Karate Kid #1
Published and © by DC, March-April 1976
Title: “My World Begins in Yesterday”
Synopsis: The Legion’s Karate Kid travels to the 20th century to battle Nemesis Kid – then decides to stay to “find” himself.
Writer: Paul Levitz
Artists: Ric Estrada and Joe Staton
Review: A blatant attempt by DC to cash in on the ’70s’ kung-fu craze, this debut issue of Karate Kid does little to establish the character as a stand-alone franchise. Fans not familiar with Val Armorr from The Legion of Super-Heroes are given little reason to care about him, as writer Paul Levitz chooses to focus instead on action. Unfortunately, this book seems unsure whether it’s a martial arts series or a superhero one, making it a lackluster read for fans of either genre. The Ric Estrada/Joe Staton collaboration makes for interesting art. Not good, mind you, but interesting.
Grade: C
Cool factor: Umm. No. But if comic writer Ralph Macchio had penned this issue? THAT would have been cool.
Notable: This is a Legion of Super-Heroes spinoff.
Character quotable: “Super powers don’t make a hero – courage does!” – Val Armorr, the original Karate Kid
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on March 4, 2009.
