Legion Archive 2: Curt Swan

Continuing our series on the art of The Legion of Super-Heroes Archives. The second volume features another wonderful piece by Curt Swan. Although he admitted in several interviews that the Legion was not his favorite assignment, Swan was gracious with fans and did numerous Legion commissions after he retired. Here his piece shows how the Legion literally exploded with characters during its second and third years...which is why he didn't like them! Inks are by Karl Kesel.

Stories:
Adventure Comics #306~312
 (the debut of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, Element Lad, Lightning Lass, the return of Lightning Lad)
Jimmy Olsen #72 (Jimmy is made an Honorary Legionnaire)
Adventure Comics #313~317 (the debut of Dream Girl)
Legion Profile Pages from Superman Annual #4 and Adventure Comics #316

Events:
We pick up in year three as Saturn Girl is still the leader. Five rejected Legion applicants form the Legion of Substitute Heroes, and eventually meet up with the true Legion. Stone Boy wins a contest to gain membership, but turns it down to stay with the Subs. Lightning Lass joins to take her dead brother's place, but stays even after he is revived. Dream Girl joins just long enough to change Ayla to Light Lass. Oh, and the entire Legion is killed by Mr. Mxyzptlk.