Legion World
Posted By: Lard Lad The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 03:30 AM
Well, I bit the bullet and pre-ordered this offering from Twomorrows Publishing, despite the hefty price of $24.95. Pretty steep, even with my mailing service's 30% discount!

Even with the extensive info in the solicitation, I'm still wondering exactly what I'm gonna get. The description lists a lot of info about what's in it: an intro by Shooter, interviews with a veritable who's who of past Legion creators, rare and previously unseen artwork, a never-published Timber Wolf story by Cockrum, a never-seen Swan/Lightle collaboration and unused character designs by Cockrum.

While this is all very exciting, I have to wonder if there's more. These sound more like bonus features, a la DVDs, than what would be the meat and potatoes of the book. IMO, anything called "The Legion Companion" should have an index/checklist feature, ideally complete with plot summaries, character appearances, creators and historical footnotes where needed.

Does anyone know whether this kind of information will be included, whether from more access to info or from having read any (presumably) prior companions published by Twomorrow?

Probably the ultimate selling point that put me over the edge was the promise of 224 pages of Legion reading I couldn't get anywhere else. What worries me is whether that page count might include ads. Nowhere did it say either way that ads would or would not be included. I sure hope I'm not paying that much for a book with 1/3 of the page count consisting of ads!

Anyone else getting it?
Posted By: Star Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 03:44 AM
I was really interested too, but as well as the US$25 asking price, I'll no doubt have to pay shipping fees to OZ.

Perhaps a bit much to pay without at least some indication of what's actually inside...
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 05:01 AM
Is historical info like I mentioned common to other 'companions' for movies, TV series, etc.? Can't say I own any to speak of.

<edited for typo and clarification>
Posted By: Loser Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 05:10 AM
Is this something that will be available in comics stores, or is it mail order only? If I see it in the store I'll probably be tempted to pick one up. Of course then I'll have the advantage of looking it over to see if it's really worth it or not.
Posted By: Lightning Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 05:26 AM
As far as I know these are only available through TwoMorrows on-line and Previews. I ordered mine as soon as they made it available. Also, I do not believe there are any ads in their books.

Once it comes in (not until September) I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. For those who have not seen it yet, the cover and general description can be found here .
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 05:33 AM
Lou, do you pick all your comics off the rack, or do you reserve what you want from your comic book guy through Previews? If it's the latter, you'll need to have him order it for you (if you decide you want it). Otherwise, I doubt you'll find it on the rack just waiting for you to buy it. I guess you could also order it off the Twomorrows site, LL mentioned.
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 05:42 AM
One aspect that isn't entirely clear, and was told by editor Glen Cadigan to others when asked: This book is essentially about the pre-boot Legion era. Nearly nothing is told or included about the Legion of the last ten years.

Whether that makes the title Legion Companion somewhat inaccurate, or problematic, in light of the ongoing series, is a judgment call. It will matter to strong fans of the more recent eras who might have bought this otherwise.

Yet the Cockrum cover art, and the art selections shown in the ads seen so far, are all involving the '70s-to-'80s LSH roster, so that ought to have told prospective buyers something.

Cadigan is the editor -- no "author" is credited. That suggests, to me, a collection of discrete items, of interviews, profiles, and art. (I contributed two art scans.) And nothing in the sense of a connecting narrative describing the Legion over those first 30 years. Jim Shooter provides the introduction, but that's not likely to be such a narrative history.

I've seen many other such "companion" books, owned some of them, for TV series and otherwise. Few have stinted on the checklists and reference material -- but I haven't seen any from this publisher.

No ads, by the way, unless TwoMorrows inserts a house-title promotion page in the back. This is a trade hardback, it's available through regular book retailers (if they choose to order it), and run-of-the-book ads aren't normally tolerated for such non-periodicals.
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 05:51 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Greybird:
One aspect that isn't entirely clear, and was told by editor Glen Cadigan to others when asked: This book is essentially about the pre-boot Legion era. Nearly nothing is told or included about the Legion of the last ten years.

It doesn't surprise me that the preboot Legion is the subject. I thought thre might be some reboot material included, though, because Mark Waid is among the interviewed people. He had a brief stint as editor in the early TMK issues, so perhaps that will be all he's asked about. Far and away, though, his biggest Legion contribution is in the first year of the reboot.

Will you be buying the Companion, Grey? If so, what will be your main interest/reason for buying it?
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 06:08 AM
I'll be buying it, probably directly from TwoMorrows. (My local comics store wants full payment in advance, and the 8.25% sales tax would be about the same as the shipping cost.)

