Superboy #204
Published and © by DC, September-October 1974
Title: “The Legionnaire Nobody Remembered”
Synopsis: When a future glitch disrupts the formation of the Legion, “Anti-Lad” travels back in time to put things right.
Writer: Cary Bates
Artist: Mike Grell
Review: While well received and much needed at the time, the Legion’s early-’70s visual upgrade was not without the occasional misstep. Anti-Lad is one such example. Then-newcomer Mike Grell’s choice to make the arrogant hero from the future an actual butthead takes readers out of this otherwise serviceable time-travel story.
•••
Title: “Brainiac 5’s Secret Weakness!”
Synopsis: Brainiac 5 resigns to run off with the recently returned Supergirl – but all is not as it seems.
Writer: Cary Bates
Artist: Mike Grell
Review: The Supergirl relationship often humanizes the cold – and sometimes crazy – Brainiac 5, but this backup tale flat crosses into creepy.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Mike Grell is a fantastic fit for the Legion.
Not-so-cool factor: Seriously. Take a look at Anti-Lad’s head.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Test me, and I guarantee you’ll have your new member!” – Anti-Lad, possessor of super-arrogance (and an interesting noggin’)
Editor’s note: This review was written Jan. 28, 2024.
