OFFICIAL: JIM SHOOTER RETURNS TO DC'S LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES

[MattBrady]

by Matt Brady

It’s a reunion of a pairing first seen 41 years ago, back in 1966’s Adventure Comics #346 when a then 14 year old Jim Shooter wrote his first story for DC Comics’ Legion of Super-Heroes. The brash young boy really had no idea how comics were written, not to mention any of the prevailing ideas of comics storytelling, so he just followed the main rule of writing – write stories that you’d want to read.

Over his run as a writer of the Legion, Shooter’s stories included such things as Karate Kid, Ferro Lad, Princess Projectra, the Khunds, Nemesis Kid, Universo, the Fatal Five, Shadow Lass, Mordru, and the concept of the “adult Legion.”

To say that Shooter’s stuff was a hit and made an impression would be a vast understatement.

Shooter left the Legion in the late ‘60s, returning again in the mid ‘70s, prior to his move to Marvel, where he would climb to even greater heights. Since his second run on the Legion, fans have always been hoping for another return, but, given Shooter’s involvements with Marvel, Valiant and other companies, figured it would never come.

It’s coming.

Last month, we told you about Francis Manapul signing on to Legion of Super-Heroes with #37, and at the time, he couldn’t name the writer. Shooter is that writer.

We spoke with the legendary creator about his return to the team he helped put on the map.

Newsarama: First off, obviously, this is many a Legion fan’s dream come true, and something that’s what…30ish years in the making? What brought you back to the Legion, and why now?

Jim Shooter: I think I last wrote the Legion in 1976, so 30+ years is right. Last fall, Mike Marts got in touch with me and asked me if I might be interested in doing some writing for DC. I'd just finished another long-term, non-comics project and I had time, so, I said yes. At a lunch with Mike, Dan DiDio and Jann Jones, Dan, I think, proposed my taking over the Legion following Mark Waid, whose run was ending. Fine by me.

NRAMA: Had there been attempts or work to bring you back to the series previous to this? Obviously, there was that stretch of time where you were preoccupied with another company or two…

JS: Once, between companies, I proposed writing an "untold story" of the Legion set in the era of my first run on the Legion back in the 60's. Paul Levitz liked the idea, but apparently some people at DC objected to my working there, and ultimately they got their way and kept it from happening.

NRAMA: Emotionally – what’s it like to come back to these characters? Is there still an almost visceral connection, or has time dimmed that to an extent, and these are just some characters that you wrote before?

JS: I have always loved the concept of the Legion--young heroes in a fantastic future. The characters have changed a little, but not enough to spoil the party for me. These are the first comics characters I ever wrote. They're still very special to me.

NRAMA: Speaking as a creator, what’s the difference in approaching the series now, as something of one of comics’ elder statesmen, so to speak, compared to approaching it as a boy? When you sit down to write the Legion, are you still tapping into that same excitement, that spirit as the kid from Pittsburgh had, or is that, say an impossible expectation for readers to have?

JS: I'd like to think I sort of know what I'm doing these days, as opposed to when I was age thirteen and winging it. Other than that, my approach is the same--same excitement, same spirit, same boundless enthusiasm, same thrill of creation. I think if you lose that energy, if you're out of touch with the kid inside you that feels the joy, give it up, turn the job down, forget it. If you're just grinding it out, no matter how skillful you are, the work will be flat.

NRAMA: Speaking of your start on the series, especially today, in the era of the internet, why do you think your “origin story” as a writer has never really been repeated? We’ve had younger creators, but, unless I’m mistaken, there have never been other early teens writing major properties for the publishers…

JS: I was in the right place at the right time, and I was very lucky. Right at the time editor Mort Weisinger needed a writer, my first story landed on his desk, he thought it was pretty good--and for some reason, he was willing to train a new, young writer. Actually, a whole wave of new talent came in around the same time--Roy Thomas, Archie Goodwin, Neal Adams, E. Nelson Bridwell and a few others--after years during which the industry was in decline and few if any new people came in. I just happened to be the youngest of the new wave. It's hard to imagine similar circumstances occurring again.

NRAMA: You’re coming back to a characters that you wrote 30 and 40 years ago – which puts in some very rarified air in terms of a creator, but why is there a Legion to come back to 30 years later? In your opinion, what is it about them that gives them a lasting hold on their fans, where, heck, other characters are lucky to live past their 2nd anniversary issue? Reboot after reboot, year after year – they’re still here…

JS: As I said earlier, I think the concept of the LSH is great. The Legion is also a one-book universe, in a way. The rest of the DC universe, with all its entanglements and, forgive me Dan and Mike, occasional chaos, is a thousand years away from us. As I told Francis, "We own DC's future!" The Legion has all the advantages of being part of the same mythos that contains Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, et al, but very little of the burden. The Legion is a little chunk of the universe that breaks off cleanly, if you will, in which creators can keep their continuity tight and their world consistent. Those things contribute to the Legion's lasting appeal, I think.

NRAMA: Fair enough. In coming back, were you offered a virtual blank slate situation, or are you coming into the established Legion and working with the characters as they exist now?

