Superboy & the Legion of Super-Heroes #245
Published and © by DC, November 1978
Title: “Mordru Master of Earth”
Synopsis: Four Legionnaires attempt to free their teammates from Mordru – with the fate of the Earth at stake.
Writer: Paul Levitz
Penciler: Joe Staton
Inker: Murphy Anderson
Review: While a bit stronger than the penultimate chapter (see review), this “Earth War” finale lacks emotional resonance. Writer Paul Levitz did a good job of layering the threats for this arc, with each chapter revealing an escalation in danger. But with the ultimate villain revealed to be Mordru, this final showdown takes on a been-there, done-that feel. It would have helped if readers had seen the human cost of the war; one would think an invasion by a million Khund warriors would have taken a brutal toll. Joe Staton’s ill-fitting art does little to elevate this ultimately ho-hum outing.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: “Earth War” had great potential …
Not-so-cool factor: … but culminated with a dud.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a Whitman variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Peace is at hand!” – Ambassador Relnic (like that’ll last!)
Editor’s note: This review was written Sept. 26, 2024.
