Legion of Super-Heroes Archives, Vol. 4

Legion of Super-Heroes Archives #4

by Jerry Siegel, Bob Kahan (Editor)

Collects tales about the Legion of Super-Heroes and its most legendary member, Superboy.

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

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 14, 1997

About the author

Jerome "Jerry" Siegel, who also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter, Jerry Ess, and Herbert S. Fine, was the American co-creator of Superman (along with Joe Shuster), the first of the great comic book superheroes and one of the most recognizable icons of the 20th century.
He and Shuster were inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1993.

Reviews

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fourth Archive collecting early stories of the Legion of Super-Heroes is kinda more of the same. Many of the stories are a bit repetitive and follow familiar formulae. Edmund Hamilton and Jerry Siegel are still the primary writers, but John Forte, nearly the end of his life, was joined by other artists, primarily Jim Mooney, in illustrating the stories.

The first appearance of Starfinger, Insect Queen, and Kid Psycho are here, and we also get the first notice that the Legion did not allow members to marry and stay a part of the team. The romances between Saturn Girl/Lightning Lad and Ultra Boy/Phantom Girl make strong appearances, and Lightning Lad is once again a lightning rod (sorry) for bad luck as he loses one of his arms to the Super-Moby Dick of Space!

Curt Swan was doing the Adventure Comics covers, and his interiors should be showing up in the next volume. Mooney's art is serviceable, but not all that inspired.

The Time Trapper finally appears after a couple years of hints about his existence, and Glorith makers her debut as well. This first story about the Trapper isn't all that great and a bit of a let down after all the hints of an epic battle in the offering.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this collection of tales from 1965, the Legion of Super-Heroes has become an established feature. Superboy was still a headliner, but in the stories it is clear that he was now just another member of the 30th Century's most notable group of defenders.

The best tale in this volume is a two-part story where the Legion battles the mysterious Starfinger. That story has mystery, drama and showcases the modern marvels of the planet Earth in 2965. Other honorable mentions go to the "Sacrifice of Kid Psycho" and "Hunters of the Super-Beasts"; in the latter things take a serious turn as a former hero travels down a dark and tragic path.

The DC Archives series, while now sadly defunct, gives a nice glimpse into comic book history and a chance to see some of the most famous features in popular culture grow into legends.

[Norman Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories from 1965 are written by the likes of Superman creator Jerry Siegel, and notable pulp science fiction writers Edmond Hamilton and Otto Binder. The stories are in large part simple and formulaic; nevertheless, there is a certain charm that the Legion members bring to the tales. Comic books were still mostly aimed at children, with the Comics Code preventing too much sex or violence to intrude, but you can see glimmers of more mature content waiting to be unleashed. The Legion laid down the template for super-hero teams that the likes of X-Men and Teen Titans would eventually emulate. The art by Jim Mooney, John Forte, and others is good for its time, but without the nuanced layouts or individualism that modern readers expect.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The greatest of all comic book villains, the Super-Moby Dick of Space, makes his amazing appearance in a story reprinted here. Need I say more?

[Mark Schlatter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite volume... We have two stories about folks infiltrating the Legion, and in both cases the villains are boring. There's all sorts of bad stuff happening to Lightning Lad (why?), and the plot contrivances in "The Unknown Legionnaire" are close to ridiculous.

The gonzo is lowered in this volume as well, although you do see the Bizarro Legionnaires, the first appearance of the Time Trapper and Glorith in a tale replete with toddler Legion members, and the Bgtzl wedding-wands. But the emphasis on different superteams from previous volumes is mostly gone, and the "shocking twist theatre" quotient has gone up.

[Jesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and a half stars. It shows, that the thinking back then was that kids would read an occasional story, rather than a bunch in a row. I love this comic, but consuming it this way, in omnibus fashion, does show a point of diminishing returns.

[STeevil13 Teetor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Order details: Ordered on October 22, 2014 (6 items)
Legion of Super-Heroes - Archives, Volume 4 (Books)
DC Comics
Sold by: HEROES IN ACTION

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly fun.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few gems here: "Super-Moby-Dick of Space!", "War between Krypton & Earth!", & "Weddings that Wrecked the Legion".

[Jeff Suter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the mid 1960s the LoSH was changing. While often more complex than DC's stories (multiple issue story arcs, heroes get hurt and have existential problems - no doubt influenced by Stan Lee's reinvention of the Super-Hero comic stories and focus) This volume charts the transition from the innocent 50s style and into more realistic feel. The stories are often uneven due, probably, to no apparent overall title runner. But the signs of their greatness is emerging. A showdown with the Time Trapper, which had been brewing for months and the introduction of FemmeFatale Glorith.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great volume.
Things are coming together, personalities are becoming established, Superboy is shifting from the star to being 'one of the gang', and we are seeing the introduction of characters and ideas that become parts of LSH lore.

Cool moments and ideas, but stories can be a bit repetitive and formulaic.
Fun, but not my favorite volume.

[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

[Steven Heywood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun from 1965 when the future was bright and colourful and prospectors finding rejuvenating minerals would hand them over to the authorities for the benefit of all.