Legion creators speak out (in 1996)
This hasn't seen the light of day since it was compiled in 1996. Back in the olden days of the mid to late 90s, I was one of the FAQ-keepers for the rec.arts.comics.dc.lsh Usenet newsgroup. In addition to the FAQ, we thought it would be both interesting and humorous (see question #4 for our attempt) to present a set of standard questions to various Legion creators and then compile their answers. At various conventions and via email between April to August 1996, we got 15 people to answer our questionnaire, from Curt Swan and Jim Shooter to Mark Waid and Jeff Moy (I don't recall who never replied). I don't believe that we ever actually published this in the newsgroup, but I've been copying it from from one computer to the next over the last 23 years. Responses are listed by creator in alphabetical order of last name.
Our standard questionnaire:
- What do you do on the Legion books?
- How long have you been working on the Legion books?
- What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
- What's your shoe size?
- Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
- Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
- Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
The Legion Creators Speak Out
We asked a number people who've worked on any of the Legion titles, past and present, a few questions about the Legion and themselves. Here's what they had to say. (Note: all answers are presented as they were given to us, typos and all.) Years worked on LSH books
5 6 7 8 9
890123456789012345678901234567890123456
Ron Boyd --.----.----.----.----.----.----.-23456
Pat Brosseau --.----.----.----.----.----.----.-23456
Cory Carani --.----.----.----.----.----.----.---456
Reuben Diaz --.----.----.----.----.----.----.----.6
Colleen Doran --.----.----.----.----.----.----.--34.-
Barbara (Randall) Kesel --.----.----.----.----.----.--8-.----.-
Karl Kesel --.----.----.----.----.---456---.----.-
Paul Levitz --.----.----.----567890123456789.----.-
Steve Lightle --.----.----.----.----.--3456789.----.-
Tom McCraw --.----.----.----.----.----.---90123456
Jeff Moy --.----.----.----.----.----.----.---456
Tom Peyer --.----.----.----.----.----.----.---456
Jim Shooter --.----.67890----56---.----.----.----.-
Curt Swan 89012345678-.----.----.----.----.----.-
Mark Waid --.----.----.----.----.----.-789.--345-
Ron Boyd
Date: 4/24/96
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
I am the inker on the Legion of Superheroes. Though it is a much maligned role, I feel that my contribution to the book has been quite large, through cohesion of creators to keeping the book on deadline.
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
I am currently working on issue 84, which is my 47th issue of the Legion. I started on issue 39, inking the cover, and have had a hand in every book since, including annuals, Legionairres #'s 0 and 19, and an upcoming story that I have written, and I will ink, in Showcase #9.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
I really liked the story-line just prior to Zero hour. I enjoyed the idea of these galactic do-gooders being outside the law, and fighting to get back in. Aside from that, I think my fave spot has to be issue 48, cause my wife appeared in a cameo role as the purple doctor on the second-last page. (She's really a doctor. She's not really purple)
4. What's your shoe size?
10.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Shrinking Violet and Cosmic Boy. I can't choose. I also like Ultra-boy...heck...I just love 'em all!!!
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Uh....Personality....I would have to guess Cos, with a bit of Ultra tossed in. I tend to be a little altruistic, but I have some healthy cynicism to balance me out. As far as a physical resemblance --- I don't think any of them apply. I am 31 years old, not in great shape, and am losing hair, and currently sport a goatee...not exactly the taught clean good looks of the youthful legionairres!
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Not really anything concise, but I would like to say that I have a lot of love for comics, and a growing fondness for the Legion. This book has been very good to me, and I am happy to contribute a small part to the legend. I just hope that all the fans can enjoy what we do, and forgive us for the liberties we take with these characters. Our main goal is to tell stories that somehow entertain you, and hopefully, along the way, we can use these stories to tell you all something about ourselves.
Pat Brosseau
Date: 5/30/96
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
The Lettering
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
On Legionnaires since #1, on LSH since #70.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
Legionnaires # 7. Nice artwork. A lotta fun to letter. Fun story.
4. What's your shoe size?
Size 8.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Gates, cause he's such a smart-ass.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Ultra Boy.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Hope you all keep buying the book and my Lettering is as important to you as the writing and artwork.
Cory Carani
Date: 5/24/96
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
I am the inker on The Legionnaires!
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
I have been working on The Legionnaires since issue #21!
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
I think my all time favorite Legion story has nothing to do so much with the story! I really like issue #7 of The Legionnaires "Devil in the Deep". Its a fill in issue by Adam Hughes with Mark Farmer on inks. It looks great and is just plain fun! (I respond more to visual than to written - flakey artists - Go figure!) I am partial, also, to the first appearance of Supergirl with the Legion. Martian ice-cream? Nine flavors - From nine different planets no less! C'mon, that'd be like living in space or something! Too much fun!
