, where Brainy has erected a force field to keep the Legion out. Good to know that Computo chose to do everything inside S.P. HQ. I would've liked to have seen him take over Legion HQ. I have come to the conclusion, however, that no one should live in Metropolis anymore.

Brainy then starts explaining why they need to let Computo evolve. Machinekind has a basic right to life and, by allowing this to occur, they're fighting to save these inorganic species. Invisible Kid agrees, Sharn Nux doesn't, and it's up to Kid Quantum to decide what the Legion can do.

Her choice is to follow Brainy's lead and let this happen. I guess she's completely forgotten that Robotica wiped out her entire planet, killing millions and destroying everything.

As they follow Ra's Al Ghul's instructions, Computo starts to feel afraid. They've generated a field of Hypertaxis energy and it's time to begin.

Sharn Nux moves into action, her fingers becoming mechanical and she needs to shut everything down. And, in case you're wondering why I'm always using her first and last name, that's how everyone refers to her in the book. Honestly. No one ever just says, "Sharn." Or "Ms. Nux." Invisible Kid knocks her down and takes away her bio-weapon. Threat over in two panels.

To the shock of no one reading this, Computo immediately admits his evil plans and laughs about tricking Brainy into giving him what he wants. He doesn't care about the other machines - he just wants power. 

And also, to the surprise of no one, Brainy saw it coming.

Computo evolves and becomes a big orange ball of energy. He's evolved in every way possible and is no concerned with petty things like revenge or hatred. Well, that's what Brainy says as he can hear Computo in his head - Computo has become so sophisticated and Brainy knew he'd see everything differently as soon as he achieved this new form.

The war is over. Robotica is disarming. Brainy believes that machines and organics can now peacefully co-exist.

Sharn Nux attacks and, even though she has no superpowers and is in the same room as numerous Legionnaires, she's able to get to Brainiac 5, attack him with her bio-weapons, draw blood, and attack Computo.

She leaps towards the energy and everything turns into a multi-colored flash of light. Sharn Nux is blasted away, screaming in agony.

Everything's over. Robotica rebuilds the Earth in a day, repairing and rebuilding everything they destroyed. They move to Warworld, making that their new homeworld and they're heading back to the planet's previous orbit. Thank goodness, Pluto is back. The U.P. recognizes robots as sentient species, which causes Kid Quantum to wonder if they were breaking the Legion code against killing when they were fighting them before. Computo and Sharn Nux disappeared. And Brainiac 5 is back and healthy after floating in the same kind of healing system we saw in "The Empire Strikes Back."

Kid Quantum then wanders to Apparition's room to check on the Cub. Everything looks good and doctors think they can get his growth under control. Ultra Boy then shows up and asks to be introduced to his son.

For the epilogue, we see the end of time, the Omega Point, and a huge fiery blast  hits the cold, lifeless ground. A single voice speaks: "At last. I've been expecting you."

Okay, that wraps up the second big DnA storyline where, once again, the Earth is almost destroyed and there are way more questions than answers.

Let's start with the positive - I really loved how they handled Computo here and this is what I was talking about previously when I was complaining about using Ra's Al Ghul instead of elevating a Legion villain. They took Computo from a wasted character stuck in the 20th Century and made him... a god?? I really wished they did more with him at the end of the story as it's kinda cliched to just have the evolved villain disappear in the time stream.

I also enjoyed the visuals - this book looks great. Coipel has made the book his own and its distinct from anything else DC was publishing (so, of course, this is his last issue). They've embraced the science fiction of the title and I think this is the first time since Keith Giffen was working on the Legion that it feels like its the future.

Here's a little aside about Olivier Coipel because I wanted to give him some credit in his final issue. He started off very shaky and those first few issues were rough. He really started to find his footing by the end of Legion Lost and here, in The Legion, he's on fire. I've been loving his work on this series and this all leads to the next question:

How did DC let him get away? He left the Legion and was almost immediately drawing The Avengers. In January 2005, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel and never looked back. Who was making these decisions at DC? How did they look at his pencils and think "this is a guy we should just let go to the competition"? How were they not looking to find him bigger name projects? Unless he hated working at DC and was always looking to sprint over to Marvel, this makes no sense.

To give Coipel a little more credit, especially when comparing him to Legion artists, he drew more Legion stories than Dave Cockrum, Mike Grell, James Sherman, Steve Lightle, or Chris Sprouse. He handled almost 3 years of Legion stories and was a critical component to making this book sell.

I've been thinking about this for a while and I think I have a better way to refer to the DnA run - this is the Independence Day Legion (or IDL). Every storyline is big, exciting, full of great action, shows lots of things exploding, involves the Earth almost dying again and again, and is essentially empty and falls apart if you spend more than five minutes thinking about it. The characters exist to serve the story and the story never serves the characters. Any time they slow things down and try to focus on a character, the story fails because they can't hide behind spectacle. This is why issue #9, which should have been a tender, heartfelt story, was just meh.

If you don't believe me, here are all the unanswered questions I have about the Robotican story:

• Why did everyone believe the Roboticans were self-aware and deserved to exist when we never saw any other robot, except for Computo, show any of those traits?
• How did the Legion fight off Robotica's first attack on Legion World?
• Why did Robotica stop attacking Legion World the second time?
• How did Star Boy do anything they gave him credit for?
• Why did no one care about Xanthu after the first issue?
• Where were the rest of the people on Earth? If we assume that Robotica would handle Earth the same way they handled Xanthu, there should be billions of dead Earthlings.
• What happened to Tharok?
• Why would you give a race of robots who literally just wrecked Earth control over somewhere called Warworld?
• Why do the Coluans hate artificial intelligence?
• Why could none of the most powerful Legionnaires stop Sharn Nux from almost killing Brainiac 5?

I could go on. Please post any answers you have to these questions, or ask your own, in the comments.

Our next Legionnaire in the spotlight... Chlorophyll Kid!!

Much like last week, when we looked at Stone Boy, I don't have a lot to say about Ral Benem either. He has a pretty standard origin story for the 60's - he fell in something and gained powers. He got more attention from his creator, Edmond Hamilton, than some Legionnaires. His costume was pretty dull at the beginning, but got slightly more interesting when Giffen took over. And he was probably at his most interesting when he was comedic relief.

• As insane as this sounds, I actually kinda liked that Keith Giffen drew him overweight during the 80's. It made him stand out and showed that, even with powers, heroes need to exercise. Yes, it was played for laughs, which I didn't like, but it made him unique for the time. Well, him and Bouncing Boy.
• More insanity - I find it crazy that, when he was first introduced in the 60's, we knew his name and origin before we knew about Shrinking Violet's or Colossal Boy's. The Silver Age was a wacky time.
• He might have been one of the hardest characters for me to identify when he was part of the resistance in Volume 4. He got rid of the weight and the costume. I, even at that time, didn't have the Subs' real names memorized so that didn't help. And there were only a few times when he actually used his powers. Of course, I also might have been staring at those pages thinking, "Really? We get these guys? No Wildfire yet... but the Subs??"
• Whoever thought Plant Man was a good idea should take a break from writing comics for a bit. I mean, you had this great, alliterative name, and you go with Plant Man... ugh...
  
• If there is a weirder reboot look for a Legionnaire, I can't think of one. I included the angry, vicious version of Chlorophyll Kid from Gary Frank above just to show the contrast.

Not much else to say about him... actually, I'm guessing most of the Subs entries are going to be like this but I'm nothing if not a completest.

Until next week, where we see what happens with the Legion after they lost Coipel and what new way DnA will decide to destroy the Earth.

Please leave your comments either here on the reddit page... thanks for sharing your thoughts!