The Legion of Super-Heroes #286
Published and © by DC, April 1982
Title: “Old Friends, New Relatives and Other Corpses!”
Synopsis: Legionnaires vacationing on Brande’s World come under attack from Dr. Regulus, who seeks his revenge on Sun Boy!
Writer: Paul Levitz
Penciler: Pat Broderick
Inker: Bruce Patterson
Review: As with the X-Men of this time period, Paul Levitz’s super-teens play pick-up sports, bicker and engage in soap-opera-inspired melodrama. And, as with the X-Men, it works here, too. Toss in decent Pat Broderick art and this is another solid outing for The Legion.
•••
Title: “A Crown for the Princess”
Synopsis: Princess Projectra’s elevation to the throne of Orando is challenge by her wicked cousin Pharoxx.
Writer: Paul Levitz
Penciler: Keith Giffen
Inker: Bruce Patterson
Review: This solid backup brings Legion-legend Keith Giffen further into the fold, but Bruce Patterson’s inks aren’t a good pairing.
Grade (for the entire issue): B+
Cool factor: Giffen’s knack for world-building design is already on display.
Not-so-cool factor: Dr. Regulus: A receding hairline and a penchant for ridiculously long monologues.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “If that autopilot would be quiet for a minute, I might be able to concentrate and savor how close I am to achieving my final triumph as my golden galaxacruiser glides down towards Brande’s hideaway and to Dirk Morgana’s death at the hands of Doctor Zaxton Regulus!” – Dr. Regulus, solar-powered blowhard
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Sequential Reaction (Vol. 1) on April 12, 2016.
