WW CHICAGO: FRANCIS MANAPUL IN THE FUTURE - AND ON DC'S LEGION

**MattBrady** · 08-10-2007, 01:26 PM

Do the math – the Legion of Super-Heroes first appeared in 1958’s Adventure Comics #247. And what year follows 2007?

Yeah, it’s a safe bet that DC Comics has some plans afoot for the 50th anniversary of the super teen team from the future, and part of that will begin in December with a creative team change. DC’s mum on the identity of the writer, but has revelaed that the new artist coming on to the series with issue #37 will be Francis (Iron and the Maiden, Witchblade) Manapul.

While we missed out on a conversation with the to-be-named writer, we were abel to catch up with Manapul for a quick word about his upcoming work.

Newsarama: First of all Francis, is this for a finite run, or are you the open-ended, “regular” artist?

Francis Manapul: My run begins with issue #37 which is planned to be released I believe, right around the anniversary of the Legion. I'm hoping to stick around for as long as the writer decides to stay.

NRAMA: And is that writer Tony Bedard?

FM: No. And that’s all I can say about that. [laughs]

NRAMA: So tell us from an artist standpoint how one approaches a series like Legion. Obviously there is no need to pour through reference manuals for backgrounds? Or is there? Do you reference science and science fiction in creating the future work of Legion, or just used the current run as your guide?

FM: When I came into the project to be quite honest I knew very little about the characters and their world. So rather than a hindrance I thought this would be to my advantage since I'll be approaching the book with fresh eyes and hopefully bring something new to their world. The backgrounds are definitely more fun to work on since there is no set rules on how buildings look like in the future, so I feel quite free messing around with little reference. However, I have looked at Barry Kitson’s run and I'm trying to keep some elements of that to have some sort of consistency.

NRAMA: How about the characters, or even in general? Does its future setting affect how you approach in the pencils, perhaps in a way you might not for a series set on a more contemporary, real-world setting?

FM: It's way more fun! All the characters you see in the background is pretty much free reign! Again the fact that there are no set rules to what aliens look like makes the experience a blast! If I want to draw someone in the background wearing goggles no one’s going to question it! What makes it interesting is that the Legion themselves and the way they look is very much in contrast to their environment. They're somewhat of a throwback in a very futuristic world. It creates a really cool effect and is something I'm aiming for. I just like the idea of the legion still standing out in the crowd of very eclectic races from other planets.

NRAMA: That’s almost sounds like freedom that if not kept in rein could make it hard ever to finish a page. Do you create internal rules for youself in terms of character fashions, or technology so readers begin to feel a sense of familiarity with the world?

FM: Actually its quite the opposite. Knowing that I don't need to gather a huge amount of reference makes it easier. Sometimes it can take hours just gathering them to the point where you've spent almost half the day pulling them together. Even then I might end up using not even a quarter of what I have. Right now I've looked at a few Sci-Fi art books just to get a feel for it, but at the moment I've got 2 different environments to create, and I'm trying to make the distinction between the two by shapes, whether it's more round or ridgid, depending on what fits that particular planet and their culture. I try to improvise as much as I can to keep it fresh and not be so technical about it.

NRAMA: Will you be doing any character redesign work or will the current looks carry over to your run?

FM: Yes I'll be doing some tinkering with their look. I'm quite fond of Dave Cockrum’s designs so I'm trying to work in some elements of that along with Barry Kitson’s contribution. Mostly I'm trying to simplify rather than modernize. I think simplicity carries over and creates a timeless look.

NRAMA: Should readers assume any implications as to the direction of the series by the fact you’re tweaking some of the character’s looks? You just changing their duds, or is there a story reason why they characters might sport slightly different looks?

FM: To be quite honest I simply just asked [Editor] Mike Marts if I could change them up a bit. And his answer was "yes, it would make sense". At that point in time I really had no idea where the story was heading, it was just something I felt inclined to do. I really enjoyed Barry's designs but I felt I needed to "tailor" fit them into something that feels more comfortable for me. That being said it will be transitioned into the storyline.

NRAMA: Are there any characters in particular you’re looking forward to drawing?

FM: My favorites so far have been Timberwolf and Chameleon Boy.

NRAMA: Any final, parting thoughts for readers?

FM: I think the readers will be surprised at this upcoming run, and hopefully very entertained.

nietoperz · 08-11-2007, 01:07 PM

From the artwork: no Supergirl! w00t!!