JS: The idea of a reboot was discussed, but Mike, Dan and I agreed that it would be best to stay with the continuity Waid and Kitson established. First of all, I think their stuff was great, a good foundation that offers tremendous possibilities. Second, I personally just don't like it when everything changes every time a new writer or artist comes along. For instance, Francis wants to do new costumes. I suggested that we introduce them organically, within the story, rather than in a reboot way. Mike and Francis agreed, or, at least, are humoring me.

NRAMA: That said, big picture-wise, what are your goals for your time on the series? Shake things up? Recharge? Maintain status quo?

JS: I'm not sure what you mean by "recharge," and I certainly don't want to coast along on the status quo. I'm going to do the best I can. I think we've developed a good first arc. With Francis Manapul's brilliant art, I think there's a chance that this series can generate some real excitement. We've got some amazing things planned, including a event that, I believe, is a worthy centerpiece to the Legion's 50th Anniversary. Top secret. I think Dan might have suggested it, but even he'll be surprised when he sees what Francis, Mike and I are cooking up.

NRAMA: Speaking to this run specifically, are there certain characters you’re looking to pick up and look at – to see if they still operate the same way? Anyone you can name?

JS: I guess the first characters I focus on are Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Princess Projectra and Timber Wolf. That said, this is an ensemble book. Every character gets picked up and looked at.

NRAMA: Are there characters who’ve held on to you more so than others? Say for instance, do the characters you created have a hold on you that you noticed when you came back?

JS: Not really. This sounds hokey to say, but whichever character I'm writing at the moment becomes my favorite character, and in that moment, I can't imagine a better one.

NRAMA: As you’ve mentioned, Francis is certainly bringing his own look and style to the characters – does working with different artists affect how you write a story?

JS: I write as well as I can no matter who's drawing the story. If I'm working with a new guy, or a weaker artist, or one of the many guys who doesn't seem understand that we're supposed to telling a story, I tend to give more direction. The bad artists usually ignore the directions anyway, but....

Working with Francis is wonderful. He's amazing. I don't need to give as much direction, because he's a dramatist and storyteller as well as a great draftsman. And his work has what Stan used to call "glamour." It's dazzling. Since I'm invoking old Marvel names, let me quote another all-time great: Archie Goodwin used to say that when you get to work with a great artist--like Francis--just hold on and "...ride his coattails to comics immortality." You betcha.

NRAMA: Winding things up then, what can you say in regards to where, when, how your first issue starts?

JS: The principal events of my first issue, #37, take place on Triton, Neptune's largest moon, and in the Legion HQ. The story features new environments, a new enemy, a significant new continuing character and many new incidental characters and items all superbly designed by Francis. A close friend of mine who read the script suggested that DC ought to put a blurb on the cover like the one that appeared on Kirby's first issue of Jimmy Olsen: "Shooter says don't ask, just buy it!" That was his way of telling me he likes it. Hey, Mikey! Seriously, this issue is the beginning, the foundation of the arc that spans the 50th Anniversary year--which we mean to make special enough to deserve that honor. I say just buy it.

NRAMA: How long are you looking to stay on the series?

JS: I'll probably still be sending in scripts a year after they stop paying me. Seriously, Mike Marts is a terrific editor, Francis is brilliant, Dan has been great...I'm having a ball. I see no reason not to stick round for a long time.

NRAMA: Will this be it for you at DC for now, or are you looking to try out some other characters?

JS: So far, the Legion has kept me busy. If there's anything else they want me to do when time permits, I'll consider it. I guess, if I had a choice, writing any of the household name characters would be most appealing--but DC has a lot going on right now, a lot of exciting things in the works that might be interesting to try. We'll see.

[nietoperz]

I have shivers up my spine. Seriously, this old timer hasn't been this excited about the Legion since the Zero Hour reboot.

Welcome back, Jim.

[sneakerpimp_]

I cant even explain how excited I am, and the splash page has just enhanced that. I truly hope shooter takes the legion back to some of its routes and retools the changes back to normal. I dont even care if it takes something like like superboy prime sneezing to do it!

[Amoebas]

Wow - the Waid Legion might actually get good!

[apcullers]

I'm impressed... DC really is going to make some noise with the Legion for its 50th Anniversary after all.

And if everyone keeps hinting around at us seeing a "Legion of Three Worlds" story that lets me see the reboot team, I'm going to scream until it actually happens!

[chrissama200]

I've never really followed the Legion, but, with Shooter writing the title, now seems like a great time to start!

[Kepler]

I've been collecting Legion since I was a kid, and, to me, it has always been a quality title with excellent creative teams.

This makes one more! Welcome back, Jim.

[rorschach_42]

I log in in shcool and this is the first thing I see! w00t! I may actually read LoSH now.

[Rich L]

I'd managed to convince myself to drop LSH after the end of Waid & Kitson's run but now...dammit, its back on the list.

I'm taking it that Supergirl's being dropped from the book then?

[Ace]

I'm probably the only one here who would have preferred Bedard to Shooter, right?

I'm really not much of a Legion fan pre-Levitz/Giffen (and I like almost everything from it on).

