THE LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

IGN FilmForce Weekend Shopping Guide 2/17/06: Gimme a Break
February 17, 2006
by Ken P.

(excerpt)

As both Marvel and DC eliminate their company historians (Marvel eliminated Peter Sanderson years ago, and DC just axed Bob Greenberger), thank jebus that Twomorrows exists to shine a light on the past. Their latest must-have tome is the Legion Companion (Twomorrows, $24.95 SRP), which goes in-depth into the 40-year history of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

And while we're on the topic of Twomorrows, be sure to pick up their DVD spotlight/interview on George Perez as part of their Modern Masters series (Twomorrows, Not Rated, DVD-$35.00 SRP). Not only does it feature interviews with George and his friends and colleagues, but also sports footage of Perez at work. Maybe Twomorrows can do the same thing with John Byrne if I beg enough…

The Legion Companion
Posted: Tuesday, April 20
By: Keith Dallas

(excerpt)

The Legion of Super-Heroes, that teenaged battalion that patrols and defends DC Comics’ 30th and 31st century, recently celebrated its 45th anniversary. To coincide with the anniversary, in December 2003 TwoMorrows Publishing released The Legion Companion, a 222 page softcover book of interviews of various professionals who wrote and drew the adventures of the LSH throughout its publication history. Edited by Glen Cadigan (who also conducted nearly all of the interviews), The Legion Companion starts with an interview of Otto Binder (who in 1958 created the futuristic team in an Adventure Comics Superboy story) and ends with an interview of K.C. Carlson (who edited Legion of Super-Heroes and Legionnaires when they were “re-booted” in 1994). With the intervening interviews taking us chronologically through the publication history of the Legion, this book provides invaluable insight to how each contributor viewed, approached, and admired the Legion of Super-Heroes. Those fans who only recently began reading The Legion should buy this book to grasp the creative roots of the title. On the other hand, all long-time devoted fans of the LSH *MUST* have this book on their shelf. It’s THAT important a contribution to the appreciation of the comic.

NEWS FROM ME
Friday, January 2, 2004 - 09:18 PM
written by Mark Evanier

(excerpt)

I was a fan of the Legion of Super-Heroes up until about the time everyone became a fan of the Legion of Super-Heroes. That was when the strip got a little too complex for my tastes. I'm sure it was fine for what it was but I could never quite keep track of who was who...a problem I later learned I shared with several folks who wrote or drew the strip. When I was offered the chance to become one of the former, I surveyed the high volume of unread issues in my collection and realized that since Legion fans demanded tight continuity, I'd have to read and absorb every one of those comics just to write my first story. And that, dear friend, explains why I never wrote the Legion of Super-Heroes. Still, I enjoyed most of The Legion Companion, a good, new book that primarily consists of interviews with darn near everyone who ever worked on the comic and is still around to interview...plus there are some posthumous interviews, as well. If you're at all interested in the Legion, you'll want this book, end of review.

Legion Companion Interview with Glen Cadigan
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2003 11:56 am
From: Kevin

Last month I had an interview in the Augusts Interlac regarding The upcoming Legion Companion available in October. If anyone wants a hard copy or copy in WORD format let me know. There area couple of Illustrations and picture of the cover of the book.

Interview with Glen Cadigan and the 45th Anniversary Legion TwoMorrows Book

I met Glen Cadigan online early in 2002 through his LegionOnline.net website about the Legion of Super-Heroes. I immediately gravitated to his and Jo and Terri Anne Sanning's Legion Clubhouse Site which also featured the Silver Age characters which I was most familiar with after not following the Legion or comics since the late 1970s. When I put together the 30 Year Tribute to the Legion Outpost last summer, Glen was the first to submit a comment and some people asked who he was since the other contributors were mostly familiar to the Outpost or Interlac gang.

(excerpt)

8. So what can we expect to see in the book? Will it be a chronological format from the standpoint of stories/creative standpoint, or something else?
Interviews, interviews, and even more interviews. Basically, everyone who worked on the Legion from 1958-1994 and still has a pulse was contacted for this book. There are even interviews in it with dead people, so that'll let you know how thorough I was. It's the most comprehensive behind the scenes Legion book ever published. Hopefully, it'll clear up things which Legion fans have debated for years.

Well, with the retail price of $24.95, I definitely would only recommend this book to hardcore George Pérez fans only. Although there are a lot of great Steve Lightle and Dave Cockrum's artwork, if you're only picking up for Pérez it might be a tough sell.

DREAMER (2002) art by Pérez printed in LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

I have not had the chance to read through it yet - but there are 222 pages and is very text-heavy. If you like the Legion of Super-Heroes, this is the book for you. There are lots of interviews with various Legion-related writers and artists, as well as a lot of unpublished artwork featuring the Legion.

