Legion of Super Heroes - TV-Y7-FV
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this comic book-based animated series is reminiscent of most superhero shows in which a team of good guys battles a persistent (and seemingly indestructible) cast of villains. What sets this show apart is the evolution of an insecure character into a powerful superhero, thanks to the support of friends. Teamwork and mutual respect are consistent themes throughout the series, and rarely does one hero's ability come across as a clear winner over another's. Cartoon violence is prevalent and occasionally results in short-term loss of consciousness, but rarely more.
Families can talk about friendship. Why is it important to have friends who respect you for who you are? How can having friends help you through difficult times? Why do superheroes need friends they can count on as much or more than regular people? Families can also discuss respect. How do people show respect? What types of people deserve respect? When do people lose your respect? How can they gain it back?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
In LEGION OF SUPER HEROES, a team of champions from the 31st century heads back in time to enlist Superman's help in battling their nemeses, the Fatal Five. But when they arrive in the Man of Steel's hometown, Smallville, they discover that they've miscalculated a bit. Instead of a powerful, confident Superman, they find the introverted, insecure teenager Clark Kent (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal), whose abilities need fine-tuning and who knows nothing of the legend that comic book history says he'll become.
It takes some effort, but Brainiac 5 (Adam Wylie), Bouncing Boy (Michael Cornaccia), and Saturn Girl (Kari Wahlgren) convince Clark that he's special and may be able to help them. Although he sincerely doubts that he's the "Superman" they keep talking about, his curiosity is piqued enough that he goes back to the future with them.
When Clark meets the other heroes eagerly awaiting his arrival, their dismay at his scrawny, bespectacled appearance is evident, and his confidence again wavers. It's only through the encouragement of his new friends that Clark discovers the strength to fill that famous spandex suit and fight the enemy alongside them.
Legion of Super Heroes is a refreshingly fun addition to the crowded family of superhero cartoons. It's packed with quirky characters (both male and female) and fast action that kids will love, and its portrayal of Clark's imperfect evolution into Superman is a bonus that offers lessons in persistence, self-confidence, and the dangers of judging a book by its cover (as Clark's hero friends and Fatal Five enemies soon learn).
While frequent cartoon violence -- kicking, punching, explosions -- makes this a somewhat iffy choice for the littlest viewers, grade-schoolers will enjoy the action, and parents can be assured that themes of teamwork, friendship, and mutual respect are woven into each episode.
Fans may also enjoy Justice League Unlimited and Superman: The Animated Series. And teens might enjoy an entirely different take on Clark Kent's teen years, Smallville.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentFemale heroes and villains wear tight, skimpy suits. |
 |
|
||
ViolenceCartoon action violence includes kicking, punching, blasts of fire, and explosions. One character fights with an ax (although he never cuts anyone, and there's no blood), and another controls people with a magic eye. Injuries occasionally knock characters unconscious, but they wake up quickly and show little effect from the hit. |
 |
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social BehaviorFemale heroes hold their own among the men, both with their abilities and with the respect shown by their peers. Most of the good-guy characters are caring and considerate of one another's feelings. They rely heavily on teamwork to battle the enemies. |
 |
|
||
Commercialism |
 |
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
