JOURNEY INTO COMICS: LEGION NOW

[MattBrady]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Legion/2862_400x600.jpg" width="165" height="248" border="0" align="right"><i>by Michael Sangiacomo</i>

It all started when DC Publisher Paul Levitz walked into Executive Editor Dan DiDio's office and looked at an issue of Wizard that listed the top ten comic teams of all time.

<b>The Legion of Super-Heroes</b>, the adventures of a huge group of teen-age superheroes in the 31st century, didn't make the list.

"Paul said it was a shame that the Legion wasn't in the top ten, and walked out," said DiDio. "Remember, Paul used to write the legion, and in the 1980s the Legion and the [Teen] Titans were DC's top selling comics. When the publisher says something like that, even as subtly as Paul did, you listen."

The result of that brief exchange is the new <b>Legion of Super-Heroes</b> series that began last month. This is not last year's Legion, nor is it any one of the numerous relaunched versions of the group. This is something new and has become the definitive Legion.

"This is the Legion, this is the one we have," said DiDio. "Not that there was anything wrong with what went before, but we wanted to start over again and make the Legion important. In the past when we reset the Legion dial we dialed it 10 percent. This time we did a 180, we went all the way."

DiDio said the choice of Mark Waid as the writer was the biggest step in changing the old order. Legion veteran artist Barry Kitson is delivering some fine work as well, but the Legion has always been a writer's comic.

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Legion/2773_400x600.jpg" width="165" height="248" border="0" align="left">The Legion of Super-Heroes is a wondrously complex group of characters that began in 1958. At its core, the Legion of Super-Heroes was the story of optimism and the belief that teenagers from planets all over the universe would come together and be a force of good.

Some members had only one simple power, like the ability to shrink (Shrinking Violet), toss lightning (Lightning Lad) or read minds (Saturn Girl.) Others had enough powers to make Superboy jealous. The joy of the series came more often from watching heroes with limited powers work together to save the day.

Over the past 47 years, the membership roster grown and changed so much that DC feared new readers were shying away from taking on the daunting task of trying to dive into a book with such a complex history. That was not the case. Although it seems impossible to keep track of the more than 100 characters, including villains and supporting cast members, it is rarely necessary. The adventures of the Legion are usually self-contained, the reader being given all the info he needs to enjoy a particular story. The fact that the particular story is adrift in a sea of other stories makes it much better for the diehard Legion geek, but newcomers can usually find their way.

Still, the notion did discourage some.

So Waid's mandate was to start at ground zero.

"The other times we relaunched it, we would just come up with a different type of the same flavor," DiDio said. "We decided to go back to the core, a teen group. What does that mean and how could be show what it means to be a teen team in a distant future?"

Waid's work is a new Legion where 31st century Earth is described as "a place of security, stability and order. We're so sick of it, we could scream."

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Legion/2681_400x600.jpg" width="165" height="248" border="0" align="right">There you have it. The new Legion are young upstarts, rebellious youth who defy age and stagnation. And they will occasionally fight bad guys. This time the Legion is huge, 75,000 members across the galaxy. Anyone who subscribes to the youth belief system can declare himself a member. The number of front line super soldiers us about 20, a little less than half the number of members the Legion had in peak times.

The membership consists of familiar names like Star Boy, Karate Kid, Chameleon and Dream Girl. But they are different from the other Legionaries who bore that name. Star Boy is black, Karate Kid is Asian, Chameleon is asexual and Dream Girl's prophetic powers have been redefined to make her useful in a fight.

Under Waid's rule, all bets are off. The new team is younger and pretty wild, lacking the discipline and conservatism of the past.

So the big question, the one that DiDio ducked like a prizefighter, is: Where does this new Legion fit within the convoluted Legion continuity?

"The way I look at it, the future is variable, built on current DC attitudes and sensibilities," he said. "This is the Legion. Will everything that happened to get us here be explained? Absolutely."

Just don't expect it to have very quickly.

[MattZitron]

Literally JUST read Issue 2.

A fantastic read.

Even though I'm a big Waid fan I was sceptial about the relaunch. But so far, I'm sold!!!!!

Matt

[adamcasey]

Originally posted by MattBrady
This is something new and has become the definitive Legion.

We're only two issues in, and I'm definitely digging it, but isn't the above a pretty bold statement?

Aside from that, I like the stand alone issue stories, a rarity these days, and hope they keep it up with the occasional two or three parter.

And big thums up to the Kitson art!

[jedifish]

I was a doubter and I'm tired of the constant Legion reboots, but so far Waid and Kitson are knocking it out of the park. It's been a very entertaining read and so far I've been able to "forget" about the prior Legion stories.

[Kryptokid]

So what would the top ten superhero teams of all time be if Legion of Superheroes and Teen Titans weren't included?

JLA, Avengers, X-men, Fantastic Four.....?

I'm definitely looking forward reading the new Legion title once Decembers orders arrive at my place.

[Kryptokid]

oops I assume the JSA would have been there too.

[Heartbreak Kid]

So in all this reimagining (which is pretty good storywise, I enjoyed the first two and I'm not a losh fan) does no one think maybe the costumes could use a tweak? Ultraboy still has that crap shirt. You don't gotta go Ultimates, all seams and snaps, but a thousand years from now I think we might have some different clothing ideas, not just spandex bodysuits.

[Dave_Garcia]

Originally posted by Heartbreak Kid
So in all this reimagining (which is pretty good storywise, I enjoyed the first two and I'm not a losh fan) does no one think maybe the costumes could use a tweak? Ultraboy still has that crap shirt. You don't gotta go Ultimates, all seams and snaps, but a thousand years from now I think we might have some different clothing ideas, not just spandex bodysuits.

But that kinda misses the point, the costumes and goofy code names are meant to be deliberately anachronistic. They're meant to be a throw back to the "classic" sensibilities, and are not meant to look like they come from the future.

[StefanDam]

Why the hell is DC Even taking Wizard seriously? Why the hell does anybody?

[Blackhawkaaaa!]