This looks really good...

apcullers · 08-11-2007, 01:09 PM

HOLY.

This is the most exciting Legion-related thing I've seen or read in a very, very long time.

Today is a good day.

Speedball93 · 08-11-2007, 01:11 PM

Wow. I am gonna give this book another try. I just hope Manapul stays on longer than 1 arc.

Greg Geren · 08-11-2007, 01:14 PM

I'm not familiar with this artist, but that's a fantastic looking Legion spread!

His re-designs do have the Cockrum flair, modernized accordingly. This should give the Legion a visual boost in time for the anniversary.

This long-time Legion fan says-- Great pick DC!

EDIT: And I just noticed Timber Wolf's bare feet-- that's a fantastic idea I'm surprised no one has thought of before.

McMonkey Nut · 08-11-2007, 01:22 PM

Thats freakin awesome!!! That pic just became my new wallpaper!!

jza1218 · 08-11-2007, 01:28 PM

Been lovin Manupal's art for a while. Great news

Comic-Reader · 08-11-2007, 01:30 PM

I like a lot of the adjustments to the costumes on the whole.

Clever way to bring back Saturn Girl's 70s bikini look.

Timberoo · 08-11-2007, 01:32 PM

Great art. but I prefer Kitson's Saturn Girl and Microlad designs.

Kid Impulse · 08-11-2007, 01:34 PM

No Supergirl means I might pick this up, I love the Leigon and love these new costumes, my decision rests on the writer

Jason1Kent · 08-11-2007, 01:47 PM

please please please please please please please please please please please have Superboy in the line-up and I do mean Conner

Binker · 08-11-2007, 01:50 PM

I've always been looking for the right time, story, cover, to bring himself to start the Legion of Superheroes. #37 seems to be that time.

johnnyrocket · 08-11-2007, 01:54 PM

Looks like they are sticking with the 'new' Legion after Final Crisis? I was kind of looking forward to the 'classics' coming back for good. ..Using the final crisis to bring things a back around.

I have always liked the more hopefull and Star Trek like universe of the 30th/31st Century ...and the sense of wonder of the classic UFP; as opposed to the current dystopian universe where every adult is alien phobic and big brothered into 'behaving correctly.' esentially it's the Legion of X-Men and I'm not sure that's going to work in the long haul.

BanMan · 08-11-2007, 01:55 PM

Depending on the writer I'll check this out, though I also don't like his Micro Lad.

IronWolf · 08-11-2007, 01:55 PM

Hmmmm this looks interesting i wonder if a Re-Launch is in store hope so I'll pick it up. Love the Art.

James Asia · 08-11-2007, 01:57 PM

Looks AWESOME. If the writer is anyone decent, i'll buy this. Thank god it's not Bedard.

MatthewSmith · 08-11-2007, 01:57 PM

That art is awesome. I was pretty close to dropping Legion, but I'll at least stick around until I hear who the new writer is.

Ace · 08-11-2007, 01:58 PM

i thought Bedard's been doing a good job but they've probably grabbed a bigger name for this.

Axelay · 08-11-2007, 02:24 PM

Is Supergirl finally being dropped as a Legion member?

JacktheKnife · 08-11-2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axelay

Is Supergirl finally being dropped as a Legion member?

Well she had to go back to the 21st century sometime

zodcomplex · 08-11-2007, 02:40 PM

I picked up the first few issues of Legion, dropped it, tried it agin & dropped it 4 issues into the Supergirl & LOSH OYL reboot, & it looks like I'll be picking up the title again. That pinup has me excited about the Legion's 50th. Can't wait to see who the writer is (Levitz? Giffen maybe?

Vazquez · 08-11-2007, 02:54 PM

That picture looks [censored]ing amazing!

vbartilucci · 08-11-2007, 03:03 PM

That's just eight shades of beautiful.

And if they don't announce the writer this weekend, that means they may do so at Baltimore, so i'll get to hear it first hand. Oooo, coolness

Action Ace · 08-11-2007, 03:07 PM

The costume redesigns are too terrible. I'll have to see some actual story pages with my own eyes first, but at first glance I'm not impressed at all with the new artist.

boem104 · 08-11-2007, 03:08 PM

Ok this is a Legion I can get into. It seems that in a lot of the costumes we have elements of old and new. Like Saturn Girl and Karate Kid. The only thing lacking is Cosmic Boy, and the only thing I am glad seems to be gone is Supergirl.

I can't wait to see what the story lines will be.