CHRISTMAS 'CROSS THE COSMOS

As has been chronicled in the comics, Christmas is still celebrated in the Legion's time. Which, arguably, is a hard sell because with the known galaxy consisting of so many different lifeforms and races, it's odd that this observance of the holiday period should continue to hold such prominence, secular or otherwise.
    In 1980, DC published a "super-star holiday special" (DC SPECIAL SERIES 21), featuring various characters from across time and continuity, revealing what the Christmas period meant for them. The Legion was represented in a tale named Star Light, Star Bright, Farthest Star I See Tonight!, written by Paul Levitz and illustrated beautifully by Jose Garcia Lopez and Dick Giordano. Perhaps it's best remembered for establishing that Colossal Boy is Jewish.
    The festive fable was so popular it has been reprinted in several other books: THE BEST OF DC 11, CHRISTMAS WITH THE SUPER-HEROES, and A DC UNIVERSE CHRISTMAS (2000). As a matter of interest, the best quality version in terms of printing can be found in the latter book, published on good quality hard stock paper.
    The story's also been reprinted in overseas publications, notably the UK's black-and-white anthology title THE SUPER-HEROES MONTHLY 3 (Vol 2), and in a gigantic Australian tabloid simply called SUPER-STAR HOLIDAY SPECIAL.

    The Aussie oddity is surely the largest book to contain a Legion of Super-heroes story. Measuring a whopping 16" x 10", its dwarfs the regular tabloid-sized publications that DC and Marvel used to put out.
    Unlike the original book in which it appeared, the Legion story actually kicks off the Australian magazine, which closes with the Frank Miller Batman offering from the same issue. Sandwiched between these bookends are a couple more Christmas tales, and an eclectic assembly of stories which have nothing to do with the holiday season, featuring the likes of Superman, Batgirl, Hourman, Hawkman, Green Arrow, Airwave and Jimmy Olsen.
    And it's only the first and last 16 pages of this monster 132-pager that are given the color treatment.

The Aussie magazine, pictured next to other comic formats.

    There are thousands of American comics printed outside of the USA in various foreign editions, various formats and various languages. It's impossible to acquire them all of course, but the inclusion of one or two of these in a regular collection can only serve to enhance it. This titanic treasury is a nice addition to any Legion library.
    Meanwhile, in keeping with the festive theme, former Legion scribes Tom and Mary Bierbaum used to send out personal Christmas cards in the form of illustrated Legion tales with a Christmas theme. This one shown how Christmas is spent on Matter-Eater Lad's home of Bismoll.

    The Bierbaums sent another Legion card in 1990, spanning four pages. It was based on the 5YL Legion and this is shown below.

  You can see more Legion-related yuletide pieces here.

    And finally, here's a special look at the 12 days of Christmas, Legion-style!