Legends Reading Guide

Overview:

Legends is a pivotal crossover event in the DC Universe, taking place in 1986 and 1987. It follows the aftermath of Crisis on Infinite Earths and serves as a starting point for the reboot of several series, including Justice League International, Shazam!, Wonder Woman, and Suicide Squad. The storyline revolves around Darkseid’s scheme to manipulate humanity’s fears and incite chaos, leading to a battle between heroes and villains.

The event spans six issues but can also be read as an extended 22-chapter story, involving various tie-in issues across different series. Legends introduces new dynamics among the heroes and explores the evolving landscape of the post-Crisis DC Universe. It offers a compelling narrative that delves into the psychological and philosophical aspects of heroism while setting the stage for the reimagining of numerous iconic characters and teams. (Full Review)

Best Way To Read:

Legends 30th Anniversary Edition

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

Publications Impact

• Series Spun out of the Even
  • Suicide Squad vol. 1
  • Justice League vol.1
  • Justice League International vol.1
  • Justice League America
  • The Flash vol. 2

References:

• Wikipedia
• DC Database

Feature Image Legends 30th Anniversary Cover art by John Byrne.