4. What's your shoe size?
My shoe size is eleven and a half.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
My favorite Legionnaire is Ayla...or maybe Jenni Ognats...Or maybe Luornu...Hmmm... Violet?...Zoe?No, purple Triad...Nah...Andromeda...Or...
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
I probably most resemble Matter-Eater Lad or Leviathan.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I'd like to personally thank all of the Legion fans for their support! You all make it one of the best books to be a part of...And one of the most fun! I'm proud to be there every month working on something I really like. Ecstatic when you all like it too. Your feedback is the best. Keep us on our toes!
Reuben Diaz
Date: 4/17/96
I'm still pretty new to this, so I'll try to answer as best I can.
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
As the associate editor, well, besides associating with the editor, I arrange for burly men in rolled up tee-shirts to break non-essential body parts of freelancers who are late turning in assignments. Except for Lee Moder, who I dress in a bonnet and diapers and make him do the hokey-poker in front of the local High School <g>. That and making sure Brainiac is the right shade of green. (Ask Tom if you really want to know what it is.)
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
Work is a completely subjective term.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
"Light and Darkness War" -- 'natch. Although the one where Timberwolf has to go claim Karate Kid's inheritance was pretty swift.
4. What's your shoe size?
Depends if we're talking sneakers, shoes, or bunny slippers.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
I have 3 -- Timberwolf, Karate Kid, and Wildfire.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Polar boy, for reasons to personal and embarrassing to discuss in public.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Well, it's nice to be working with a fine group of creators, most of whom I've worked with before on various projects in the last four years. "Lee, do the 'Mr. Plow' song one more time -- for old times sake." Hopefully I can bring a fresh perspective on the 30th century and help foster the continued, long-standing success of one of comicdom's most popular super-teams.
Colleen Doran
Date: 6/27/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
Valor, Legion of S, Legionnaires, fillins, pinups in who's who
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
Valor - 1 year Legion - ?
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
Murder Most Foul [ed. note: Superboy and the Legion #239]
4. What's your shoe size?
6 1/2 W
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Element Lad
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Shvaugn Erin [ed. note: she crossed out the word "Legionnaire" in the question.]
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I love you, madly!
Barbara (Randall) Kesel
Date: 7/22/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
I wrote all but the final issue of "Who's Who in the Legion" and shared an office with Mark Waid while he was editor of the book. I've recently written a solo Ultra Boy story (inventory) that Matt Haley is drawing. It'll show up sometime in the future.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
The Who's Who took six months to nine months, also the U.B. story. (It was my back-burner project.)
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
The Fatal Five story where Dream Girl fills in when Ultra Boy's knocked out.
4. What's your shoe size?
7D
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Phantom Girl
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Physically -- probably Shrinking Violet (change hair to red-brown) for purposes of height. Personality -- probably Saturn Girl
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I always liked the Legion because they were so often written as KIDS instead of 19-year-old 40-year-olds, and because the mood stressed hope (well, in those pre-Giffen days) rather than misery. Down with gloom and doom comics! PLUS -- and most important: the girls had powers and did something with them other than hang on the heroes' arms or needing to be rescued all the time! SHOCK -- There was always MORE than ONE girl and they had DIFFERENT personalities -- almost as though they were human beings! Hey -- I'm reading Karl's answers -- he stole my "hope" line. That's always been MY observation. Sigh! MEN!
Karl Kesel
Date: 7/22/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
Inked the "Tales of the Legion" run back in '84. Plus an issue, story, or couple of pages here & there. Also inked "Legionnaires 3" mini-series & "Legion of Subs" one-shot.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
A little over a year
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
"Great Darkness Saga"
4. What's your shoe size?
10-1/2 triple "E"
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Probably Bouncing Boy... Altho' I'm very fond of the current take on Brainiac 5. Also really liked Elasti-Lad and Insect Queen.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Maybe Cosmic Boy, if he was REALLY out of shape and had brown hair. He's the closest personality-wise, I think. [Altho' Bouncing Boy is closer all around...]
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I think the Legion is one of those basic, instinctively appealing concepts -- tons of super-powered kids! It's also a HOPEFUL series at it's core -- something I find is lacking in all too many comics.
