BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Superboy #198

DC; October 1973
Cover uncredited (likely Nick Cardy)

Title: “The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time!”
Synopsis: The Fatal Five concocts a time-travel scheme to wipe out the Legion by neutralizing Superboy in the 20th century.

Writer: Cary Bates
Penciler: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Cockrum

Review: In just their second outing as cover co-stars, the Legionnaires stretch out to take up this entire issue of Superboy. Writer Cary Bates’ story still suffers from a bit of Silver Age silliness and too many plot holes, but the extra space does allow more room for characterization. It certainly feels like the franchise is headed in the right direction. Of course, a lot of that has to do with the fine art of Dave Cockrum, who continues to put his stamp on the 30th century here. He’s not up his X-level yet, but there are fine flourishes throughout.

Grade: B

Cool factor: All Legion, all the time.
Not-so-cool factor: The Emerald Empress hiding as a fortuneteller at a traveling carnival in the 20th century. Umm, why?

Character quotable: “The Time-Sorter has already sealed your doom!” – The Persauder, because the villain always needs to tell the hero about the secret plot device

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