Legion of Super-Heroes #292

Legion of Super-Heroes #292 (1982)
“Darkness Transcendent”
by Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen

The Great Darkness Saga really kicks into high gear, but you wouldn’t tell by the cover.

The Legion is helping the repairs to the prison planet Takron-Galtos, and for whatever reason Shadow Lass decided to switch her regular costume for a spare uniform from the custodians.
It didn’t look like it was damaged in her previous appearance, so I don’t know why this happened. Not her worst look, but pretty uninspired.

You might have noticed in this period that Shadow Lass and Mon-El are often paired in scenes with Ultra-Boy and Phantom Girl, as if they were constantly going on double dates.
This works better for the boys, since it gives them the chance to interact with other Legionnaires with nearly the same powerset (as Superboy is not around often anymore); you would think this would give us some insight on the relationship between the girls, but while we’re told they’re friends it still remains superficial stuff.

Ironically, as the Legionnaires leave Takron-Galtos, Chameleon boy is being transported there.
Since this is the first Legion storyline I ever read, I always assumed the fact that Durlan shapeshifting power can be neutralized by a gizmo applied to their antennae was a long-established part of Legion lore… but we have BARELY seen any of that so far.

Dream Girl is leading her first Legion mission to Sorcerers’ World, where she has prophesized they will find the Servants again.
This is not the first time we see Sorcerers’ World, not even the first time its ever-changing nature is established, but this is probably its most memorable depiction.

That confrontation will need to wait, because first the Servants attack the Takron-Galtos team.
And that’s ALL the Servants: the female one defeated last issue has been replaced by this bearded dude, who honestly I always forget was one of the Servants. He’s definitely the most generic.

The Servants are quite powerful, but it helps that they’re extremely dumb.

Mon-El attacks The Master at full power, but this is a dude who has easily defeated Mordru AND the Time Trapper, so it does basically nothing to him. Mon-El however DOES recognize him.

So far the clues about the identity of The Master were basically nonexistent, but this panel pretty much reveals it to modern readers. In 1982, however, it was so much out of left field that I don’t think too many people guessed correctly.

The panel with Mon-El being kicked out of the sky while the unconscious bodies of Shadow Lass and Phantom Girl float thanks to the Flight Rings is a fantastic small bit that really sells just how outmatched the Legion really is.

Now we come to one of my favorite segments, which has the three Legion founders analyzing the data about the Servants gathered so far

Up to this point in Legion lore, the trio has interacted as such quite rarely; it’s only in the Levitz era that the founders are highlighted to be A Very Big Deal.

I really like how the exposition is conveyed once the computer figures out the origin of the Servants. Even just the fact that the woman was a clone of one of Shadow Lass’ ancestors is told by this cool infographic.

But most importantly, Big Headed Servant is revealed to be a clone of one of the Guardians Of The Universe (!!!) and Discount Superman Servant is revealed to be a clone of Superman!

I love this. When I first read this story I had only a very vague knowledge about who the Guardians were, but Saturn Girl’s reaction told me everything I needed to be extremely worried.
Plus of course there’s the fac that someone would clone Superman and use the clone as a minion!!!

Also, notice the reference to Superman being born “circa 1948”. In 1982 this would’ve made Superman 34 years old, which feels about right. And that’s not TOO removed from the first appearance of Superboy, as More Fun Comics #101 is a 1945 story!

With that cool intermission out of the way, let’s move to the core of the story: the Legion visiting Sorcerers’ World and its delightfully weird leadership.

Seriously, these guys are the best. I mean, they’re utter morons, but their design is inspired!

Of course this is a superhero story so SOMEONE is contractually obligated to randomly be skeptical about magic, and apparently it’s Dawnstar’s turn to do so.
Why would ANYONE in the Legion be skeptical when one of their biggest foes is literally Super Evil Wizard Tyrant From The Magic Planet!? I know Dawnstar hasn’t interacted with Mordru all that much, but come on!!!

Also because I guess SOMEONE must’ve missed Light Lass being needlessly passive-aggressive: more soap opera!

As the Servants attack the planet, the Legion flies to engage… but not before Wildfire and Dawnstar share a tense moment.
Are we supposed to take Dawnstar’s side here? Because I don’t think Wildfire was out of line.

I mean… Dawny, it’s one thing to be brave, but when WILDFIRE says you’re being too reckless, maybe you’ve gone a little too far!!!

Case in point, even Wildfire knows he can’t possibly defeat FOUR Servants at once…

…aaaaand gets blown up for the effort.

The sorcerers were unable to protect the planet from the arrival of the Servants, but by gathering all of their magical powers they are able to conjure up a McGuffin Baby.

The fight itself is not going that great for the Legion.

And that’s BEFORE The Master shows up. The Legion hasn’t been THIS outmatched since the first Mordru story.

But it was worth it because the McGuffin Baby survived the assault.
(also: they had a spare containment suit for Wildfire but not a new costume for Shadow Lass?)

Every single story where Dream Girl’s premonition is a major plot point needs to include an explanation for how it was technically correct.

And that’s it for this issue! Things are so grim that during the fight the Founders decide to call EVERY SINGLE LEGIONNAIRE EVER, which will become a factor soon.

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Legion significance: 8/10
Nearly entirely on the basis of this being part of the Great Darkness Saga.

Silver Age-ness: 0/10
Not really; even Sorcerers’ World, as bizarre as it is, feels more modern in execution.

Does it stand the test of time? 9/10
I’m kind of running out of things to say between chapters, because it’s true of all chapters… well-balanced, with a crescendo of tension that really helps make this an epic saga.
While I’m not fond of the McGuffin Baby (more on that in the final chapters), the introduction feels quite organic to the rest of the story.

We are legion
22 active Legionnaires
6 reserve members
1 honorary member (Rond Vidar)
1 on sick leave (Matter-Eater Lad)

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Interesting letters: hey someone DID predict the identity of The Master! Good for you Tommie!