I was all set to NOT like this vrsion of the LSH, mainly because I'm real tired of the yearly reboots to get it to sell. I've never bought into the "too-much history to process" excuses: to me, figuring out and sorting through all that past history was part of the fun of being a fan, and the Legion was always semi-self explanatory anyway. The names alone tell you who & what each Legionnaire is and can do (or at least they did, until the 90s revamps with the bizarre clone Legion. The adult darker versions of the late 80s turned me away from the Legion, but I did get back in with the last series.
The more I think about it though, I can accept Legion revamps a whole lot more than ret-conning members into the 1940S JSA- KEVIN ANDERSON, ARE YOU LISTENING? THE STAR-SPANGLED KID WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE JUSTICE SOCIETY UNTIL THE MID-70s!!!
The past is inviolate, it's already written...but the future is malleable, and so can be re-woven based on current events. If a major CRISIS in the DC Universe occurs, then there SHOULD be ramifications and changes made to the future, some small, others major.
So far though, I'm liking this version by Waid & Kitson...what actually got me in to try it was the Retro look logo. I like the new Dream Girl & Asian Karate Kid (something that was done 'way back by Mike Grell, who used to draw KK as a younger Bruce Lee, a facet that went away when done by other artists- hey, remember when Karate Kid had his own book?)
I was all set to complain about the members using present day slang such as " My Bad", but then I realized that they are purposely doing so in keeping with their "Retro-hero" inspirations. Also like the Colossal Boy switch (he's a giant that shrinks, not a regular guy that gets big). Brainiac 5 is suitably obnoxious, if not even more so.
One complaint for this (and every other Legion reboot as well): I wish you had actually started with the founding members (Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, & Lightning Lad) founding the team alone for an issue or two, then slowly add members like they did in the original version. Every relaunch of this title starts with the full blown crew, with the origin thrown in later as an after-thought.

I just hope we can see some version of Superboy in here, somehow, someway? It's just not the Legion unless he's in here, and surely Mark Waid can find a way to fit in a Superboy, preferably wearing the correct uniform, not the Teen Titans version. I would think there's got to be a descendant of Clark & Lois out there, who would jump at the chance to join the Legion.

[OcCaM]

Well they must be doing something right this time. I haven't been able to read this book since Giffen destroyed the Earth and the clones were brought in. There went my interest! And yes, I've periodically read a few issues on the stands inc. the goofy last version that had such winner names as live wire and apparation. (Did anyone really think they were better than the other goofy names? Anyway, I'm glad he explained the costumes and names in a context that makes sense!)

This version is awesome! I'll be buying for the foreseeable future! And actually, my boyfriend hasn't read what used to be his favorite comic since the same time I quit, nice coincidence. I had to do some hard sell to get him to even try to read yet another reboot. This one stuck!

So, two new readers for DC. Unfortunately, for them I just read my copy, then give it to him to keep and read. Still, IF DC honors this version with trades, I'll buy them for myself and keep those!

[kilroy]

Yeah Im a big DC fan...but have to say Im sick of the revamping every few years of LOSH as well. I was about ready to give up the darker older legion.clone era when the zero hour changed everything and then the books seem to be running out of steam and low and behold abnett and lannign came aboard so strong and I loved what they did with the book but even they seem to be geting bored. Can anyone explain to me what the point of Foundations was, and now here we are again. I have only read issue one and can honestly say I felt nothing either way....and I think thats the worst thing that can happen any kind of art should involke some feeling or pasison either love or hate. I felt nothing and it hurst me because I love Waid and Kitson. I dotn know If Im just sick of constant channing of the legion or If I just really cared about the last group and Im reading this book and they are strangers to me. My friend said two was better so I have to read it and see if thats true. yet as much as I hate the whole decompressed storytelling thats happenign. I do like ongoing stories that build to something like the judas contarct in Titans. I would hate to think that all LOSH is going to be is the same hing every issue. a villian comes four to five legionannires show up and deal with it good guys win bad guys loose end of story every issue. To me Jsa is the best team book now. Storylines last four to five issues and things dont dangle or get convuluted like in claremonts 1st run of xmen.

[Leviathan]

are all of the new legion issues self contained?

[Bakema NL]

I have a Dutch Superman album, issue 3. Came out somewhere at the end of the 70's or early 80's. But it actually had a Legion of superheroes story inside and it was way cool.......I think it opened with Lightning lass and .......?........about to get married...have to look it up. There was also a kind of who's who after the main story, describing a lot of the legion's characters and another short story in the back. And that was my only Legion of superheroes ever, but characters like Timber wolf intrigued me a lot, I liked the look of the team. I have the Timber wolf limited series from early 90's, didn't like it that much, the character was unrecognizable to me. I never picked up a Legion book, strange really.
But now I'm in, looks too good to pass up on it.

[Kirk Kushin]

Clearly this new book is catching on with a lot of the posters here...which is good for DC.

I grew up with the Levitz/Giffen Legion so nothing else has really compared. Compare all the action packed into one issue of the Great Darkness saga to a current issue and you'll see see a contrast between old school and the modern decompressed sotry-telling method.

I am also a big fan of the Lgion "Five Years Later" - until Giffen left/was forced off the book. It drove a lot of the older fans (people who had been reading for a looong time) nuts - but it was a great, dense read. As a sidenote: Joe Casey's "Intimates" really reminds me of the storytelling method...meaning you REALLY have to read the book to get what's happening (several times!).


Now I'm an "old" fan and sort of yawning at the new version. But hopefully it will connect with new readers because, no matter the version, the Legion is a great idea. Mark Waid is doing a great job on FF (for one more issue) but a lot of his stuff has never hit me right (even his 'other" Legion re-boot). He's a nice man and has a real love for the material so it looks like this new version is going to catch on.

So guys, if you're liking this current title, do yourself a favor and pick up the Great Darkness trade...it's all Legion goodness!

[Alfonso]

I really want this series to succeed, but I don't thinK I'll personally support it. I was an avid fan of DnA's Legion and just can't do the 180 along with the direction the creators are taking it in. I tried the first issue, nothing wrong with it, just not the book I was reading for 50+ issues. Good for those that like it. Maybe with enough hype I'll pick up a trade down the line.

[shetquaker]

The LSH was one of the first comics I ever read, lo those many years ago, and it had been the comic that kept me coming into the comic shop even when other titles on the shelf weren't interesting me. I've always connected to the "club" aspect of the book and, even the darker storylines, have always given me a sense of hope and optimism about the future.

Having said that, I am also pretty tired of the reboots. I always check them out to see the new take on the team and, I guess, a bad Legion book is better than NO Legion book.