Paul Levitz
Date: 8/9/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
- 1975
- Karate Kid #1-2 (#2 in collaboration)
- 1976-1978 (regular writer on strip)
- Superboy & The Legion #225, 226, 228-231, 233, 235-247, 250-251 (some stories in collaboration)
- All-New Collectors' Edition/Legion
- DC Special #28
- Justice League #147-148 (in collaboration)
- 1979
- DC Comics Presents #13-14
- Super-Star Holiday
- 1981-1989 (regular writer on strip)
- Legion of Super-Heroes #281-282 (in collaboration), 284-313, Annual #1-3
- Legion #1-63, Annual #1-4
- Tales of the Legion #314-325 (some stories in collaboration)
- Legion of Substitute Heroes Special (in collaboration)
- DC Comics Presents #43, 59 (in collaboration)
- Cosmic Boy #1-4
- Text pages, misc.:
- Legion: Great Darkness introduction
- History of the DC Universe Legion piece
- Karate Kid #1-7
- Legion of Substitute Heroes Special
- Legion #281-282, 284-293, 295-325, Annual #1-3
- Legion #1-63, Annual #1-4
- All-New Collectors Edition/Legion
- Superboy/Legion #225-245, 247-250, 252-255
- Texts for digests chronologically reprinting Legion stories
- Various desk jobs: 1974-on
As above, 1974 to now.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
"Ghost of Ferro Lad"
4. What's your shoe size?
6 1/2 E
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Varied over the years; as a kid, Timber Wolf and Element Lad
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Beats me.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Thanks for paying my mortgage for years. It was a hoot to get to write a strip I loved as a kid. And thanks for the fan mail--it was always one of the best parts of the deal.
Steve Lightle
Date: 5/19/96
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
Stuff and lots of it.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
Off and on between '83 and '89.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
I remember a great storyline that had the Legion hunted by the Science Police. My strongest memory of this story is of seeing Legionnaires gathered in the sewers of Metropolis, avoiding detection and planning their triumphant return. This was a story from the late '60's, although a '90's analogy does exist.
4. What's your shoe size?
I hear that there is a direct corrolation between a man's shoe size and his creative powers.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Karate Kid (60's) Mon-El (70's) Timber Wolf ('80's) Allegra ('90's)
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
[no answer given]
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brush stroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Curt Swan: I want to thank you for always being an inspiration.
Dave Cockrum: Your creative energy was contagious.
Paul Levitz: I'll never forget your generosity. Our collaboration is one the highpoints in my career.
Karen Berger: God bless you.
Mark Waid: You owe me.
Tom McCraw
Date: 4/24/96
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
Co-plot and color both LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES and LEGIONNAIRES.
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
Since June 1989. I started coloring LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES vol. 4 #1.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
That's a tough one, there are so many that come to surface in my mind when I think of the Legion. To make it easier on me I'll answer by making up categories: Multiple part saga: "Great Darkness" from LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES vol. 2 #290-294. Origin Story: The Unique Properties of Condo Arlik in SECRET ORIGINS #47 and for favorite single issue LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES vol. 3 #38 "The Greatest Hero of Them All!" Favorite cover is still the one on LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES vol. 2 #289 "A Cold and Lonely Corner of Hell."
4. What's your shoe size?
This is a trick question right? It's 9-1/2 anyway.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Male: Invisible Kid. Female: Triad, but I really like all the members. They each have their own bit of charm that draws me to them.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Mark Waid says that I look like Cosmic Boy, but I think my personality is more like Lyle's.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brush stroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Just that the Legion means a lot to me. I always try to treat the characters with the respect that I would want from anyone else if they were working on the book.
Jeff Moy
Date: 4/27/96
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
I pencil the Legionnaires.
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
I've been working on Legionnaires and for DC for about 2 years.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
Either the Computo story or the one with the introduction of Shadow Lass. Whatta babe.
4. What's your shoe size?
Depending on the day.... 9 to 9 1/2.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Most of you guys already know this.... Its Spark! She's too cute for her own good.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Physically, I would say Dragonmage, for the simple reason, because hes Asian. But personality-wise I really don't know. I don't thinks the code allows for that type of persona. :)
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I'd like to thank everyone for this award...whoops wrong speech. Well, I would like to thank the many faithful readers who stuck with us thru the reboot and are finding out that they like it. It's you guys that really keep us on our toes! Tounges! Tounges for everybody! Thanks for making my mark in Legion history. :)
Tom Peyer
Date: 4/18/96
The Questions:
1. What do you do on the Legion books?
I write LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES.
2. How long have you been working on the Legion books?
Since the spring of '94, my time. Since LEGIONNAIRES #19, your time.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
Computo the Conqueror!
4. What's your shoe size?
36-24-36.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Brainy, because I can relate to his view that the universe exists mainly to keep him from getting his work done.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
The Weirdo Legionnaire, both physically and personality-wise.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Thanks for welcoming me into the Legion fold!
Jim Shooter
Date: 4/28/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
I wrote & drew layouts interiors & provided cover designs in color for Legion stories from '66 to '70 -- Also wrote full scripts for Legion storeis from '73 or '74 to '76.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
See above
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
The Fatal Five stories
4. What's your shoe size?
14C
5. Who's your favorite Legionnnaire?
Karate Kid
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
I don't look like any, but at least when I was writing the Legion, a lot of myself & my friends became invested in those characters.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brushstroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
No.
