Warning: contains spoilers for Justice Society of America #11!
After 61 years, one of DC’s goofiest teams is finally done being a joke. The Legion of Super-Heroes is a pillar of the DC Universe, and has been for over 60 years. Less known is the Legion of Substitute Heroes, but as seen in Justice Society of America #11, they finally prove what they are made of, helping save the universe from a great and powerful evil.
The Legion of Substitute Heroes was created by Edmond Hamilton and John Forte.
Justice Society of America #11 is written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Marco Santucci. The Justice Society is fighting the Legion of Super-Heroes over the JSA’s decision to admit a younger Mordru. Doctor Fate returns from the future with the Legion of Substitute Heroes, who help him reveal the true culprit: Eclipso, who took root in Wildcat’s body.
As Eclipso begins working his evil magic, Mordru, the JSA and both Legions team up to end his reign of terror once and for all.
The Legion of Substitute Heroes’ Origins, Explained
The Legion of Substitute Heroes Has Undergone Extensive Changes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is one of the coolest concepts in DC history. As the name implies, it is a veritable legion of super-powered teenagers, who have come together to save the universe. Spots on the Legion are rare, and to ensure the process is fair, they conduct “tryouts.” Many apply but few are accepted. Undaunted, some of the rejects banded together as the Legion of Substitute Heroes. First appearing in 1963’s Adventure Comics #306, the Legion of Substitute Heroes would become integral to the overall Legion mythos.
|
A Guide to Select Members of the Legion of Substiute Heroes |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Name |
Powers |
Home Planet |
|
Polar Boy |
Can project cold |
Tharr |
|
Infectious Lass |
A living petri dish of diseases and bacteria |
Somhatur |
|
Night Girl |
Super strength, but only in the darkness |
Kathoon |
|
Color Kid |
Color manipulation |
Lupra |
|
Stone Boy |
Super strength and endurance |
Zwen |
|
Chlorophyll Kid |
Plant matter manipulation |
Madru |
Just how the Legion of Substitute Heroes is viewed has changed over time. The concept of a team of “rejected” heroes lends itself to a more comedic tone, and some of the Substitute Heroes’ missions have been played for laughs, most notably during the Legion of Substitute Heroes Special. Written and drawn by Keith Giffen, and released on April Fools’ Day of 1985, the book became, for better or for worse, the defining view of the team. The Legion of Substitute Heroes has undergone as many roster changes as the primary Legion.
The stylistic innovations Keith Giffen used for
The Legion of Subsitute Heroes Special
later found their way into the main
Legion of Super-Heroes
book.
Despite the goofy perception of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, they have made an impact on the franchise over time. For the longest time, the Substitute Heroes acted as “backup” in case the main Legion was out of commission, a move that gained them the respect of the galaxy. Polar Boy, one of the Substitute’s founders, later made the leap to the main Legion, and inspired by his example, others eventually found their way there as well. The Legion of Super-Heroes has been rebooted several times, and the Substitute Heroes are always a key part of it.
The Legion of Substitute Heroes Are Done Being a Joke
Will They Ever Replace the Real Legion of Super-Heroes
And now, the latest incarnation of the Legion of Substitute Heroes is done being a joke, and are ready to take their place as one of DC’s best teams. While they use their powers to turn the tide of battle, it is how they handle the aftermath that distinguishes them. Rather than kill Mordru, as the primary Legion wished, they offered him a chance to continue his journey to redemption. The Legion of Substitute Heroes used both heart and strength to save the day, proving they are truly worthy of A-list status.
Justice Society of America #11 is on sale now from DC Comics!