The first issue of this new series was so-so for me. I loved seeing Colossal Boy back, even if the new origin of his powers will take some getting used to, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed having Sun Boy back on the team. I didn't realize I missed him, but I must have since I kept saying, "It's so good to have Sun Boy back," to myself. I'm not particularly fond of Chameleon's look, but I do like that they're going to play with his/her gender. I like the new Star Boy and the Shadow Lass' costume which, in my opinion, has been lacking for a while now. My biggest relief of all is that Princess Projecta is not a snake. :) I don't like Cosmic Boy's new look, but it's not horrible so I can live with it. My favorite character is Element Lad and I like what I've seen of him so far. Personally, I hope they make him gay again, but I know that's *controversial*.

My biggest problem with the first issue is that I got no sense of why the Legion was formed and why it has thousands of members. The only motivation I could gleen for this group of teens to get together is that they're bored and, while that may be the case, without a deeper moral cause they come off as nothing but spoiled brats to me. Why is this group of teens rebelling? Are there policies that are oppressive to them? Are they being mistreated? I'm hoping these are questions that will be answered soon.

The second issue, in my opinion, was much better than the first. After I read it, I had that nostalgic and exciting feeling that I remember getting all those years ago. I hope that continues.

[brokencowboy]

How is this title for someone that has little to no knowledge of prior Legion titles? I like Waid and the concept of the book, but have never read any of the old stuff. Is the title ok for new readers or will I be totally lost.

[Kristin]

Originally posted by brokencowboy
How is this title for someone that has little to no knowledge of prior Legion titles? I like Waid and the concept of the book, but have never read any of the old stuff. Is the title ok for new readers or will I be totally lost.

I only have the most rudimentary knowledge of the LSH but I'm really hooked on this series so far. The first time I've ever regularly read about the Legion was in the version that just ended prior to this current series. Before that, I picked up an issue here or there when I liked the cover, but that was about it. I guess my point is - I like it and maybe you will too. :)

[AndrewP]

I've never been a LOSH fan, but I'm really digging the current reboot...the Legion as a movement just really works for me, and both the stories and art have been top notch. At 40 pages, they're a good size too, especially considering the emphasis so far on single issue stories (which I also love).

[furioso2012]

We're only two issues in, and I'm definitely digging it, but isn't the above a pretty bold statement?


Not to put words in somebody's mouth (yet I will still do it!), but maybe he "means" that this Legion has no fundamental ties to present day DC Continuity, and therefore will not need rebooting from a conceptual level again. I've only read the two new issues once apiece, but they seem to stand alone, more or less. No Superboy, No Superman, No "End of the DC Age" catastrophes, etc.

I enjoyed DnA's series whenever I picked it up (liked Majestic more though), but it still felt cluttered somehow (not their fault). I read half a dozen issues and still had a "hard time" figuring out who was who, who had boinked who, etc.

IMO, Waid & Kitson have done a bang up job at rebooting the franchise. When was the last time you read two self containued tales in two issues? Very refreshing. I, for one, will be reading this title despite a recent drastic cut back in my buying habits.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by Kirk Kushin
Clearly this new book is catching on with a lot of the posters here...which is good for DC.

I grew up with the Levitz/Giffen Legion so nothing else has really compared. Compare all the action packed into one issue of the Great Darkness saga to a current issue and you'll see see a contrast between old school and the modern decompressed sotry-telling method.

I am also a big fan of the Lgion "Five Years Later" - until Giffen left/was forced off the book. It drove a lot of the older fans (people who had been reading for a looong time) nuts - but it was a great, dense read. As a sidenote: Joe Casey's "Intimates" really reminds me of the storytelling method...meaning you REALLY have to read the book to get what's happening (several times!).


Now I'm an "old" fan and sort of yawning at the new version. But hopefully it will connect with new readers because, no matter the version, the Legion is a great idea. Mark Waid is doing a great job on FF (for one more issue) but a lot of his stuff has never hit me right (even his 'other" Legion re-boot). He's a nice man and has a real love for the material so it looks like this new version is going to catch on.

So guys, if you're liking this current title, do yourself a favor and pick up the Great Darkness trade...it's all Legion goodness!

Forgot to mention that one, I do have this trade, forgot all about it in my earlier post.
The series is only 2 issues old, I cannot make a final verdict on the coolness of a series based on that........or it must be really bad.

Brokencowboy, you can definitely pick this one up.

[OM]

Originally posted by StefanDam
Why the hell is DC Even taking Wizard seriously? Why the hell does anybody? ...Agreed. Taking <i>Wizard</I> polls and top-ten lists seriously is like taking the Village Idiot who stands on the streetcorner bearing a sign saying "The End Is Near!" with the same regard. <I>Wizard</i> is nothing but a self-hype rag dedicated to the retarded fangeeks who're too wrapped up in chasing false profits in speculative collecting and/or wasting their parents' hard-earned bucks on some stupid collectable card game.

Compared to <I>Wizard</i>, even <I>CBG</i> looks like a professional publication with accuracy and journalistic integrity, and we all know how big a pile of shit Gary Groth loves to disseminate...

[Fazhoul]

Originally posted by brokencowboy
How is this title for someone that has little to no knowledge of prior Legion titles? I like Waid and the concept of the book, but have never read any of the old stuff. Is the title ok for new readers or will I be totally lost.
Well, like it said in the article, they started at ground zero. Suppossedly none of the previous Legion history is in continuity. In other words, no prior knowledge is necessary.

[Caleb Gerard]

Okay, seems clear that older (age I mean) fans are digging this version of the LSH, and I'm sure I'll be all over the TPBs since I'm not buying monthlies any longer (just to keep my post honest).

BUT

Are younger fans liking this? Can they get into this version any more then they could previous versions? Kind of odd to have a cast of late teens and early twenties while the reader base are all 30 (+) somethings.
If not, isn't the fanbase going to just die off, literally?

The whole "too many characters and history" excuse can't fly anymore either as a reason for reboot. Until recently Avengers has just kept going and simply rotated the membership without starting the world over. I know, I know, to do that to the Avengers would take a reset button for the whole of the MU, but I think you get my gist.

(all the above should be taken with the fact that my first collected series was LSH and since dropping monthlies has been the hardest to hear about and not run out to buy)

CJG

[Fazhoul]

Originally posted by Blackhawkaaaa!
One complaint for this (and every other Legion reboot as well): I wish you had actually started with the founding members (Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, & Lightning Lad) founding the team alone for an issue or two, then slowly add members like they did in the original version. Every relaunch of this title starts with the full blown crew, with the origin thrown in later as an after-thought.
IIRC, the reboot following Zero Hour did start at the very beginning with just the three founders. I'm pretty sure I remember them going through the process of recruiting members during the first year or so.