That said, it should be fun at least.

[ZampDiSata]

What's with the holes in the outfit of that girl on the right? I'm not buying this unless they fix some of the girls' costumes. I bought the Waid/Kitson run but started getting more and more offended by some outfits. These are supposed to be kids. Dressing up minors like that is just too perverted for my tastes.
I really like the concept of the LoSH a lot, but please fix the outfits.

[Michael Mayket]

God, I want this to be good. I'd be lying though if I didn't admit I felt a little apprehensive.

Come on good Legion!

[Innercaine]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

NRAMA: Fair enough. In coming back, were you offered a virtual blank slate situation, or are you coming into the established Legion and working with the characters as they exist now?

JS: The idea of a reboot was discussed, but Mike, Dan and I agreed that it would be best to stay with the continuity Waid and Kitson established. First of all, I think their stuff was great, a good foundation that offers tremendous possibilities. Second, I personally just don't like it when everything changes every time a new writer or artist comes along. For instance, Francis wants to do new costumes. I suggested that we introduce them organically, within the story, rather than in a reboot way. Mike and Francis agreed, or, at least, are humoring me.

Jeez!

This reeks of.. I dunno..? Professionalism! Maturity!



I didn't want another reboot, and what Shooter says is spot on correct. Costumes I don't mind as much (with the exception of Katana in the Outsiders). This is all great news.

I'm very excited about this!





Now I hope DC adopts this same attitude with another character, mentioned down below.

[vbartilucci]

GAAAAHHHHH!

If you'll all line up here, you can all receive your fresh steaming cup of I F*CKIN' TOLD YOU SO!!!

[JohnNah]

Originally Posted by Amoebas

Wow - the Waid Legion might actually get good!

Exactly what I thought when I read this interview! I'm excited for the 1st time since Copiel was on the Legion!

[Predabot1]

Hmm... why is there no Supergirl in that big picture? And I'm not sure I like these new costumes, I rather liked the Kitson-versions. I don't dislike them for the same reasons as ZampDisata does tho. I simply thought Kitsons was better.

Originally Posted by ZampDiSata

What's with the holes in the outfit of that girl on the right? I'm not buying this unless they fix some of the girls' costumes. I bought the Waid/Kitson run but started getting more and more offended by some outfits. These are supposed to be kids. Dressing up minors like that is just too perverted for my tastes.
I really like the concept of the LoSH a lot, but please fix the outfits.

Guess you were never a fan of the now classic, and pretty much considered definitive, costumes by Dave Cockrum then..?

[boem104]

I have been so disappointed with the current legion (yes I know I spelled it lower case). Especially the origins. Like Phantom Girl, Colosal Boy, Triplicate Girl and Shrinking Violet.

I hope Big Jim can fix all that!!!

Here's to a long healthy run!!!

[PreCrisisDC]

Jim Frakking Shooter?!?!?!!!! Jeezus...I must be 10 again...wow!!!!! I am seriously looking forward to this as the last few years of the Legion to me has been dreadful. If Mike Grell draws, I'll wet my pants right now......

[A-Newton]

I... I can't believe it. This is amazing. I know the rumors were there for a long time, but it was the kind of rumor you put no stock in whatsoever. It just didn't seem possible. I'm getting goose bumps here.

[Kevin T. Brown]

Hot damn, billy bob!!!!!

Best news I've read in a loooooooooooooong time!!!! And it sounds like Shooter's on for the long haul, not just an arc or 2!

[The Mirrorball Man]

Originally Posted by ZampDiSata

What's with the holes in the outfit of that girl on the right? I'm not buying this unless they fix some of the girls' costumes. I bought the Waid/Kitson run but started getting more and more offended by some outfits. These are supposed to be kids. Dressing up minors like that is just too perverted for my tastes.
I really like the concept of the LoSH a lot, but please fix the outfits.

"Perverted"? I don't know where you live, but in my experience, teenage girls usually wear less clothes than adult women. In fact, I'd say that most teenage girls usually wear less clothes than the Legion girls.

[JSS]

goddddd i love Manapuls artwork! TimberWolf looks BADAZZZZ!!

[Snowspinner]

Man...

I'm excited, and I really hope this is good, but part of me can't help but think about how many old-timer creators have been disappointing in their comebacks in the last few years... Claremont on X-Men, Wolfman on Nightwing, Levitz on JSA...

[SpyGuy]

Barring the return of Paul Levitz and Mike Grell, this is probably the best news longtime Legion fans could have hoped for.

As for the newer costumes, I'm okay with most of them (especially Phantom Girl's) but barefoot Timber Wolf doesn't really work for me and neither does Lightning Lad without the white.

[ElijahSnowFan]

oh, man...DC is going to put one of my oldest vows to the test.

Jim Shooter DESERVES TO BE IN COMICS. i cannot, in good conscience, not purchase this book.

but damn it...it's not the Legion i prefer. i vowed not to support the franchise until DC addressed the erasure of that timeline.

oh, man. that is going to be TOUGH.

Jim Shooter. son of a gun -- there is justice in this world after all.