Here are some of the Pérez art that you'll find in the book: SUN BOY (2001), LIGHTNING LAD/SATURN GIRL (1978), STARBOY (2002), LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #278, Ladies of the Legion (early 80s), LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #280, SUPERBOY/REFLECTO/ULTRABOY (1982), LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #279, ULTRABOY (2002), ATMOS (2001), DAWNSTAR (2001), SUPERGIRL (1999), and DREAMER (2002). More Legionnaires artwork can be found on www.legionnaires.com.

I have never seen the 80's convention sketches.

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Jim Shooter (who also wrote the introduction to the book):

JIM SHOOTER PART TWO
interview 25 Jan 2003
conducted by Glen Cadigan

(excerpt)

So the book was terrible. The thing is, George Pérez, with the art… [it] looked great. [laughs] it was fine. But the plot was all screwed up. So I rejected it. So they get into just a hissy fit, and they're writing fanzine articles, and they're doing interviews, and they're writing in their Bullpen Bulletins page what assholes we are and stuff like that.

I finally had to reply. I wrote one column, saying, "This is what happened," 'cause that was the only question I ever got asked at conventions. And they were all up in arms. They kept saying, "It's fait accompli."

Dick [Giordano] took me to lunch, and he said, "What's the difference? Who gives a shit? Just put a bunch of characters in it, they fight, it'll sell like crazy. We'll all make money." He said, "None of these books are any good."

I said, "excuse me, I wrote one, and it's not bad and it could be good, and at least it should be faifthful to the characters. "

Shipping This Week: November 12

The following products are expected to ship to comic book specialty stores this week. Note that this list is tentative and subject to change. Please check with your retailer for availability.

JUL032519 THE LEGION COMPANION TP $24.95

THE LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

Just thought that I'd let all George Perez fans know that the Legion Companion finally went to the printer this week and that it should be in stores either November 12 or 19. There are over a dozen Perez pictures in the book, some of which have never been seen before, so hopefully people won't mind having to wait!

THE LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

According to twomorrows.com, Modern Masters Vol.2 is scheduled to ship on Nov. 12, while The Legion Companion will hit stores on Nov. 19.

THE LEGION: TURNING 45 WITH #25
by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

(excerpt)

As an aside, as for Cockrum, who, apart from his initial run on the title illustrated five pages to LSH #300 back in the day, the artist doesn’t look back on his art with too many fond feelings. “I didn't like the way that art looked. I guess I was largely to blame, but also the inking was harsh and the coloring garish. My style these days is dynamic and a lot more attractive, as anyone can attest who's seen my work on Soulsearchers and Company. Hopefully, I could convince the editors that I can still 'do it'.”

And speaking of Cockrum, TwoMorrows Publishing is publishing The Legion Companion with a new cover by Cockrum and Joe Rubenstein later this month, and it will offer up a complete look at the history of the 30th Century’s greatest heroes through interviews with Cockrum, Steve Lightle and other legendary Legion creators and include rare and unused Legion character designs by Cockrum and gang. The edition also features Cockrum’s unfinished Timber Wolf story, only five of the planned 12 pages were completed. Other unused character designs include Typhoon and Quetzal, the latter of which later saw life of sorts through Storm and Black Cat.

(Vu: Here's some of the schedule for SDCC that might be of interest.)

Programming Schedule: Day 1 We begin the complete announcement of our 2003 Programming schedule with Thursday, July 17. Stay tuned for Days 2, 3 and 4!

THURSDAY, JULY 17:

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2:00–3:00 CrossGen 2003!— What's next for Sojourn, Lady Death, and the rest of CrossGen's line-up? Find out as Chuck Dixon (Way of the Rat, Sigil, Crux, El Cazador), Ron Marz (The Path), Tony Bedard (Route 666, Mystic, Negation), Barbara Kesel (Solus, The First, Meridian), Ian Edginton (Sojourn, Scion), Robert Rodi (The Crossovers), Brian Pulido (Lady Death). and R. A. Salvatore (DemonWars) reveal their plans and answer your questions! Room 3

4:00–5:30 Death of the Letter Column— What the @#$% happened? Time was, the comic book letter column was a hotbed of controversy, intrigue, and fans about to become pros. Now it’s a vanishing breed, with the most interesting examples turning up in some of the independently published comics. Join Marv Wolfman (one of those fans turned pro) as he chats with Batton Lash (whose comics Supernatural Law and Mavis still run letter columns each and every issue), well-known letter hacks Malcolm Bourne and Dana Gabbard, and another fan-turned-pro, Bob Hall, as they discuss the life, death, and future of letter columns in comics. Room 16AB

Programming Schedule: Day 2

FRIDAY, JULY 18:

