The Legion of Super-Heroes #299
Published and © by DC, May 1983
Title: “Not a Ghost of a Chance”
Synopsis: Teams of Legionnaires fight Khundish forces hellbent on revenge while Invisible Kid searches for Wildfire in a dream dimension.
Writers (plot): Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen
Writer (script): Levitz
Artist (layouts): Giffen
Artist (finishes): Larry Mahlstedt
Review: Paul Levitz’s LoSH stories are dense with plot. In addition to dueling A-stories, the writer introduces no fewer than five subplots this issue. He also packs in several delightful character moments, including a one-on-one battle that serves as a coming out party for the White Witch. Meanwhile, regular inker Larry Mahlstedt picks up an embellisher’s credit here and Keith Giffen’s art is none the worse for his efforts. While not a standout story in the big picture of LoSH history, this issue is the self-assured masterclass in mainstream comics from the greatest LoSH creative team of all time.
Grade: A
Cool factor: Wow, the White Witch’s solo battle debut establishes her as a powerhouse.
Not-so-cool factor: Dawnstar, do you have to be such a mean girl?
Notable: “The Legion Outpost” letters page includes the second installment of a Legion of Super-Heroes index. … According to the annual statement of ownership on the “Legion Outpost” letters page, The Legion of Super-Heroes had an average total paid circulation of 127,037 for the 12 months preceding Oct. 1, 1982.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, the is a 75¢ Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “I don’t like to be called ‘woman.’ My friends may call me Mysa – you can call me the White Witch.” – The White Witch (or Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty)
Editor’s note: This review was written June 24, 2021.
