Written by Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen
Art by Keith Giffen; Kurt Schaffenberger; John Costanza; & Carl Gafford
Cover Art by Keith Giffen & Larry Mahlstedt
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Violet’s Story,” it was published by DC Comics for November 1983. In deep space, having discovered that a Durlan shape-shifter, Yera, has impersonated Shrinking Violet for months, the team (Braniac 5; Colossal Boy; Element Lad; and Chamelon Boy) strategize how they can rescue the real Violet, who is being probed by her captors.
On Earth, Wildfire dominates a team work-out, as Star Boy is teased about his romance with team leader Dream Girl. On planet Starhaven, Dawnstar’s parents send her off for her 18th year ritual to seek out a soul-mate that evidently isn’t Wildfire.
Year’s origin as an undercover terrorist pawn on Violet’s home world, Imsk, is revealed. Colossal Boy settles a personal score with Element Lad. While a new galactic threat emerges, the Legionnaires run a ‘sting’ on planet Imsk. Backed by the Science Police, the Legionnaires rout the terrorist cell. With Violet rescued, Colossal Boy & Yera discuss their secret marriage (as he had married her believing she was Violet).
REVIEW:
Definitely well-played! Supported by top-caliber visuals, co-writers Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen deliver a solid adventure spreading the wealth amongst a large cast. The closing scene between Yera and Colossal Boy is an unexpected gem. The same applies to Dawnstar’s contribution.
Though an image of a tortured Violet in aquatic ‘sens-tank’ captivity might be unsettling for younger readers, the art team ensures that readers get their money’s worth. Accordingly, Legion of Super-Heroes # 305 deserves re-discovery in terms of a complete DC storytelling package from that era.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is Dick Giordano’s single-page “Meanwhile …” column. In addition to a single-page “Legion Outpost” letters-and-answers column, its extra is a full-page list of Legion of Super-Heroes appearances (including cameos and reprints) from April 1979 through September 1982.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
