100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of DC Comics
#45. Legion of Super-Heroes #290–#294: “The Great Darkness Saga”
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
August 1982–December 1982
Credits
Writers: Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen
Pencillers: Keith Giffen, Larry Mahlstedt
Inkers: Larry Mahlstedt
The Reason It’s Great
“The Great Darkness Saga” is noted for its daunting cast of characters—every Legionnaire up to 1982 (the publication date of the story) appears. Along with them, most of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, the Wanderers, and the Heroes of Lallor are also present.
In the 30th century, various artifacts are stolen and given to an unknown “master” where he absorbs their powers. Further investigation reveals that the master is immensely powerful which requires the calling of all Legionnaires to active duty. When the master has billions of Daxamites terraform their planet into his image, he’s revealed to be Darkseid.
Aiding the Legionnaires in this battle is Izaya, Highfather of the New Gods who creates a perfect clone of Orion—Darkseid’s son and the one destined to destroy him. When Darkseid becomes distracted battling Supergirl, he loses control of the Daxamites. Unable to fend off billions of superpowered beings, Darkseid escapes and vanishes.
However, Darkseid leaves the Legionnaires with a curse. It’s later revealed that one of Saturn Girl’s infant children was abducted and sent back in time and grew up as Validus—who would unknowingly facing off with his own parents.
After the “Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!” story arc, all Legion stories occuring before October 1994 were erased from continuity. However, “The Great Darkness Saga” remains as a classic if you’re a fan of the Legion of Super-Heroes.