THE LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

10:30–11:30 TwoMorrows Publishing— Find out what's new (and old!) from the publisher that’s bringing new life to comics fandom! Panelists Mark Evanier (Wertham Was Right!), George Khoury (Extraordinary Works of Alan Moore), Eric Nolen-Weathington (Modern Masters), Danny Fingeroth (Write Now!), and Pete Von Sholly (CHGGGWOM) will be on hand to spill the beans about their new projects. Moderated by publisher John Morrow (Jack Kirby Collector). Room 3

4:00–5:00 Cup o’ Joe (Quesada)— Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada sits down to talk about whatever you the fans want to ask. Joe shoots from the hip and never pulls punches. Find out what's happening at Marvel right now and what's in store for the future straight from the man himself! Room 1AB

5:00–6:00 CrossGen: Tomorrow’s Technology Today— You've heard the rumors and read the announcements. Now see the future for yourself! How will comics jump to DVDs? Find out and witness a few more surprises that will help CrossGen shepherd comics into the next century! Room 1AB

THE LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

There's something else inside [LEGION COMPANION TPB] which may interest Perez fans. During my interview with Jim Shooter, we got a little off track and started discussing the inter-company crossovers between Marvel and DC during the Seventies and Eighties. He went on record, at length, about the first JLA/Avengers crossover and told his side of the story. I don't want to give it all away, but Perez fans can rest assured that George's pencils weren't the reason why the project got cancelled. Still, it's kind of ironic that the first issue of the new JLA/Avengers is going on sale the same month as the Shooter interview. Talk about timing!

THE LEGION COMPANION

Just in time for the 45th Anniversary of the Legion of Super-Heroes, The Legion Companion is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the history of the 30th Century’s greatest super-hero team! Beginning with the their early days in Adventure Comics, it features in-depth interviews with the people responsible for the Legion, including Silver Age greats Al Plastino, Jim Mooney, and Jim Shooter, plus newer creators like Dave Cockrum, Mike Grell, Jim Starlin, Jim Sherman, Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, Steve Lightle, Mark Waid, and many more! Each Legion creator tells their own story of their time on the title, including behind-the-scenes information and commentary on their work. The trade paperback also features rare and previously unseen artwork by a virtual legion of artists, including George Pérez, Neal Adams, Jim Starlin, Dave Cockrum, Mike Grell, Jim Sherman, Curt Swan, and Steve Lightle! Also includes pages from a never-published Timber Wolf story by Dave Cockrum, a never-seen Curt Swan/Steve Lightle collaboration, and unused character designs by Dave Cockrum from his early Legion days! Featuring a new cover by Cockrum and an introduction by Jim Shooter, The Legion Companion is a must-have for any Legion fan!

SC, 224pg, b&w..........$24.95

THE LEGION COMPANION (Nov 2003)

The Legion Companion
224 pages - ISBN: 1-893905-22-5 - Ships 17 September 2003
$29 POSTPAID (Canada: $31, Elsewhere: $32 Surface, $35 Airmail)

Just in time for the 45th Anniversary of the Legion of Super-Heroes, THE LEGION COMPANION is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the history of the 30th Century’s greatest super-hero team!

Beginning with the early days in Adventure Comics, it features in-depth interviews with the people responsible for the Legion, including Silver Age greats AL PLASTINO, JIM MOONEY, AND JIM SHOOTER, plus newer creators like DAVE COCKRUM, MIKE GRELL, JIM STARLIN, JIM SHERMAN, PAUL LEVITZ, KEITH GIFFEN, STEVE LIGHTLE, MARK WAID, and many more! Each Legion creator tells their own story of their time on the title, including behind-the-scenes information and commentary on their work.

The trade paperback also features rare and previously unseen artwork by a virtual Legion of artists, including GEORGE PÉREZ, NEAL ADAMS, JIM STARLIN, DAVE COCKRUM, MIKE GRELL, JIM SHERMAN, CURT SWAN, and STEVE LIGHTLE! Also included are pages from a never-published Timber Wolf story by DAVE COCKRUM, a never-seen CURT SWAN/STEVE LIGHTLE collaboration, and unused character designs by DAVE COCKRUM from his early Legion days!

Featuring a new cover by COCKRUM and an introduction by JIM SHOOTER, The Legion Companion is a must-have for any Legion fan!

The 224-page, 8-1/2" x 11" trade paperback with a full color cover and black-and-white interiors retails for $24.95 in the U.S. and ships 17 September 2003.

I don't want to jump the gun, but keep an eye out for TwoMorrows' magazines (they publish COMIC BOOK ARTIST, COMICOLOGY, KIRBY COLLECTOR, etc)... There might be some Pérez Legionnaire artwork. It hasn't been completely confirmed, but if you notice anything, you know where to reach me.