Curt Swan
Date: 5/3/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
Pencilled the characters and created some of the visual appearances, the costumes.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
Between 3 and 10 years. [note: He was the regular cover artist beginning with Adventure 247-364 (1958-1968), and the regular interior artist from Adventure 340-372 (1/1966-9/1968).]
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
If there was one, I can't recall. Every job on the Legion was a labor of love.
4. What's your shoe size?
9D
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Basically, I have 3. Sun Boy, Cosmic Boy, and Saturn Girl.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
None.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brush stroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I think the answer to number 3 says it all.
Mark Waid
Date: 4/21/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
Editor on the 1989 series from issues #1-7, though the incoming editor took my name off some of the work. Also edited WHO'S WHO IN THE LEGION and compiled ICG's THE LEGION INDEX. Later, dialogued LEGION #59, wrote or co-wrote #60-61, 0, 62-71, LEGIONNAIRES ANNUALS #1 and #2, LEGIONNAIRES #16-19, VALOR #9, 11-19.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
1987-89, and then again 1993-95.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
"Mordru the Merciless"/"The Devil's Jury"
4. What's your shoe size?
10.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
pre-Byrne favorite Legionnaire: Mon-El. Even though I liked Superboy better, I liked him for non-Legion reasons. modern: Brainy.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Physically, I most resemble the Adult Legion Garth, prolly. Personality-wise? No clue.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brush stroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Yeah. Byrne killed the Legion. We just pulled the plug on the dwindling life-support in the face of further and unending rectonning by editors.
And it wouldn't be fair if your FAQkeepers didn't answer the same questions too....
Michael Grabois
Troy McNemar
Sidne Ward
Andrew Woodard
Michael Grabois
Date: 5/3/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
I co-wrote the FAQ for the rec.arts.comics.dc.lsh newsgroup on the internet, I had a letter published in LSH v2 #265, and I compiled the Anal Retentive checklists. That's me with the dark curly hair and moustache in the magnoball crowd in Legionnaires #38, page 13.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
I've been a fan since Superboy 212 (1975), and I've bought every issue since then (plus most of the back issues).
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
The Great Darkness Saga. Wow!
4. What's your shoe size?
8
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Sun Boy. I hated what happened to him in v4 under Giffen and the Bierbaums.
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
I have Element Lad's curly hair (but black), Chuck Taine's moustache, and probably Matter-Eater Lad's physique. Personality-wise, probably Bouncing Boy.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brush stroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
I'd like to thank the Academy for... No, wait, wrong speech. I'd like to thank all the fans who've made this newsgroup a fun place to hang out.
Sidne Gail Ward
Date: 5/11/96
The Questions:
1. What did you do on the Legion books?
I co-wrote the FAQ for the usenet newsgroup rec.arts.comics.dc.lsh. I've also been tuckerized twice in one issue. In Legionnaires #38, Imra's mother's name, Sydne, is based on mine. And on page 13, panel 3, I've been drawn into a crowd shot (alongside other LSH fans). I'm the blonde at the bottom of the panel.
2. How long did you work on the Legion books?
My first Legion book I ever read was Adventure #341 (the second half of the first Computo story) which I bought in late 1965. The LSH quickly became my favorite characters. I read the Adventure and Action issues until about 1970 when I quit collecting. I started reading again in 1975 with the Superboy issues. This time I continued until around 1980, shortly after the title became The Legion of Super-Heroes (v. 2). And I began reading once again with the first issue of LSH (v. 4) during the Fall of 1989. Since then I've acquired an almost complete collection of LSH comic appearances and merchandise.
3. What's your all-time favorite Legion story?
I have a real fondness for that first Computo story. I've certainly read that more times than any other LSH story!
4. What's your shoe size?
An 8 in Nikes, 7 1/2 in pumps.
5. Who's your favorite Legionnaire?
Saturn Girl. Blonde, intelligent, and even back in the 60s she used to boss the boys around!
6. Which Legionnaire do you resemble most, either physically or personality-wise? Or both?
Physically, it would have to be Saturn Girl. Except my eyes are brown. Personality-wise? I don't know.
7. Anything else you want to say to the assembled masses who are hanging on your every word, pencil mark, brush stroke, color, word balloon, blue pencil mark, or whatever?
Hmm. I doubt anyone out there is hanging on my every word.....
______
/ __ \ The rec.arts.comics.dc.lsh FAQ Committee
| / / * | Michael R. Grabois (WizardImps@hotmail.com)
| / /___ | T. Troy McNemar (troyesq@indirect.com)
|(_____/ | Sidne Gail Ward (sward@primenet.com)
\______/ Andrew Woodard (woodarda@acf2.NYU.EDU)
"The ritual Klordny toast: To Freedom, Friendship, and Frunt!"
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