Legion of Super-Heroes Archives, Vol. 6

Legion of Super-Heroes Archives #6

by Jim Shooter, Curt Swan (Illustrator)

Spanning Adventure Comics 350-358 (November 1966-July 1967), the sixth volume of Legion of Super-Heroes Archives marks the true golden age of the LSH.Teen writer Jim Shooter was in full swing with artist Curt Swan, and the stories are some of the team's most memorable: Superboy and Supergirl are replaced by Sir Prize and Miss Terious to face the Devil's Dozen, the adult Legion offers a glimpse of the future, and most importantly, the great band of villains the Fatal Five is formed--by the Legion themselves--to battle the fearsome, galaxy-destroying Sun Eater.--David Horiuchi

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Superheroes, Graphic Novels

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 14, 1997

About the author

James Charles Shooter was an American writer, editor and publisher in the comics industry. Beginning his career writing for DC Comics at the age of 14, he had a successful but controversial run as editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics, and launched comics publishers Valiant, Defiant, and Broadway.

Reviews

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Shooter continued his successful run on the Legion in this sixth Archive volume. Many long-time Legion concepts and characters are introduced here. Shooter was helped in the writing department by E.Nelson Bridwell, who wrote the first two issues here, introducing future Legionnaire White Witch (sister of Dream Girl). Bridwell was a long time employee of DC, and was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of DC Comics lore. His Legion stories were few, but he had a pretty good handle on the team. These two stories also reintroduce Star Boy and Dream Girl as Legionnaires.

Shooter's run is just fantastic here. We get the first appearance of the Fatal Five, the Sun-Eater, the alien race The Controllers, the first "real" death of a Legionnaire, and the two-part Adult Legion story, which is not a porno, but a story when Superman travels into the future to meet his Legion friends after they grew up. This story was notable because it predicted future members, future deaths, future weddings; this adult Legion was considered canon for many, many years until it was re-presented as an alternate future in Legion of Super-Heroes #300.

Curt Swan provided most of the art here and it's very fine to look at. There's also a shorter story where Lana Lang, in her Insect Queen identity, attempts to join the Legion. Because her power comes from a device, her "bio-ring," she is rejected. Nevertheless, she ends up saving a good number of Legionnaires from death anyway, and made a reservist.

The stories centered around The Fatal Five and the death of the Legionnaire are probably some of the best Legion stories ever. Definitely very classic, as we see true heroism displayed by the Legion, and true villainy displayed by the Fatal Five. Swan's art is gorgeous here, working over layouts by Shooter.

[T.J. Alexian · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times that I think I simply can't enjoy comics the way I used to when I was younger. Then I read the Legion of Super-Heroes, Shooter era, and I am completely taken back. This is tremendously entertaining stuff. And, a great look at the evolution of comics, as it transitions away from the Silver Age.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge LOSH fan. These collected volumes are prefect to be able to go back and read the older adventures of this Silver Age superhero team. Very recommended

[Mark Schlatter · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's official. I really like Jim Shooter's creativity on Legion --- the Fatal Five are interesting characters and his additions to the Legion role are mostly great. But I don't like his storytelling. The episodes often feel flat, and the tales lack the detail and goofiness that I like from early LSH issues.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gems here include the Sun-Eater 2-parter, "The Adult Legion!" 2-parter, "The 6-Legged Legionnaire", & "The Ghost of Ferro Lad!".

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Say what you will about Jim Shooter's later comic career, his run on the LSH gave this series a much needed shot of energy and characterization.

There's more continuing storylines, more use of continuity, the various teens sound more distinct and he brought us the Fatal 5!
One of my favorite villain teams!

Lots of fun, adventure and big, goofy sci-fi ideas.
A really solid volume in the series.