[Alfonso]

Originally posted by OM
...Agreed. Taking <i>Wizard</I> polls and top-ten lists seriously is like taking the Village Idiot who stands on the streetcorner bearing a sign saying "The End Is Near!" with the same regard. <I>Wizard</i> is nothing but a self-hype rag dedicated to the retarded fangeeks who're too wrapped up in chasing false profits in speculative collecting and/or wasting their parents' hard-earned bucks on some stupid collectable card game.

Compared to <I>Wizard</i>, even <I>CBG</i> looks like a professional publication with accuracy and journalistic integrity, and we all know how big a pile of shit Gary Groth loves to disseminate...

Here here. It was also getting annoying how every issue seemed dedicated to either Bendis, Kevin Smith, Joe Quesada, or any combination thereof. And every other issue seemed to feature a Cassaday cover.

[md62]

I don't think this book is for the younger reader. My 12yr old daughter who reads Teen Titans & Young Avengers - showed no interest in this title. However it lured back an old reader like me. I have not read the Legion since the Levitz/Giffen era. I have enjoyed the single issue stories very much. Thanks to Mark & Barry for pulling me back in.

[Alfonso]

Originally posted by md62
My 12yr old daughter who reads Young Avengers

Wow, is she from the future?!? :p

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by Fazhoul
IIRC, the reboot following Zero Hour did start at the very beginning with just the three founders. I'm pretty sure I remember them going through the process of recruiting members during the first year or so.

You are correct. :)

[dollman]

Kitson's art is what is keeping on this book. This by far is his finest work!

I am slowly warming up to Waid's vision. After gone through 3 re-boots of the Legion in my lifetime, I really saw no justification for another. Especially since DnA did a fantastic job with the last version.

I was dead set against the retro names like Sun Boy (the silliest name ever), and the inclusion of Dream Girl, whom I've often view as the most useless Legion. However, I like how Waid as made her clarivoant powers as a formidable edge in hand to hand combat, and the dynamic between her Brainy. Obviously she's meant to fill in the love interest role previously held by Supergirl and Laurel Gand.

And being a longtime Legion reader, there's something heartening seeing the familar logo and cover designs that attempt to recapture the feel of the early 70s Legion.

[Ebon]

So far it's been enjoyable, especially if I look at it as an extended Elseworlds. I didn't see anything at all wrong with the previous two series, at least until they pretty much ruined it with Legion Lost. Too much like the horrible Levitz/Giffen days.

I'll see what they do with it for at least four or five issue.

[Jab]

I am also leery about this reboot. But issue 1 has me intrigued. My concern is that they start to rehash stories from the past. Like in Supes when they got rid of Super everything and then started to bring back things like the fortress, Krypto Supergirl again and again. This is a great oppourtunity to start over with the same characters. Oppourtunities like redefining Dream Girl are huge.. but if she falls in love with Star Boy and the same shit starts happening again then what is the point. Original stories will spell success rehashing the past will end this run very, very quickly.

[CannonballX]

I have never read a Legion until the recent issue one so its all good to me :) great comic they have me for long haul

[kcekada]

DiDio said the choice of Mark Waid as the writer was the biggest step in changing the old order. Legion veteran artist Barry Kitson is delivering some fine work as well, but the Legion has always been a writer's comic

Hold the phone!

Before I even finish reading this interview, I have to comment on this.

Did DiDio even hear of an artist named Dave Cockrum?

And as much as I admire and respect Paul Levitz's run on Legion in the 1980s, it was Keith Giffen's work that made me pick the book up again after a six years.

Sorry, but Dan's satatement about Legion being a writer's comment is his opinion, and one that I disagree with strongly.

In fact, I can't think of one fan-favorite series that relied more on only the writer or the artist. The most beloved series had equal contributions. Legion at it's best had strong writing AND strong art.

[Frans Blix]

Regarding this Wizard list, anybody know what teams made the list? Honestly, I can't see the Legion being below #7 on any such list, let alone not make it.

Whether the list is to be taken seriously or not, that's beside the point. It played a role in lighting a fire under TPTB, and we have the great Legion we have now. Things work out in the end.

[The Letter D]

So far, so good. But I have to say, maybe the reason why the book has suffered and wasn't named (by a single author by the way) as a Top 10 team is because it's revamped so often. How can anyone get attached to a book that gets rebooted every five years?

[ironmonkey]

Originally posted by Frans Blix
Regarding this Wizard list, anybody know what teams made the list? Honestly, I can't see the Legion being below #7 on any such list, let alone not make it.

Whether the list is to be taken seriously or not, that's beside the point. It played a role in lighting a fire under TPTB, and we have the great Legion we have now. Things work out in the end.

If it was Wizard, I bet Authority and the Ultimates made the list. :rolleyes:

[Michael P]

Originally posted by OM
Compared to <I>Wizard</i>, even <I>CBG</i> looks like a professional publication with accuracy and journalistic integrity, and we all know how big a pile of shit Gary Groth loves to disseminate... I agree that Groth is full of shit 90% of the time (in the interview between him and Charles Schulz in the first Complete Peanuts volume, it's a lot of fun to see him try to bait Schulz into saying "Mainstream comics suck!"), but he runs The Comics Journal, not Comics Buyer's Guide.

[Heartbreak Kid]

Originally posted by Dave_Garcia
But that kinda misses the point, the costumes and goofy code names are meant to be deliberately anachronistic. They're meant to be a throw back to the "classic" sensibilities, and are not meant to look like they come from the future.
That doesn't miss anypoint, dude. ie Spider-Man movies. It looked like classic spidey but with modern sensibilities. They had pants a thousand years ago and we have pants now, but with modern thought. Still two legs and a waist , but better. The Ultimates costumes (ie Cap and Iron Man) stilll look like costumes, he still looks like cap, just with modern sense. Still a guy in an Iron suit...but you get the idea. Its like when they make a period piece movie like Troy. They recreate the outfits but they are probably way slicker cuz they mede them with modern stuff, a lot more well finished, shinier whatever. Again like the spidey costume. The world moves forward and comic fans don't wanna budge. (yes, Alex Ross,this means you. The seventies are over. Move on)

[Johnny Triangles]

Originally posted by adamcasey
We're only two issues in, and I'm definitely digging it, but isn't the above a pretty bold statement?


