Superboy & the Legion of Super-Heroes #240
Published and © by DC, June 1978
Title: “The Man Who Manacled the Legion”
Synopsis: Blaming the Legion for the death of his lover, Grimbor the Chainsman plots his revenge against Superboy and company.
Writer (plot): Paul Levitz
Writer (dialogue): Jack C. Harris
Artist (layouts): Howard Chaykin
Artist (finishes): Bob Wiacek
Review: Admittedly, this reviewer has a soft spot for Grimbor. But this early appearance isn’t very strong, at least story wise. And the art is an inconsistent brew: Bob Wiacek gets solo credit for finishes, but there appears to be multiple hands at work.
•••
Title: “Dawnstar Rising”
Synopsis: Four recruits at Legion Academy – including future Legion regular Dawnstar – learn the value of fighting as a team.
Writer (plot): Paul Levitz
Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciler: James Sherman
Inker: Bob McLeod
Review: The moral is … teamwork good! Yes, this story lacks subtlety, but the sexy artwork helps make up for it.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “The art of Howie Chaykin and Bob Wiacek … was something of a disappointment.” – Paul Emrath, AFTA #2, August 1978
Cool factor: It’s a DC Giant (the format, not the Grimbor on the cover). And DC Giants are almost always cool.
Notable: According to Heritage Auctions, Page 12 was inked by Terry Austin. … Includes a “The Legion Outpost Extra” text feature titled “The Age of Heroes,” documenting some of the other non-Legionnaire superheroes of the 30th century.
Character quotable: “Charma is indeed the motivation behind my actions …” – Grimbor the Chainsman
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on May 19, 2009.
