Legion of Super-Heroes #3
Published and © by DC, October 1984
Title: “Everywhere a Villain … ?”
Synopsis: The Legion of Super-Heroes rushes to confront its supervillain counterparts, but will the heroes be in time to save Orando?
Writers (plot): Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen
Writer (script): Levitz
Artist (designer): Giffen
Penciler: Steve Lightle
Inker: Larry Mahlstedt
Review: So it begins: One of the great run’s in Legion history nears its end. DC Comics put a ton of effort and marketing into its upscale, Baxter relaunches of fan-favorite titles LoSH and Teen Titans. But, in both cases, the superstar artists involved only stuck around for an initial arc. Keith Giffen actually starts stepping back here, acting as “designer” with newcomer Steve Lightle providing pencils. Lightle would grow into a strong Legion artist but the results are inconsistent here. Throw in some uncharacteristic story errors from Paul Levitz and it seem like the end of an era is near.
Grade: B
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: It still feels like the Levitz/Giffen Legion …
Not-so-cool factor: … but the cracks are starting to show.
Character quotable: “See, Legionnaires – this time you are the ones who are outnumbered! This time you shall fall!” – Titania, touting strength in numbers
Editor’s note: This review was written July 11, 2022.