Agreed! Put down the Kool-Aid Matt!

[Michael P]

Originally posted by Heartbreak Kid
That doesn't miss anypoint, dude. ie Spider-Man movies. It looked like classic spidey but with modern sensibilities. They had pants a thousand years ago and we have pants now, but with modern thought. Still two legs and a waist , but better. The Ultimates costumes (ie Cap and Iron Man) stilll look like costumes, he still looks like cap, just with modern sense. Still a guy in an Iron suit...but you get the idea. Its like when they make a period piece movie like Troy. They recreate the outfits but they are probably way slicker cuz they mede them with modern stuff, a lot more well finished, shinier whatever. Again like the spidey costume. The world moves forward and comic fans don't wanna budge. (yes, Alex Ross,this means you. The seventies are over. Move on) Yeah, but Dave's point was that the Legion, as characters, are deliberately trying to avoid "modern" dress styles as part of their statement. Retro is kinda the point.

[jewpower311]

first off, i've never really been into the legion before this, and though i usually see eye to eye with old school fans, i'm all about this vision. i'm not oblivious to the basic story of the original(s), but this new vision has me. i'm in.

now...Taking Wizard polls and top-ten lists seriously is like taking the Village Idiot who stands on the streetcorner bearing a sign saying "The End Is Near!" with the same regard. Wizard is nothing but a self-hype rag dedicated to the retarded fangeeks who're too wrapped up in chasing false profits in speculative collecting and/or wasting their parents' hard-earned bucks on some stupid collectable card game.

not necessarily, little man. i'm no retard, and i pick up wizard. i do agree it's self-hyping, and pretty biased on the information for hot books(does anyone really give two shits about x-23, aside from those that were told by wizard to buy it because it'll be hot?), which obviously wouldn't be hot unless wizard told you so. i think new avengers, and pretty much anything else bendis writes(aside from daredevil) is shit, but wizard hypes it all up to be the greatest stuff out there.

wait...i'm supposed to be defending my reason for buying wizard...

um, they do have exclusive stuff, like interviews and all that. i enjoy seeing what creators have to say. there is the case of the all-star batman and superman stories, that were announced in wizard before online.

plus, i sometimes find it humorous. there's not really anything wrong with buying a magazine.

you may like stuff by chuck austen, or brian bendis's avengers. while i think that's a poor taste in comic selection, i don't think you have to be retarded to enjoy it.

i think someone just needs to get laid. and it's not me.

[SEHS66]

I've given Waid 5 issues to win me over. Two more than I usually give a new book but I have been a fan of the Legion since Grell was the artist. Issue #2 was better than #1 but that isn't saying too much since #1 wasn't very good. I'm not sure if I'm going to buy LoSH beyond issue #5. So far I haven't been impressed.

[Dave_Garcia]

Originally posted by Heartbreak Kid
That doesn't miss anypoint, dude. ie Spider-Man movies. It looked like classic spidey but with modern sensibilities. They had pants a thousand years ago and we have pants now, but with modern thought. Still two legs and a waist , but better. The Ultimates costumes (ie Cap and Iron Man) stilll look like costumes, he still looks like cap, just with modern sense. Still a guy in an Iron suit...but you get the idea. Its like when they make a period piece movie like Troy. They recreate the outfits but they are probably way slicker cuz they mede them with modern stuff, a lot more well finished, shinier whatever. Again like the spidey costume. The world moves forward and comic fans don't wanna budge. (yes, Alex Ross,this means you. The seventies are over. Move on)

the costumes are meant to be a throwback, period

not a throwback with modern sensibilities, just a throwback. The goofier and more retro they look, the more it captures the intent behind the costumes.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by jewpower311
first off, i've never really been into the legion before this, and though i usually see eye to eye with old school fans, i'm all about this vision. i'm not oblivious to the basic story of the original(s), but this new vision has me. i'm in.

now...

not necessarily, little man. i'm no retard, and i pick up wizard. i do agree it's self-hyping, and pretty biased on the information for hot books(does anyone really give two shits about x-23, aside from those that were told by wizard to buy it because it'll be hot?), which obviously wouldn't be hot unless wizard told you so. i think new avengers, and pretty much anything else bendis writes(aside from daredevil) is shit, but wizard hypes it all up to be the greatest stuff out there.

wait...i'm supposed to be defending my reason for buying wizard...

um, they do have exclusive stuff, like interviews and all that. i enjoy seeing what creators have to say. there is the case of the all-star batman and superman stories, that were announced in wizard before online.

plus, i sometimes find it humorous. there's not really anything wrong with buying a magazine.

you may like stuff by chuck austen, or brian bendis's avengers. while i think that's a poor taste in comic selection, i don't think you have to be retarded to enjoy it.

i think someone just needs to get laid. and it's not me.

I still like wizard, although they could feature some more indie stuff. Top 10 stuff doesn't interest me. I look at it, but it has no influence on me. I decide for myself what to read. I read the mag for interviews, some inside information on the comics scene, it's fun. Buying into any hype is your own fault as a reader. I may get interested in things by reading raving lines about it. I may try it out, but if I don't like it, I'm out of it. You are saying Bendis is succesful because of the hype, but I don't think that's the case. A whole lot of people bought into that hype then...a little too many. So, it's not a case of Bendis being hyped. A lot of people like his stuff, you don't. No problem, end of story, there's other stuff for you.
And yes, I give 2 shits about x-23. I read the enemy of the state arc in Wolverine and decided to pick up x-23 after that, I was curious to learn more about the character........wizard had nothing to do with it.

Originally posted by OM
...Agreed. Taking <i>Wizard</I> polls and top-ten lists seriously is like taking the Village Idiot who stands on the streetcorner bearing a sign saying "The End Is Near!" with the same regard. <I>Wizard</i> is nothing but a self-hype rag dedicated to the retarded fangeeks who're too wrapped up in chasing false profits in speculative collecting and/or wasting their parents' hard-earned bucks on some stupid collectable card game.

Compared to <I>Wizard</i>, even <I>CBG</i> looks like a professional publication with accuracy and journalistic integrity, and we all know how big a pile of shit Gary Groth loves to disseminate...

Hmmm, don't know why I didn't reply to this post in the first place...

