Legion of Super-Heroes v3 #32

Legion of Super-Heroes vol.3 #32 (1987)
by Paul Levitz & Greg LaRoque
cover by Steve Lighle

The beginning of the Universo Project, one of the most fondly remembered sagas of Volume 3 and the last time this version of Universo does anything interesting.

We begin with Saturn Girl waking up in an unfamiliar place.

She soon discovers that she’s kidnapped by some kind of forced labor camp.

Everyone has been brainwashed, but Saturn Girl managed to break free and keep her cool.

She soon discovers she’s not the only Legionnaire here, starting with Dream Girl.
Makes sense to kidnap her for this kind of job, she’s used to carry around a couple of jugs.
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Saturn Girl, on the other hand, isn’t particularly used to physical work.

She naturally tries to escape the place, but it’s easier said than done.

Nearly the entire story is narrated from Saturn Girl’s point of view, and it’s a great showcase of how methodical she is.

She eventually figures out the only way around the field surrounding the place is the local fountain…

…AND DIVES IN.

Aaaaand it didn’t work.

The fact that the local drones are zapping her butt to keep her in line doesn’t help.

Also, am I going crazy or is that the guy from Garfield? Does it mean the woman is Garfield’s descendant?

Another highlight of this story is showing Saturn Girl’s determination.
Not even fanservice can stop her.

Determined enough to knock out Dream Girl with the Vulcan Nerve Pinch, even.

Saturn Girl’s snide remark on Dream Girl’s weight is interesting considering she WILL put on considerable weight during Volume 4.

Those drones from before weren’t doing a good job, because not only did she kidnap Dream Girl… she took both Chameleon Boy and Brainiac 5, OFF-PANEL.

This leads to what is probably the most interesting part of the story: Saturn Girl using her powers to get into the minds of her teammates.

First is Dream Girl, whose mind is more complex than Saturn Girl anticipated.
From seeing people from multiple perspectives simultaneously, to having a lot of mental blocks in her subconscious.
Probably to prevent her precognition from overwhelming her, I’d imagine.

But there’s also her undeniable vanity, with her self being represented inside a jewel.

Brainiac 5’s mind is, unsurprisingly, far more structured.

He’s the Legionnaire who requires the least help from breaking free: Saturn Girl is convinced he would’ve eventually done it himself.
Notice the only recognizable images in Brainy’s mind: Supergirl is no surprise, but he also seems to be thinking about the original Invisible Kid and I presume about his own stay in a mental hospital (or at least that’s the only thing that I can imagine is represented by him in a hospital gown).

Chameleon Boy is the most alien of the Legionnaires she frees. I really like the idea that he literally conceives other lifeforms in a completely alien way.

But eventually Saturn Girl frees everyone, and we have our team for next issue’s escape.

Meanwhile, Earth isn’t doing much better: the Legion Headquarters are now closed.

Could it have something to do with the fact that some of the most powerful Legionnaires have been led away from Earth, straight into a Dominator plot?

Naah, must be a coincidence.

Another plot still ongoing is the expedition to Tellus’ planet.

Does Wildfire still HAVE a sense of smell? Or is he just complaining for the sake of it?

The one behind this particular plot is Zymyr, who you might remember was the Gil’Dishpan who gave teleportation technology to the Legion of Super-Villains at the beginning of Volume 3.

But the actual mastermind behind the Universo Project is *gasp* Universo!

Who could’ve seen that coming.

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Legion significance: 7/10
This storyline is one of the centerpieces of volume 3.

Silver Age-ness: 0/10
Not really.

Does it stand the test of time? 10/10
Saturn Girl really needed a spotlight, after a long period of disappointing outings. And she’s at her best here: logical, determined and resourceful. The other kidnapped Legionnaires, despite a reduced role, still get some insight into how their mind works (quite literally).
Levitz is at his best at juggling multiple plots and give everyone something to do, and he’s at the top of his game in this storyline. 

We are legion
23 active Legionnaires
8 reserve members
11 deceased members

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Interesting letters: the letters page hosts a lengthy conversation on whether the Legion should talk about 30th century religions. This is one of the shortest letters!