It has some extensive Legion-related words of interest from Shooter, Waid, and many others -- but most of all from James Sherman, who's almost fallen off the edge of the comics map. It treats my own favorite era, that of Paul Levitz. It has what I think may be nearly the only depiction by Cockrum of Dawnstar, on the cover.

Also, I sent a high-res scan of Sherman's art for Dawny's entry in "Who's Who in the DCU," which I own, and editor Cadigan said he'd be using it and crediting me. Especially because it differs from what was printed in 1985! (Dawnstar's mother, as Sherman drew her originally, looked much sexier, for one thing.)

Beyond all that, Glen Cadigan has been a superb contributor to LegionPics and other forums, and when it's someone I know -- five years now on the Net -- I like to make the connection by buying his or her work.
Posted By: Loser Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 06:10 AM
Quote
Originally posted by LARDLAD:
Lou, do you pick all your comics off the rack, or do you reserve what you want from your comic book guy through Previews?
I pick 'em off the rack. I don't even have a pull-list with the guy though I've been going there for over 3 years now. He asked me about it once, but at the time I was planning on moving out of town, so I told him not to bother. It hasn't come up again. But he always tends to order enough of what I buy, so I rarely have problems with missing issues.

I doubt I'll mail order, or ask the guy at the store to order it for me. If I happen to see it I'll grab it. If not I'll probably just forget about it. Maybe snag it on eBay or something if I run across it one of these days.
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 06:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Greybird:
Also, I sent a high-res scan of Sherman's art for Dawny's entry in "Who's Who in the DCU," which I own, and editor Cadigan said he'd be using it and crediting me. Especially because it differs from what was printed in 1985! (Dawnstar's mother, as Sherman drew her originally, looked much sexier, for one thing.)

Beyond all that, Glen Cadigan has been a superb contributor to LegionPics and other forums, and when it's someone I know -- five years now on the Net -- I like to make the connection by buying his or her work.
With this connection to the source, do you think he might answer some of the questions we have about the contents if you asked?
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 06:31 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Loser Lad:
I pick 'em off the rack. I don't even have a pull-list with the guy though I've been going there for over 3 years now. He asked me about it once, but at the time I was planning on moving out of town, so I told him not to bother. It hasn't come up again. But he always tends to order enough of what I buy, so I rarely have problems with missing issues.
That's pretty good, Lou. Before my old comic shop closed (and I don't mean 'just' before), keeping a pull-list was absolutely necessary to get everything I needed. Legion, particularly, was not likely to be found on the racks. And anything that had the hot designation? Fuh-geddaboudit! It'd be wiped off the stands so quick, there wouldn't even be time for a speck of dust to settle! Guess that might have something to do with why it eventually went under, as much as the industry collapse....
Posted By: Arachne Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 07:50 AM
I believe TowMorrows also published G-Force: Animated, and it had a complete episode guide, character bios, and a history of the show's creation, as well as interviews, merchandise info, etc. Of course, it also had a smaller list of episodes and characters than the Legion would, but I'm pretty sure it had fewer pages, too. It did not include ads. All in all, I was very pleased with it.

And it was available off the shelf at my store.
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 09:38 AM
There was something written on-line (don't remember where) that this book focuses on pre-boot Legion to avoid legal complications with DC.

I pre-ordered it as well from my comic shop. Even if it's a collection of old interviews, I haven't read many of those, so it's bound to be interesting.
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 11:26 AM
Glen Cadigan will answer anybody's questions, I'd think, not just mine -- especially with publication less than two months away.

I simply know him, before providing the art scans, from frequent postings and occasional e-mails, mostly about Dawnstar. (He likes the character a great deal ... not as fiercely as I do, but who does? {g})

Your best bet is to join LegionPics , if you haven't already, and pose your questions there. Glen's quite responsive, and he'd appreciate the attention for his book. Be sure to use the title Legion Companion in the subject line.
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 11:39 AM
[Fat Cramer]
{ There was something written on-line (don't remember where) that this book focuses on pre-boot Legion to avoid legal complications with DC. }

I strongly doubt that this is the case. Even the pre-boot characters are still DC trademarks, with most names and some outfits carrying over to the post-boot Legion. It would still require trademark clearance, at least, from DC. This is definitely a for-profit item.

Copyright clearance may not be required for all the material, as the book is nearly all review and commentary (new interviews, by the way), or uses art that supplements it. I'll bet TwoMorrows is getting it, though, as well, and it would certainly need this for Cockrum's cover.