You are entitled to think Wizard is a rag. But don't call me a retarded fangeek who is into comics for the speculative collecting, you are so very wrong there. I decide for myself what to read and what not.
Posts like these are funny. You call people reading Wizard retarded fangeeks because they buy a magazine supposedly guilty of hyping stuff not worth it. So basically you are telling everyone not to buy the magazine. Hyping on one side and you trashing on the other.......................if you think hyping is so very wrong, wouldn't you say your trashing of Wizard is wrong too. You don't like getting hyped, you would hate being told not to buy something too, because you have an opinion for yourself.

[wilser]

I'm reading Legion for the first time and loving it.

And I think everything is self-explanatory in the book. Having absolutely no previous knowledge of the Legion, I'm enjoying it fine.

[KET]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
[B]You are entitled to think Wizard is a rag. But don't call me a retarded fangeek who is into comics for the speculative collecting, you are so very wrong there. I decide for myself what to read and what not.

Sounds more like OM touched a nerve ending here..... :)

You need to stop being so defensive on silly matters like these, 'cause it EXPOSES you.



Posts like these are funny. You call people reading Wizard retarded fangeeks because they buy a magazine supposedly guilty of hyping stuff not worth it. So basically you are telling everyone not to buy the magazine.


Yup. Now add two and two together and see what you get. :)

[KET]

Originally posted by MattBrady
The result of that brief exchange is the new <b>Legion of Super-Heroes</b> series that began last month. This is not last year's Legion, nor is it any one of the numerous relaunched versions of the group. This is something new and has become the definitive Legion.

Wrong, Matt. An idea or concept only becomes "definitive" as it proves itself OVER TIME. DiDio's new corporate edict has only resulted in YET ANOTHER UNNECCESSARY REBOOT, so it's still WIDELY UNCERTAIN whether this version has any long term value or not, given DC's usual propensity to change everything on this property every 4 or 5 years.


And as usual, DC's current hatchet man still DOESN'T GET IT either:

"Paul said it was a shame that the Legion wasn't in the top ten, and walked out," said DiDio. "Remember, Paul used to write the legion, and in the 1980s the Legion and the [Teen] Titans were DC's top selling comics. When the publisher says something like that, even as subtly as Paul did, you listen."

Yet you didn't REALLY listen very well, Dan, or you would've figured out the subtext. Paul was sad because HIS Legion didn't make the Wizard Top Ten list. But Levitz should have KNOWN BETTER, since WIZARD always preferred the Authority before his meddling ruined that concept forever... :)

However, what DiDio's 'created' with Waid and Kitson is yet another retro-styled MISH-MASH that won't last long enough to be the "definitive" or anything, given that the first two issues didn't even sell close enough to crack the Top Twenty.

[blackandwhite]

i'm enjoying the book so far

[Frans Blix]

Originally posted by KET


However, what DiDio's 'created' with Waid and Kitson is yet another retro-styled MISH-MASH that won't last long enough to be the "definitive" or anything, given that the first two issues didn't even sell close enough to crack the Top Twenty.

Just for the record, for folks who don't know, LSH #1 posted at the obscure rank ... of #25. I don't think #2 will post any higher, but that's kinda besides the point when January's numbers haven't even been released yet.

Whatever it is, I suppose you'll just round down that rank and make a glass half-empty declaration that LSH #2 didn't make the top fill-in-the blank.

[Rawle Austin]

Hope we get to see some Legion Lost trades printed. The previous run had some fine stories by Abnett and Lanning and Coipel's art was sweet too.

Looking forward to reading Waid's take on the Legion in the trade. No doubt quality will ensue.

Growler

[Tinnitus Tim]

Originally posted by MattZitron
Literally JUST read Issue 2.

A fantastic read.

Even though I'm a big Waid fan I was sceptial about the relaunch. But so far, I'm sold!!!!!

Matt


Same here. Read issue #2 yestarday and so far I am liking this series a lot.

[The Letter D]

Maybe LOSH would resonate with more people if they didn't reboot it every five years. Although I like the new series so far, maybe there's a fundamental flaw in the concept- too many characters. This leads to lack of screen time for each and lack of character developement, which leads to less resonance with readers.

[Eric Qel-Droma]

Well, as someone who was a big fan of the previous incarnation of the Legion (from Legion Lost and on), I have to say that I was disappointed with #1. I hadn't really realized that they were doing a complete reboot on this series, and the only thing I could think the whole time I was reading #1 was "this isn't what I was buying for the last four years..."

Then I read #2 and I really, really liked it. I'm not thrilled that we're not starting out with an origin, and I certainly do hope that we'll get one at some point (if for no other reason than for DC to definitively state "you don't have to know fifty years of continuity for this book"), but I actively enjoyed #2, and I can say that about fewer and fewer books these days.

Eric

[Alfonso]

Originally posted by KET
"Paul said it was a shame that the Legion wasn't in the top ten, and walked out," said DiDio. "Remember, Paul used to write the legion, and in the 1980s the Legion and the [Teen] Titans were DC's top selling comics. When the publisher says something like that, even as subtly as Paul did, you listen."

Yet you didn't REALLY listen very well, Dan, or you would've figured out the subtext. Paul was sad because HIS Legion didn't make the Wizard Top Ten list. But Levitz should have KNOWN BETTER, since WIZARD always preferred the Authority before his meddling ruined that concept forever... :)


Yeah Dan, what's wrong with you? KET was in the room too. He also works for Wizard. AND he can read minds!

[Michael P]

Originally posted by Frans Blix
Just for the record, for folks who don't know, LSH #1 posted at the obscure rank ... of #25. I don't think #2 will post any higher, but that's kinda besides the point when January's numbers haven't even been released yet.

Whatever it is, I suppose you'll just round down that rank and make a glass half-empty declaration that LSH #2 didn't make the top fill-in-the blank. Actually, if it was ranked 25, it didn't break the top 20, which would be 1-20.

Of course, if it stays stable in the 20s (never a guarantee, but stranger things have happened), DC will have no reason to send it away.

[OM]

Originally kvetched meshuggana-style by jewpower311
not necessarily, little man [...]you may like stuff by chuck austen, or brian bendis's avengers... ...Oy vey, this kid obviously hasn't been reading my tirades over the years, nu? Schmuckles Austin? Moi?

