Nov. '86 - Legends # 1

DC has stated that they did this mini-series to open up their universe after Crisis reduced the size of it by eliminating the multiverse. I think it was more a case of them seeing how successful their first company wide crossover was and deciding another one would do well, too. This one certainly didn't have the lasting effects that Crisis did. The story began and ended and nothing changed. Some good did come from it - Justice League, Suicide Squad, Flash but no deaths or reboots.

The villain was Darkseid and he decides that if he can discredit the heroes in the eyes of the population the Earth will be easier to take over because others won't be inspired to greatness. The plan didn't make a lot of sense. I think if the Earth was in danger heroes would fight whether they were accepted by the people or not. That's why their heroes. They don't do it for public acclaim.

The heroes featured in this were a group you wouldn't normally see together - Flash, Changeling, Firestorm, Captain Marvel and Cosmic Boy (on vacation from the 30th century). The Justice League (Detroit version) also appeared.

The comic was drawn by John Byrne, new to DC from Marvel. It made sense to put him on the big crossover considering his popularity at the time and his recent switch in companies.

In this first issue, Captain Marvel's lightning causes the death of a villain and he vows never to use his powers again, giving Darkseid some opening success.