Really surprised that Lightning Lad hasn't posted these yet, but this cover pretty much made my July solits (that and the release of Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam)
THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #16 Written by Matthew Manning Art by Shawn McManus Cover by Alexander Serra It’s the issue you’ve been waiting for: The untold story of Arm-Fall-Off Boy! The embarrassingly powered would-be Legionnaire wants nothing more than a flight ring and for Saturn Girl to know his name. But since flight technology and easily detached limbs don’t always mix, Arm-Fall-Off Boy has his work cut out for him! On sale July 9 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US
I am soooooo excited for this
Posted by Future on :
This looks fun. I'm really excited to see this book delve more into Legion lore rather than general DCU lore.
Posted by Arachne on :
I think I might have to get this one. Posted by Blockade Boy on :
Yes!
Posted by Matthew K. Manning on :
Hey guys,
I'm anxious to see what you all think of the issue when it finally comes out. This is my third issue for this series, and is easily my favorite script so far. Keep checking my website, as I'll be posting a few of Alex Serra's sketches from the cover process for this issue.
And for those of you going to the New York Comic Con this weekend, be sure to stop by my table (J29-30, listed under Wes Craig, my tablemate and former Batman Strikes collaborator) in artist's alley and say hello.
Thanks Steph, much appreciated! And Matthew, I can't wait to read this one. Alexander did an awesome cover. Another addition to my homage collection.
Posted by Omni Craig on :
I am all over this one!!! Looks to be a fun read Matthew, so thanks in advance!! Posted by Acid Digestion Lad on :
I'm enjoying the hell outta this sries. Makes me miss the toon tho'. However I love how Arm Fall off boy is applicant number 247 xD
Posted by legion guy on :
How long do you think they will let this series run without the animated cartoon?? LOL
Posted by Gorilla Nebula on :
great cover homage. i wish it was the 3 founders tho'.
Posted by Matthew K. Manning on :
Hey guys,
Glad you're planning on picking up this issue. And Gorilla, the reason we went with these three Legionnaires in particular is because they're the stars of our story. Well, besides Arm-Fall-Off-Boy, of course.
On my website, I've just posted Alex Serra's cover process for this issue, with several behind-the-scenes type sketches and whatnot. Be sure to check it out, as he really outdid himself with this issue.
Thanks guys,
Matthew K. Manning
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
Thanks Matthew! I love seeing the how covers and such (including plots and stories, hint, hint) come together and evolve over time.
Posted by MLLASH on :
I of course buy and enjoy every issue but the ones that feature lesser-known LSH castmembers (like Infectious Lass in # 3) are BIG faves... I bet this will RAWK!
Posted by Matthew K. Manning on :
Hey guys,
Don't forget to pick up this issue in stores this week. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
Loved this issue. Many great laugh out loud moments (the opening sequence, Stafinger's "monitors", Starfinger and the arm). Just a great issue. Really my favorite read this week, edging out JSA.
Posted by Doctor One on :
I loved it, too. Made me laugh out loud, and that doesn't happen all that often. Great issue.
Posted by Matthew E on :
(Hint: I liked it.)
Posted by Matthew K. Manning on :
Thanks for the kind words, Doctor One and rouge. And thanks for the glowing review, Matthew. I'm really flattered you guys liked the comic so much, as it was an idea that I had several years ago, and finally got the chance to bring it to life with this issue.
Oh, and about the Durlan mention by the newscaster, that was actually supposed to be a ticker that ran in Interlac at the bottom of the screen (which would explain why it's a bit more shorthand than dialog), so it was just meant as a minor little play on words for sharp-eyed readers who knew what Durlans were. Now that I think about it, I probably had Waid's Chameleon interpretation somewhere in the back of my mind when I wrote that...
Anyway, thanks again for the kind words, guys, and if anyone else has any comments on the issue, good or bad, I'd love to hear them.
Matthew K. Manning
Posted by Blockade Boy on :
Heh,
That was good.
I second Rouge. My absolute favorite page was Starfinger in his "lair." Lol. "wanna buy one"
Lifts in his shoes?
Cover to last page kept me entertained. (and all in ONE self enclosed issue comicsfans!!!) I'm way too old for this book.
For nothing would I exchange what Shooter and Manipul are doing but this one will hit my favorite "single-issues" list. Thanks.
Posted by Lass Girl on :
This issue is just loaded with visual gags, even on the cover! Besides his obvious ability to make his arm fall off, Floyd aka Arm-Fall-Off Boy (of course) has the power to freak people out! Can’t say that I blame them.
Any good fiction writer knows that one of the most fundamental rules of good writing is “show and don’t tell.” Too many comic books today are guilty of doing just the opposite. Showing seems to be a lost art in the comic book world. There are times when the writer has to “tell.” This issue has great examples of both.
The best moment for me was the two-page spread of Floyd looking at a photo album (who took those pictures anyway). There’s no exposition, not even a punctuation mark. He just gazes longingly at the pictures. Floyd’s facial expression, “shows” us rather than “tells” us how discouraged he is. Nicely done!
