Legends of the Superheroes (1979)

In 1979 Hanna Barbera attempted to adapt their popular Super Friends cartoon to a live action format. The final result has been probably one of the most bizarre, awkard and unsettling superhero projects ever.

Bringing together a large mix of DC Comics heroes and villains, Legends Of The Superheroes presents them in a variety show format.

Two episodes were created. The first being a race against the clock as our heroes try to stop the Legion of Doom from detonating a Doomsday bomb. Can our heroes locate the device and defeat those dastardly villains before it’s too late?

The second episode consists of our heroes being the guests of honor for a roasting by some of their arch-enemies and friends. The superhero jokes fly with television personality Ed McMahon as master of ceremonies.

Are you tripping yet?

With favorite characters ranging from their first live action appearances to their only live action appearances ever, Legends will
certainly perk up the curiousity of fans. Batman, Robin, Green Lantern, Captain Marvel, Huntress, Hawkman, Flash and Black Canary star, along with some surprises on the way.

For younger fans this is truly an oddball discovery. For older fans it’s confirmation they hadn’t just dreamt this up years ago and it actually did indeed happen! With the return of Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo and Frank Gorshin as the Riddler, I take a look at the two episodes that aired.

Ironically, after having completed this review and never imagining it would ever get an official DVD release…..it has! I still can’t
believe that.

Initially, this review was made in 2010. If you want to get the low-down on what happened and why this review had disappearedyou can read my blog entry that covers it. So here it is my complete uncut look at Legends of the Superheroes.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/100454142]

This article originally appeared on John’s site Haphazard Stuff. For more original content, also check out his blog here.

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