The Legion of Super-Heroes #298
Published and © by DC, April 1983
Title: “The Edge of Nowhere”
Synopsis: Legionnaires investigates a murder on a mining asteroid while others break up a fight between Duplicate Boy and Colossal Boy.
Writers (plot): Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen
Writer (script): Levitz
Penciler: Giffen
Inker: Larry Mahlsteadt
Review: After spending a few issues recovering from “The Great Darkness Saga,” the LoSH picks up the pace again. Paul Levitz serves up his trademark blend of soap-opera-infused sci fi with an extra helping of intrigue, and Keith Giffen’s slick art and clear storytelling remain the perfect pairing for this series.
•••
Title: “Duel in Dark Magic!”
Synopsis: Amethyst’s quest brings her into battle with the nefarious Dark Opal, who might just have other plans.
Writer: Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn
Artist: Ernie Colón
Review: During the experimental ’80s, DC made several attempts to reach a female audience. Despite decent art, Amethyst wasn’t the answer.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Second opinion: “(Amethyst, Princess of the Gemworld) has the raw potential to be an archetype equal to ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ ” – David Transue, Amazing Heroes #17, November 1982 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Still loving the Legion …
Not-so-cool factor: Amethyst, not so much (though the strip is not without potential).
Notable: First appearance of Amethyst, Princess of the Gemworld. … “The Legion Outpost” letters page includes the beginning of a Legion of Super-Heroes index.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, the is a 75¢ Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Ahhh … I really must consider working with some of the slower Legionnaires.” – Blok, speedy he is not
Editor’s note: This review was written June 23, 2021.
