The Legion of Super-Heroes #310
Published and © by DC, April 1984
Title: “Omen”
Synopsis: The Legion faces off with the godlike Omen against the backdrop of a potential war with the Khunds.
Writers (plot): Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen
Writer (script): Levitz
Penciler: Giffen
Inker: Larry Mahlstedt
Review: This concluding chapter to the “Prophet and Omen” arc is better than the preceding issues – but not by much. Paul Levitz’s usual mastery over multiple plot threads remains off, and his character development of these new big bads is almost nonexistent. On the art side, Keith Giffen continues the transition to his José Muñoz phase, but remnants of his earlier style remain. The artist would eventually develop a consistent look for future projects, but this transitional period isn’t a good fit for the Legion. This legendary creative team would last a few more issues, but the magic is already gone.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: “When the major story ends, not much is resolved. … Still, with all that’s going on, it’s fun to read. If you like superteam books, this is right up your alley.” – Jim Kingman, Comic Effect #40, Fall 2004
Cool factor: While the main story offers little, the slowly developing relationship between Element Lad and Science Police Officer Shvaughn is quite fun.
Not-so-cool factor: Still reeling from the sharp drop off in quality.
Notable: 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 166,733 for the 12 months preceding Oct. 1, 1983. … The “Legion Outpost Extra” includes the third installment of the Legion Constitution.
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 am as my Prophet named me. I am Omen. The Omen of doom.” – Omen, impoverished man’s Galactus
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 10, 2022.
