The Legion of Super-Heroes #306
Published and © by DC, December 1983
Title: “Born Under a Lucky Star”
Synopsis: While waiting for the results of the latest Legion leadership election, Star Boy shares his origin story with Wildfire.
Writers (plot): Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen
Writer (script): Levitz
Pencilers: Giffen and Curt Swan
Inker: Larry Mahlstedt
Review: A confession: This reviewer has never been able to warm up to Curt Swan’s artwork. While technically proficient, the longtime Superman artist’s work is stylistically bland and the heroes he renders lack that magical, larger-than-life quality. This is especially true when juxtaposed with the sleek futurism of Keith Giffen’s Legion of Super-Heroes. Writer Paul Levitz tries to make the most of things by having Swan illustrate Star Boy’s history, but the flashback sequences also feel like a relic from another time. This is a well-intentioned nod to the LoSH’s rich past, but the result is less than satisfying.
Grade: B
Cool factor: The election of the Legion leader by fans has always been a fun part of the series’ lore.
Not-so-cool factor: Once one of the premiere LoSH artists, Curt Swan’s artwork looked dated by the Bronze Age.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 95¢ Canadian variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “I fell in love with her the day I first saw her – the day she applied for Legion membership!” – Star Boy, on the Dream Girl of his dreams
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 8, 2022.