[shakes head in dismay, but not enough to dislodge his official Honorary Jew yarmulke with propeller top]

[MattBrady]

Originally posted by Alfonso
Yeah Dan, what's wrong with you? KET was in the room too. He also works for Wizard. AND he can read minds! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

FUNNIEST thing I'VE read ALL day.

:)

MattB

[bcondray]

Originally posted by MattBrady
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Legion/2862_400x600.jpg" width="165" height="248" border="0" align="right"><i>by Michael Sangiacomo</i>

It all started when DC Publisher Paul Levitz walked into Executive Editor Dan DiDio's office and looked at an issue of Wizard that listed the top ten comic teams of all time.

<b>The Legion of Super-Heroes</b>, the adventures of a huge group of teen-age superheroes in the 31st century, didn't make the list.

"Paul said it was a shame that the Legion wasn't in the top ten, and walked out," said DiDio. "Remember, Paul used to write the legion, and in the 1980s the Legion and the [Teen] Titans were DC's top selling comics. When the publisher says something like that, even as subtly as Paul did, you listen."

The result of that brief exchange is the new <b>Legion of Super-Heroes</b> series that began last month. This is not last year's Legion, nor is it any one of the numerous relaunched versions of the group. This is something new and has become the definitive Legion.

"This is the Legion, this is the one we have," said DiDio. "Not that there was anything wrong with what went before, but we wanted to start over again and make the Legion important. In the past when we reset the Legion dial we dialed it 10 percent. This time we did a 180, we went all the way."

DiDio said the choice of Mark Waid as the writer was the biggest step in changing the old order. Legion veteran artist Barry Kitson is delivering some fine work as well, but the Legion has always been a writer's comic.

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Legion/2773_400x600.jpg" width="165" height="248" border="0" align="left">The Legion of Super-Heroes is a wondrously complex group of characters that began in 1958. At its core, the Legion of Super-Heroes was the story of optimism and the belief that teenagers from planets all over the universe would come together and be a force of good.

Some members had only one simple power, like the ability to shrink (Shrinking Violet), toss lightning (Lightning Lad) or read minds (Saturn Girl.) Others had enough powers to make Superboy jealous. The joy of the series came more often from watching heroes with limited powers work together to save the day.

Over the past 47 years, the membership roster grown and changed so much that DC feared new readers were shying away from taking on the daunting task of trying to dive into a book with such a complex history. That was not the case. Although it seems impossible to keep track of the more than 100 characters, including villains and supporting cast members, it is rarely necessary. The adventures of the Legion are usually self-contained, the reader being given all the info he needs to enjoy a particular story. The fact that the particular story is adrift in a sea of other stories makes it much better for the diehard Legion geek, but newcomers can usually find their way.

Still, the notion did discourage some.

So Waid's mandate was to start at ground zero.

"The other times we relaunched it, we would just come up with a different type of the same flavor," DiDio said. "We decided to go back to the core, a teen group. What does that mean and how could be show what it means to be a teen team in a distant future?"

Waid's work is a new Legion where 31st century Earth is described as "a place of security, stability and order. We're so sick of it, we could scream."

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Legion/2681_400x600.jpg" width="165" height="248" border="0" align="right">There you have it. The new Legion are young upstarts, rebellious youth who defy age and stagnation. And they will occasionally fight bad guys. This time the Legion is huge, 75,000 members across the galaxy. Anyone who subscribes to the youth belief system can declare himself a member. The number of front line super soldiers us about 20, a little less than half the number of members the Legion had in peak times.

The membership consists of familiar names like Star Boy, Karate Kid, Chameleon and Dream Girl. But they are different from the other Legionaries who bore that name. Star Boy is black, Karate Kid is Asian, Chameleon is asexual and Dream Girl's prophetic powers have been redefined to make her useful in a fight.

Under Waid's rule, all bets are off. The new team is younger and pretty wild, lacking the discipline and conservatism of the past.

So the big question, the one that DiDio ducked like a prizefighter, is: Where does this new Legion fit within the convoluted Legion continuity?

"The way I look at it, the future is variable, built on current DC attitudes and sensibilities," he said. "This is the Legion. Will everything that happened to get us here be explained? Absolutely."

Just don't expect it to have very quickly.





I am very much enjoying this version of the LSH...and I am an old fart reader that has been reading them since the mid 1970's when I was 10 or so. :D

I loved 'em then and am learning to love this new version.. Glad to see them being brought up to date for a new readership and still having enough to pull us oldies along.

[Alfonso]

Originally posted by MattBrady
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

FUNNIEST thing I'VE read ALL day.

:)

MattB

Thanks!

[Johnny Triangles]

They should just outsource the writing, design and art of Legion to Shonen Jump creators in Japan, then have the lady who colors Astonishing X-Men color it and then have Marvel publish it. Instant hit!

[ParisCub]

Outside of the fact I have issues about the validity of a book telling the adventures of a group of anarchists depicted as heroes, I rather enjoy the new take on the Legion (mainly thanks to Kitson).

I still don't trust Waid to do a great job. It's always hit or miss with him.

But it's rather good so far.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by KET
Sounds more like OM touched a nerve ending here..... :)

You need to stop being so defensive on silly matters like these, 'cause it EXPOSES you.

Yup. Now add two and two together and see what you get. :)

A nerve ending? Hmmm, you think I'm getting all worked up over these things? It's just words on the internet, I don't lose any sleep over it, it takes a whole lot to get on my nerves. Yet I don't like people telling me what to do or read, that's for me to decide, silly matters or not.
And now I have been exposed? Omg.......should I call someone? :rolleyes:

[gwangung]

Grumble, grumble....

Too many %@#^@#@!& kids thinking they're "long-time readers" here...

[Frans Blix]

Originally posted by Michael P
Actually, if it was ranked 25, it didn't break the top 20, which would be 1-20.



*sigh*

Thanks for the numerical lesson.

Never said it made the top 20. Just fleshing out the facts.

I swear, the difference between 20 and 25 has never seemed so spacious before now.:rolleyes:

[Alfonso]

Originally posted by ParisCub
Outside of the fact I have issues about the validity of a book telling the adventures of a group of anarchists depicted as heroes. . .

Ah, I take it you didn't like V for Vendetta either?

[bcondray]

Originally posted by gwangung
Grumble, grumble....

Too many %@#^@#@!& kids thinking they're "long-time readers" here...

Does my 30 years count as long time? :)

And I have read back as far as my budget would allow?

Have you read them longer?

[Dragavon]

Originally posted by wilser
I'm reading Legion for the first time and loving it.

