by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
The creative minds behind the hit CW shows Arrow and The Flash are at it again. When the world needs saving, Time Master Rip Hunter decides to assemble a team of heroes and villains to face a threat that could mean the end of the world. With the past, present, and future at stake, this motley crew of time travelers must step up to take their place as legends in the DC Universe. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has had plenty of setup over the course of the current seasons of Arrow and The Flash, and fans have been waiting to know if this adventure is worth the wait. Now we have our answer.
Beware of minor spoilers for Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is the ultimate realization of a comic book fan’s dream come true. Remember when you were young and you were playing with your action figures? At the time, it didn’t matter to you if you had Batman fighting the X-Men, or if the Power Rangers had to team up with Superman to save the day. Legends embraces the idea of a somewhat random assortment of characters coming together just to see what happens, and the result is a damn good time. With the impending onslaught of DC Extended Universe Films, the big guns of DC Comics haven’t been readily available for a TV equivalent to a Justice League. Sure, we have seen some amazing crossovers and world-building with Arrow and The Flash, and the live action introduction of some lesser known, but equally important and impressive characters. Legends gives viewers the opportunity to explore the many facets of the DC Universe, including different eras and iterations of characters, in an Ocean’s Eleven style adventure.
If you watched this season’s crossover of Arrow and The Flash, you already know a little about the immortal villain known as Vandal Savage. With ties to Hawkman and Hawkgirl, Savage continues to plague the DCTV Universe through the ages. With guidance from Rip Hunter, there is a possibility that this group could stop Savage’s tyranny once and for all. After gathering his would-be team together, Hunter gives the group a chance to reflect on his request for assistance. Some members consult their close friends, while others consult family. Fans will definitely enjoy some of the cameo appearances made in the pilot (with one surprisingly notable absence from the Scarlet Speedster). After some coercing, the team embarks on their journey through time, with their first jump to 1975 to gather intel on the whereabouts of Savage.
The moment when you see this gathering of DC characters together on screen, working side by side for the first time to face an imminent threat, is the moment when you will realize that Legends of Tomorrow is something truly special. The special effects are solid, the story works, and the characterization is spot on. There are some great twists as the pilot progresses, and you will have to check out the two-part premiere this month to see for yourself. All of the characters from the comic are treated with respect and admiration, and this live action offering showcases why they are each legends in their own right.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow “Pilot, Part 1” airs on Jan 21, and “Pilot, Part 2” premieres on Jan 28th.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline is pleased to give DC’s Legends of Tomorrow – “Pilot, Parts 1 &2” – 5 out of 5 time traveling adventures.
After you are done time traveling, be sure to check out “Straight and Arrow” (an original musical tribute to CW’s Arrow) by our house band Random Gibberish!