Before that, he’s staring at posters of Phantom Girl and starts monologing. This is one of those moments where telling is better than showing. The reader finds out that the reason he wants to join the Legion is to escape the stigma of being seen as a freak. He especially thinks that Phantom Girl will understand him. I’ve commented before on how insightful and understanding Tinya can be. I like that fact that Floyd noticed that. In the end, she lets him try on her flight ring. The results were very comical.
I honestly didn’t expect to like Floyd this much. He’s gotten more character development in one issue than most of the other regular characters have gotten in the previous 15 issues and in 2 animated seasons! Floyd is a sympathetic character, but he doesn’t just sit around wallowing in self-pity. He gets up and takes action. I admire that trait in people in general. When life knocks them down, they just get back up!
Finally, I loved his interaction with his mother. It’s a brief scene, but it shows you what kind of relationship they have. I love the way she just stands there waiting for Floyd to come back for his arm. It looks like she’s been though this hundreds of times. She’s longsuffering yet sassy. She knows what the deal is! Reminds me of MY mother.
I’ll end with my favorite exchange.
Cosmic Boy: Wait, did he just… Brainiac 5: Throw his own arm? I’m afraid so.
[ July 13, 2008, 04:50 PM: Message edited by: Lass Girl ]
Posted by Gim's Bro on :
I think the style of the comic is allowing for a lot more expresivness. Becuase it isn't trying to tell multiple, grand, multi-issue tales, we get a lot of very charming moments. I loved the three panel sequence in which PG is looking at Lloyd without changing her expression at all. It communicated beautifully the effort of trying to communicate and impress and watching the try fail -- for what seems like an eternity, when you're the one feeling it.
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
I agree with Matthew E, that Matthew Manning deserves a regular gig with the Legion if not here than a DCU based one is fine with me.
Definitely the best issue of this series to date and one of my all-time favorite done-in-one issues like BB says.
Posted by Tromium on :
Another round of applause for Mr. Manning. The first page was outrageously funny, and it just got better from there. Endearing, pitch-perfect characters, and a beautifully-paced, done-in-one story that made me smile again and again. I couldn't wish for anything more.
Posted by Matthew K. Manning on :
Hey guys, it's Floyd not Lloyd. Geez, don't you think Arm-Fall-Off-Boy has suffered through enough already?
But seriously, thanks again for all the praise. I'm really glad this one rates high with everyone. But don't forget Shawn McManus' great work on this issue, either. That scene where Starfinger lights up when Floyd's hand waves to him had me laughing, and I wrote the joke. Shawn's expressions are just that good.
Thanks again, guys, and keep an eye out for The Batman Strikes # 49, on sale September 3rd. It may not be up your alley, since it's not a Legion tale, but it certainly shares a bit of this story's light-hearted atmosphere.
Matthew K. Manning
Posted by Lass Girl on :
quote:Originally posted by Matthew K. Manning: Hey guys, it's Floyd not Lloyd. Geez, don't you think Arm-Fall-Off-Boy has suffered through enough already?
My bad. *edits post*
[ July 13, 2008, 04:50 PM: Message edited by: Lass Girl ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
Read it last night... nice! Arm-Fall-Off Boy fans will be pleased-- he did, after all, take out Starfinger. He deserved to be proud.
This was probably my favorite issue since # 3 which featured Infectious Lass. I tend to like the issues that focus on Legion-centric characters like Drura and Floyd better than the issues that deal with present-day DCU stuff shoehorned in the 30th century (although there have been some interesting issues featuring the latter).
I've been a Shawn McManus fan since the OMEGA MEN days.
This series with its "done in one" approach is the cure for overextended TPB-arcs-itis.
Posted by Blockade Boy on :
ARM Fall-off Boy defeats StarFINGER?
Contrived or Kismet?
Readers want to know!
Posted by Chemical King on :
My first issue of the "Kiddie book"... I was totally surprised, it was simple, it was enjoyable, it was... fun!
I really am going to hunt down the first 15 issues - never was able to see the cartoon cause it's not running in Germany and there is not complete season DVD out yet (and even if it is, it will take some time to get over here) so this is a first for me Legion oldtimer... Arms Fall Off Boy, I just love those obscure Legion characters...
Posted by stephbarton on :
Whew, sorry for taking so long to post my thoughts, I've been busy busy busy (plus I don't go to the comic store as much anymore).
Well, this was my favorite issue for the two weeks when it came out (and one of my favorites for the month). I must have reread this thing three times when I brought it back from the store.
you really feel for floyd and this issue has just one good thing after another. Once again I'm really impressed and just really entertained by this comic.
Posted by Matthew K. Manning on :
Hey guys, thanks again for your kind words on this issue. I'm truly sorry to see this book be canceled, but it's great to see fans trying out the comic for the first time even still.
If any of you are also Batman fans, check out Batman Strikes # 49, coming out on September 3rd. It's my last issue for that title as well, since this cancelation bug seems to be contagious.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