And I think everything is self-explanatory in the book. Having absolutely no previous knowledge of the Legion, I'm enjoying it fine.

What he said!

[Jeff Albertson]

[For the person who doesn't want to read about anarchists, why in the world would you read any book about teen-agers? Teen-agers rebel against existing power structures, and they don't often have well-thought out substitutes in mind.

They're all anarchists . . . and thank heavens for that.

[Deadshot]

Um, I clicked the main page link to read about IDW's Angel comic and ended up in this thread. Methinks there's a linkage problem. :)


DS

[JDK745]

I like the new legion. Sure it's not the legion i have come to love for the last 25 years, but we all change.

Sometimes it takes a kick to the groin to get your attention. That's what happened when Levitz saw that the legion was not on that top ten list. Here was his beloved creation and it was not getting the respect he thought it deserved. And being Dido's boss, he made sure Dan knew this. This got Dan thinking about how to make the boss happy. So far things are looking up.

Everyone talks about how the Legion was a tough book to read because of all the characters involved. Sometimes 30 or more on the team at one time. I feel that the X-men are much harder to read, because they have that many or more characters to keep track of spread across 5 or more books at any given time. I gave up on the X-men because it cost to much to keep up with all the books.

DC has a long life Legion fan. I will buy the legion, as long as they keep making the Legion.

LLL.

[zeraze]

Originally posted by wilser
I'm reading Legion for the first time and loving it.

Me, too. Which is surprising since in the past I avoided Legion for the following reasons:

*The characters looked liked "Star Trek meets Teen Titans" knockoffs.

*Decades of convoluted continuity and a cast of thousands don't exactly scream "fun, accessible read."

However, Waid and Kitson's relaunch has eliminated these stumbling blocks and made the series appealing to a broader audience.


And I think everything is self-explanatory in the book. Having absolutely no previous knowledge of the Legion, I'm enjoying it fine.

What sold me on the book was this preview:

http://www.popcultureshock.com/reviews.php?rating=9.5&id=3718

In maybe seven pages tops, Waid and Kitson uses a broader historical context to underscore that the Legion is less of a superhero team and more of a youth movement. They're like the Blacks teens who really started the Civil Rights Movement after becoming fed up with America's openly racist status quo back in the 1960s.

Hence, this new approach makes the Legion more fresh, compelling and even thought-provoking than the concept's age would suggest. So, I'm not surprised that the comic is selling so well.

zeraze

[zeraze]

Originally posted by Frans Blix
*sigh*

Thanks for the numerical lesson.

Never said it made the top 20. Just fleshing out the facts.

I swear, the difference between 20 and 25 has never seemed so spacious before now.:rolleyes:

Don't let them get you down. These purists are just upset that sales for the new Legion reboot are well above those of the previous series as reported by the PULSE:

25) LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES
09/ 2003: Legion #24 -- 22,653 (+ 0.8%)
10/ 2003: Legion #25 -- 27,954 (+23.4%) -- [29,657]
11/ 2003: Legion #26 -- 26,635 (- 4.7%)
11/ 2003: Legion #27 -- 25,667 (- 3.6%)
12/ 2003: Legion #28 -- 25,042 (- 2.4%)
01/ 2004: Legion #29 -- 24,908 (- 0.5%)
02/ 2004: Legion #30 -- 25,014 (+ 0.4%)
03/ 2004: Legion #31 -- 24,870 (- 0.6%)
04/ 2004: Legion #32 -- 24,608 (- 1.1%)
05/ 2004: Legion #33 -- 24,865 (+ 1.0%)
06/ 2004: Legion #34 -- 23,903 (- 3.9%)
07/ 2004: Legion #35 -- 24,207 (+ 1.3%)
07/ 2004: Legion #36 -- 23,717 (- 2.0%)
08/ 2004: Legion #37 -- 23,479 (- 1.0%)
08/ 2004: Legion #38 -- 23,327 (- 0.7%)
09/ 2004: --
10/ 2004: --
11/ 2004: --
12/ 2004: Legion of Super-Heroes #1 -- 50,691 (+117.3%)
6 / 12 months: +103.8% / +123.8%

Mark Waid and Barry Kitson's LEGION relaunch debuts with more than twice the numbers of the book's previous incarnation. For the sake of comparison, this is just slightly below the initial numbers of 2003's OUTSIDERS relaunch. Provided the book is able to hold on to the bulk of these sales -- which increasingly seems to be the tricky part for high- and mid-profile launches nowadays -- everyone should be happy.

You can read the rest of PULSE's sales report here:

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=0033 77

zeraze

[Fritz]

Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El! Mon-El!

(or if you prefer, Valor! Valor!...)

The thing that made the Levitz era Legion the one that I loved most is the focus on one or two characters in each issue with the rest of the team in the background, for the most part. I think that he did that better than anyone else has done since. I started to read in the middle of the "Great Darkness" storyline and I figured out who was who pretty quick. I liked all of the characters and the backstories. When I started to read comics almost thirty years ago (quiet sobbing...) with Thor, then the Avengers, then the Hulk and the Xmen & Teen Titans, there were no reboots. Roy Thomas or whoever was writing would refer to stories before in two or three panels and cause me and my friends to run out and look for any back issues we could. If there was a reboot, it was done like the switchover in the Xmen from the original team to the classic Claremont team. It was what made comics so great.

I still do it. If someone tells me that twelve issues in the new Teen Titans is great, and after borrowing and reading a few issues I agree, I will go out and look for those twelve issues I missed.

[JamesStewart]

If names like Matter-Eater Lad, Kid Quantum and Sun Boy strike you as "stupid," you clearly take stories about spandex, mutations, grappling hooks and laser eyes quite seriously. More power to ya, brother. You've got a lot of books to choose from.

Surely there's room for at least one book that celebrates the silliness of yesteryear--and the new LoSH looks to be the top contender.

I'm glad the current revamp of LoSH isn't taking itself too seriously. Without entering the realm of self-parody, the first three issues have been ridiculous--in a good way. The old-school Legion concept, with stories like Lightning Lad's losing his arm to "Space Moby-Dick" were hokey and fun, and it's good to see a bit of that spirit return.

I hope Mark Waid sticks to the standalone stories as much as he can. When you have a cast of hundreds, maybe the best way to build a continuity that doesn't eventually swallow itself is to keep the stories short and sweet.