In fact they called themselves the “Legion of Doom (featuring Sinestro, Riddler, Weather Wizard, Mordru, Solomon Grundy, and Dr. Now, for me, it wasn’t so much the super heroes that caught my attention in 1979 as it was the announcement of a group of super villains making appearance. It’s good to see them out of their chairs, but there’s not much “killer” action to make you want much more (My 9 year fell asleep to this as I introduced this worn out old TV cheese classic…I was not far behind) The “ Legion of Doom” announce that they have planted a bomb of which the “ Justice League of America” must follow clues to disengage. The 2nd special was presented more as a challenge of the heroes vs the villains. The show begins with a glorious character by character introduction that announces each super hero before they get rolling. If that doesn’t get you then how bout Ed McMahon playing the host? A few of them like the “Weatherman” even go as far as to indulge their talents against the heroes prompting much laugher from their fake voiceover audience. The players are seated while villains and associates arrive to crack bad jokes and cheesy one-liners. It also started its first episode with a “Roast”, of all things. “ Legends of the Superheroes” contains that “way over-used laugh track” backing we’ve come to love and hate. Well at least he made his outfit look decent. The “Hawk Man” was the coolest of this group AND the most embarrassing for that matter (as he often answers with a loud hawk scream – makes you wonder if Ace Frehley was inspired for his performance in “”Kiss Meets the Phantom”). This would “not” complete the needed lineup for the Justice League players but it was all that was authorized for this show. The lineup goes like this: “Batman”, “Robin”, “Captain Marvel”, “Hawk Man”, “Green Lantern”, “The Huntress”, “The Flash”, “The Atom” and “Black Canary”. Though this is live action in full embarrassingly awkward fitting leotards and costume capes in the effort to present a few of the DC universe greats to its viewing audience. The show is off beat and is somewhat based the “Super Friends” cartoon series. It is the title for these 2 one hour TV specials under the Hanna–Barbera team known for their children’s TV show work. So what is this and why should you care? The “Legends of the Superheroes” is not really a movie. And if that isn’t enough you have actor Frank Gorshin replaying “his” role as “The Riddler”. In fact it actually has actors Adam West and Burt Ward reprising their classic suits and roles for a authentic “Batman and Robin” appearance. No really,…it’s really bad cheesy early Batman kind of stuff. Now before you run out and spend your good money, you should know it’s 100% cheese. The funny thing is, is that while you can grab a copy now, you couldn’t for over 30 years (unless you count bootlegged TV to VHS copies). I was able to obtain a long lost copy for the purpose of this review, though you can actually purchase this now from this link. Why? because back then it was uncommon to see your comic book heroes presented on the screen (big or small). I can honestly say, I caught this upon debut in 1979 and anticipated with full excitement. There’s a good reason you’ve probably never heard of this movie/2part-TVspecial series? There is also a good reason why you “should” (if at least) for comparison nostalgia. Who knew DC Super Heroes and villains packed as much verbal wit as physical grit when not locked in mortal combat? These Legends will leave you laughing. The Legion’s ultimate gambit: trick the heroes into downing a diabolical depowering drink! The Roast: Poking fun beats swapping punches when celebrity host Ed McMahon emcees a rowdy rave-up. The Challenge: Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward of the live-action Batman TV series) lead The Flash, Green Lantern and more JLA members against The Riddler (Frank Gorshin reprising his TV role), Mordru, Weather Wizard and other Doom-dealers. Heroes and villains of DC Comics square off in the two-part, live-action, made-for-TV (with a laugh track!) smackdowns of Legends of the Super Heroes.
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