L.E.G.I.O.N. '91 #27

L.E.G.I.O.N. '91 #27 (May 1991)
title: "Deals with the Devils"
plot: Barry Kitson and Alan Grant
writer: Alan Grant
penciller: Barry Kitson
inker: Barry Kitson
letterer: Gaspar Saladino
colorist: Lovern Kindzierski
editor: Art Young
cover art: Dan Brereton
review by: Mike "Nostalgic Kid" Lane

Recap: After the death of Lyrissa Mallor, Dox turned his attention to the Khundian Empire and learned that they were using a captured scientist to build a Doomsday weapon. The L.E.G.I.O.N. located the base where the Doomsday device was being built and split into groups. Lady Quark, Bek, Strata and Garv battled the Khunds, while Lobo searched for the captured scientist, and Phase and Telepath searched for the weapon. They successfully obtained both the design plans and the weapon, but Lobo failed at his mission because there was a bomb inside the scientist set to go off if he was taken away.


Dox has somehow convinced the Dominion to agree to stay away from the planet Ogen. They are not happy though, and swear to someday get vengeance on Dox and recover the weapon.

Dox meets with representatives of the planets who have paid for L.E.G.I.O.N. protection and they are furious that he would put them at risk by becoming involved in the Dominion and Khund war. He explains that the doomsday weapon has been staffed by a crew from Ogen and placed where it can strike at either Khundia or the Dominion if they try to involve any more free worlds in their war.

Meanwhile on Khundia, Emperor Varkin is being challenged in combat after his loss of the doomsday weapon to the L.E.G.I.O.N. He defeats the first few opponents but there is a line of hundreds waiting in line for their turn.

While that fight goes on, we are treated to some personal moments with our heroes in the cantine back on Cairn. Strata is still struggling with the death of Lyrissa, but Garv manages to make her laugh, and it becomes very obvious how smitten he has become. Phase notices Captain Comet experiencing one of his headaches but he insists he is fine and even pretends that it has passed to allay her concerns. Marij'n approaches their table but is stopped by Bek. He leans in to kiss her but when she backs away he loses his temper. Darn it Bek, I actually almost started liking you for a few seconds last issue, but then you had to pull this...

Comet uses his powers to create a bouquet of flowers to cheer up Marij'n while Strata and Garv discuss their recent adventure with Lady Quark. Garv is concerned that Dox would hand the doomsday device over to the Ogens, but Strata is suspicious and cannot accept that he would ever hand over something so powerful. Her suspicions are proved accurate when we see the disturbing sight of Dox laughing hysterically. He is looking over the plans for the weapon, which he notes are based on a totally false premise and would never work.

Phase and Telepath have gone outside for privacy so he can attempt to help her retrieve her memories. He warns her of the possibility that she may not like what she finds but she insists. Sadly, after extensive probing, he is unable to learn anything about her. At the same time, Dox lets Lydea Mallor free, believing he has cured her of the brainwashing done by the Computer Tyrants of Colu. But while she may no longer be trying to kill them, she is not exactly friendly either.

As the story comes to a close, we check back in with Stealth who remains in hiding because of her pregnancy. As the birth approaches, she has started to experience painful spasms and her body is being ravaged by sores.

Last issue was action-packed and fun, but it is the stories full of personal moments like this one that I love the most. The scene of Garv making Strata's laugh was quite touching, as was the moment when Comet created a bouquet for Marij'n. Watching the relationships between these potential couples grow has been a refreshing change of pace in a series that is often very dark. The entire cantine scene also reinforced how much this core group has become like a family. Bek and Dox remain distant, and obviously Lobo is a special case, but the rest have developed some very deep bonds.

There were also several moments of genuine humor, although I do not think I will ever get used to the image of Vril Dox laughing so hard. And yes, the premise of the weapon not functioning is a bit silly but it works within context. I am looking forward to seeing Lydea interacting with the rest of the team, as she is not only her mother's killer, but appears to be her opposite in personality. 

One thing I have not commented on recently is the art. I am thrilled by the recent return of Barry Kitson, who will always be "the" L.E.G.I.O.N. artist to me. But I am also enjoying the unusual covers by Brereton. I have to admit that I was initially not a fan of his style but it slowly grew on me until I finally found myself loving it.

Well, thats wraps of things for this issue, but check back with me next issue as we finally get to spend some time with Stealth!