L.E.G.I.O.N. '91 #33

L.E.G.I.O.N. '91 #33 (November 1991)
title: "Fault Lines"
plot: Alan Grant & Barry Kitson
writer: Alan Grant
penciller: Barry Kitson
inker: Mark Pennington
letterer: Gaspar Saladino
colorist: Lovern Kindzierski
editor: Dan Raspler
cover art: Kevin Maguire & Karl Kesel
review by: Mike "Nostalgic Kid" Lane

Recap: Vril Dox suprised Phase by asking her to take over for Larissa Mallor as his second-in-command. She struggled with the decision because she believed Dox resented her for the Durlan's disappearance, but ultimately she accepted. Strata welcomed a team of new recruits, which included a Khund and Lydea Mallor, who had killed her mother while under the influence of the Computer Tyrants of Colu. Meanwhile, the gangster G'odd was furious that one of his shipments was stopped by Lobo under the orders of Dox, but we learn that he has planted a spy among the L.E.G.I.O.N. Lobo lost his temper and stormed out to a bar where he met Captain Marvel, who had been transported into space as a result of the War of the Gods crossover. Before their battle could be concluded, the Captain found himself once again transported away. Stealth also returned after the birth of her and Dox's child, and Dox was anxious to learn the fate of their child. Meanwhile, the team has welcomed a new round of recruits.


This issue opens with a torture scene. And the torturer appears to be a member of L.E.G.I.O.N.

A crowd of observers is about to rebel when Lady Quark arrives and is disgusted by the actions of the LE.G.I.O.N.'s representative. She quickly defeats the villain, and confronts his supporters. Meanwhile, Phase confronts Dox because he has ignored L.E.G.I.O.N. business and is focused on his new girlfriend, but he basically ignores her.

Lydea is visiting her mother's grave when she is confronted by Stealth who is still angry over her mother's death. Lydea runs off just as Strata interrupts their argument but she is unable to calm down Stealth and fears for the team.

Later, Phase brings the core of the team together to discuss their situation.She is worried about how many of their team are in the holding pins and the fact that Telepath says none of the prisoners understand why they are there.

Lydea is struggling with her guilt and confronts Dox. She says that she did not even realize she was responsible for her mother's death and blames Vril for not telling her but he assures her that she is not responsible and urges her to speak to Phase.

After Lydea leaves, Dox is visited by Ig'Nea while Phase and Telepath eavesdrop. Phase is suspicious that Ig'Nea is up to something but is disappointed when Telepath tells her that Dox is the same old bastard he has always been but is now a bastard in love.

Meanwhile, Lobo has received a message from the gangster G'odd for his attack two issues ago. He found one of his pet dolphins beheaded and swears vengeance.

We are getting into real soap opera territory here. Dox actually seems to have a love interest, which is bizarre but its also heavily hinted that she may be the traitor that the core members are worried about. Is he really as naive as he has been portrayed? Or is everyone too suspicious? We really have not seen her do anything worse than romance Dox. Which is admittedly creepy but hey, he is powerful which is probably attractive to many women.

Lydea's story was intriguing as she clearly has a lot to deal with and Dox's treatment has left her without the memories of what she did. While interesting, its hard to imagine she will not eventually find her way with the team and get forgiveness from her mother's friends. But we will see...

This issue is a good example of one of the reasons I love this series. In addition to the storylines I mentioned, we also get Lady Quark on her mission, Lobo dealing with G'odd, and Dox's developing romance. I love how the creators juggle the different storylines here. And while I have mentioned it before, I am loving Barry Kitson's art on this book. He is doing a fantastic job!