I suspect that they chose a simpler editorial outlook, seeing a Legion continuity that extended -- in fits, starts, and Perils of Pauline mishaps -- from 1958 to 1994. Dealing with the newer era would add another layer of intricacy to it all.

Besides, the pre-boot creators have fewer current projects on their comics plate, among them, than those of the last decade, who are still doing monthly books, or more of them -- for whatever publishers.

The more recent creators are far more likely to not want to risk alienating employers, or potential ones. I doubt they'd mislead, but they might not be as candid.
Posted By: Anita Cocktail Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 04:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Lightning Lad:

For those who have not seen it yet, the cover and general description can be found here .
Maybe it's 'cause I'm drunk, but Invisible Kid II (lower right corner) is coloured caucasian!?!

Dream Girl's hair is coloured blonde!?!

Brainiac 5 is in blue instead of purple!?!

The dead Ferro Lad is pictured, but not the equally dead Chemical King!?!

Has the world gone MAD!?!
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 04:51 PM
Not mad, just rushed. The coloring job you see on the Webpage's cover shot was done quickly to have something to send to Previews.

Glen Cadigan has said that a far more scrupulous and careful coloring job will be done for the actual book. That won't bring in Chemical King, but it will fix the other problems.
Posted By: Anita Cocktail Re: The Legion Companion - 07/23/03 09:05 PM
Thanks, mate!
I'll have a pint in your honour!
*hic*
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/24/03 03:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Greybird:
Glen Cadigan will answer anybody's questions, I'd think, not just mine -- especially with publication less than two months away.

I simply know him, before providing the art scans, from frequent postings and occasional e-mails, mostly about Dawnstar. (He likes the character a great deal ... not as fiercely as I do, but who does? {g})

Your best bet is to join LegionPics , if you haven't already, and pose your questions there. Glen's quite responsive, and he'd appreciate the attention for his book. Be sure to use the title Legion Companion in the subject line.
I don't really have the time, energy or desire to rejoin LegionPics, but if anyone else who belongs to the group would address the subject to Glen, I'd really appreciate it.
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 07/25/03 12:25 AM
I'll pose questions, then, Lardy (though you're still missing a good bet by not coming back to LegionPics). I need to know what they are, though. The ones you posed on page 1 of the topic have already been answered, or so I thought.
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 07/26/03 04:04 AM
My main remaining question concerns whether there is "other" content in the Companion than what is advertized. In my mind a "companion" would contain a full index of Legion appearances complete with summaries, creators, character appearances, etc.

Basically, I ant to know if the advertized content (while certainly not shabby) is the sum-whole of the package.
Posted By: Parasitic Twin Re: The Legion Companion - 08/11/03 05:09 AM
Is there a reason why Chemical King is not included on the cover or is it just an oversight on Dave Cockrums part?
Posted By: superboymddjr Re: The Legion Companion - 08/11/03 09:31 PM
hey at least we're getting the book about the Legion...BETTER than Les Daniels' DC Comics: A Celebration of the World's Favorite Comic Book Heroes....where the author only had two pages to the Legion..ugh!
Posted By: Outdoor Miner Re: The Legion Companion - 08/12/03 02:29 AM
Looking forward to this.

The earlier All-Star Companion, exploring the JSA from their debut through the JLA/JSA team-ups turned out to be a pretty good seller, despite only having one small reference to the current book. Seems like TwoMorrows is gunning for the older reader, especially considering the price tag.
Posted By: Kevin Re: The Legion Companion - 08/27/03 11:38 AM
Anyone want an interview I had with Glen Cadigan Legion Companion I put in this months Interlac e-mail me at mranziety@yahoo.com. My submission is 8 pages with a couple of photos an an article on the History Channels comic book Superheros unmasked besides I'm offering it for FREE or I can e-mail it to you if you can take 1.5MB WORD attachment.
LLLater,
Kevin
Posted By: Nightcrawler Re: The Legion Companion - 11/09/03 01:27 AM
Well, lil'rhino posted at the DCMB that Midtown Comics had the Legion Companion in stock, so I had my BF buy me a copy and mail it to me today.

Hopefully, I get his before I have to buy the one I ordered at my Comic Shop. It's an addiction I tell you. frown
Posted By: Nightcrawler Re: The Legion Companion - 11/11/03 06:54 AM
D'Oh! I got my book today, Monday, Nov. 10th and didn't know it!

I guess it pays to step out the front door on your day off once in awhile.

