The Post-Zero Hour Kent Shakespeare?
Legion Cadet "Kent Shakespeare"
In online news stories and in discussions with fans at summer 2003 comic book conventions about The Legion #25, artist Chris Batista confirmed that the character that appears in that particular issue is meant to be a new version of Kent Shakespeare. Unfortunately, what is not as clear is whether the writers of the comic know this as well, or if they have any plans to use the character.
Clearly, the introduction of this "Kent" is quite different than the off-panel events that led to his Legion membership pre-Zero Hour. In this case, "Kent" is one of 20 teenaged humanoids and aliens, "the first candidates to be enrolled in the Legion Cadet Program," explains Kid Quantum. "By next foundation day, many of [them] may be Legion reservists. And a few of [them] may be full, active Legionnaires."
During his first appearance, "Kent" and the other cadets are given a tour of Legion World, the headquarters of the Legion team. A handful of cadets get a spotlight, including one that is named Ming Sul ("Amp Girl"), who has "amplified senses and reflexes." This power description is very similar to the pre-Zero Hour Kent Shakespeare's basic powers, so it will be interesting to see whether or not this "Kent" has similar powers to his predecessor.
The artist's depiction of "Kent" differs in a number of ways from his predecessor's, no doubt because longtime Legion colorist Tom McCraw, who colored all of Kent's pre-Zero Hour appearances, no longer works on the book. (The colors on the new pages in question are by "Sno Cone.") The hair on this "Kent" is now black, not brown. Also, his glasses are now pinkish-purple, not the purpleish-blue they were previously.
Perhaps this character will be lost in the shuffle, as he is just one of 20 cadets in a book that already has a huge cast of characters. The Legion is known for this huge cast, and characters can disappear for months or years at a time just because one book is not enough to update everyone's status. If Kent makes any further appearances (especially ones with dialogue and with his name given on the page), this page will reflect that added information.
Disclaimer
Legion of Super-Heroes characters and concepts Copyright © DC Comics Inc. "Kent Shakespeare" character a creation of, and possibly the property of (but ask him yourself) Al Gordon. Images in biography by Chris Batista and unknown inkers.