Superboy and the LSH #248 (1979)
by Gerry Conway & Joe Staton
cover by Joe Staton & Dick Giordano
Mon-El doesn’t seem to appreciate having been largely left out of the story so far.
We begin with the Legion patrolling the sewers of Metropolis, where some kind of monster is causing people to go insane.
Considering this is DC Comics, we’re lucky people weren’t throwing away Kryptonite.
The monster is, uhm, it’s definitely something.
Naturally the tentacle monster targets the Legion girls, and while Phantom Girl doesn’t have much to worry about…
…Shadow Lass is not so lucky.
It takes Sun Boy BURNING IT ALIVE to put a stop to this.
What better way to follow a scene about a sewer monster smelling like garbage with one of Lightning Lad cooking?
I’m joking, this is actually a cute and even heartwarming little domestic moment.
Turns out that Shadow Lass was hurt pretty badly by the sewer monster, so Mon-El rushes to bring her to Brainiac 5… who doesn’t seem to care all that much.
You might have noticed that something about Brainiac 5 is a little off.
Mon-El and Shadow Lass have been a couple for quite some time now, but this is basically the first time the idea of her being in danger becomes his berserker button.
As for Brainiac 5, this will soon develop into something major.
In other news, R.J.Brande is suddenly going bankrupt! I’m sure this won’t be important later.
Turns out Sun Boy didn’t really destroy the garbage monster, because it’s back with a vengeance.
The Legion responds to his call, with Sun Boy and Brainiac 5 staying behind to care for Shadow Lass…
…which is a good thing, because the monster is ALSO there.
And it’s already the end!
Legion significance: 5/10
Somewhat important in Brainiac 5’s subplot, but not that much.
Silver Age-ness: 1/10
Subterranean albino alligators? Please, we’re used to superintelligent gorillas here.
Does it stand the test of time? 8/10
The brevity is its only major flaw, but it’s rescued by good characterization. The scene with Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl is just wholesome.
We are legion
23 Legionnaires
6 reserve members