I'll be back later for more details. smile
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: The Legion Companion - 11/11/03 09:44 AM
Read it twice!
Posted By: Nightcrawler Re: The Legion Companion - 11/11/03 10:57 AM
You've got to love a book that has at least 6 Nighty appearances. [Linked Image]

It's got a lot of beautiful rare art that I've never seen before. [Linked Image]

It's packed with great Legion creator interviews. Only the last three pages (including the inside back cover) are ads for Twomorrows other publications. I'm going to spend pleasurable hours reading through it. smile

If anybody has a specific question about it, let me know.

My favorite bits so far:

The Levitz Interview -
Quote
Glen Cadigan: Do you think you'll ever write a Legion story again featuring your Legion characters?

Paul Levitz: The guys want me to every couple of years. Keith would love to do one in collaboration. At least once or twice a year, when he pokes his head in, he takes a baseball bat to me about it, and it'd be fun. It's hard to find the time...I hope to be a full-time writer again at some point in my life, and if the door's still open for it, it would be fun to do some Legion work then, but who knows when that day'll be.

...

Cadigan: What do you say to the Legion fans who have become disenfranchised with the series due to its various retcons and reboots?

Levitz: You have my total personal sympathy. Me, too.
There are some samples from Giffen's model sheets, circa 1983, that have some really cool unseen costume concepts. A transparent skirt for Dream Girl, Element Lad's power-induced symbol, electronic support boots for the heavier members, and Shadow Lass' hairstyle are cool!

Jimmy Janes' unused covers. A group of lady Legionnaires by Perez. Terry Shoemaker's tryout pages look better than Giffen's actual Omen story art, IMHO. Dave's first sketch of Starfire (you know him as Wildfire). Beautiful Lightle sketches sprinkled throughout the entire book. And maybe if Grell used his first sketch of Tyroc, we'd be reading about him today (no stupid booties).
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 11/11/03 12:54 PM
I haven't gotten hold of it yet, as I'd like to bring my business to benefit one of the local comics shops, if possible, before succumbing and ordering it on line.

Would anyone mind checking to see if either of my scan-contributions made it into the book?
~ James Sherman's "Who's Who in the DCU" depiction of Dawnstar and her parents
~ Steve Lightle's convention sketch of Nura and Dawny

I never heard back from Glen Cadigan about it. He's been pretty busy, as we all have. (Or pretty sick, in my case *sigh* ... that's prevented roaming the local stores.)
Posted By: Nightcrawler Re: The Legion Companion - 11/11/03 08:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Greybird:
Would anyone mind checking to see if either of my scan-contributions made it into the book?
~ James Sherman's "Who's Who in the DCU" depiction of Dawnstar and her parents
~ Steve Lightle's convention sketch of Nura and Dawny
Yes and yes. Dawny's Who's Who page is shown on page #117. And on page #153, we see the lovely ladies.

Grey you're listed and thanked as Steve (Greybird) Reed. Which I thought was cool. You'll be forever known as Greybird!

Dylan Clearbrook and Kevin McConnell are the only LWers (besides Steve and Dave) that I recognize as contributing. (I would have, if I had anything that no one else already has. *sigh*)
Posted By: Vee Re: The Legion Companion - 11/11/03 10:09 PM
That's very cool, Grey! Now I'll have to pick up a copy (as if I wasn't going to anyway!
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/12/03 02:47 AM
Oh NO, I didn't realize this was out!

And there's no way I can hit the CBS before Thursday.

Hopefully it'll still be in stock (I seem to recall they ordered several of the All-Star Companions, which I enjoyed!)

It sounds like a TON of fun!
Posted By: Nightcrawler Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 04:55 AM
Should I take the lack of comments on these boards that everyone's busy reading this book? Or is it that no one got one?
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 05:36 AM
Tomorrow is a short day for me, Nightiekins, and I'm hitting the CBS. If it's there- I'm-a gonna get it!
Posted By: Doctor One Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 06:24 AM
So will I
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 07:06 AM
Belated thanks to Gary for checking out and confirming that those artworks were in the book. I may even buy two copies!

One store in the area checked more thoroughly and told me that it was scheduled by Diamond for next Wednesday, 19 November. They were glad to order and reserve a copy for me without an advance deposit.

(I have been reluctant to make such deposits -- some stores insist on 100 percent, including tax -- because it suggests a lack of confidence in their own buying policies. And a lack of trust in frequent customers. I do, though, admit to not having a pull-box relationship anywhere, due to buying so few comics titles, and those who do sometimes aren't required to pay such deposits.)
Posted By: Nightcrawler Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 09:33 AM
Well, my CBS had two copies on Wednesday, one for me and the other just to sell.

If anyone has trouble finding it and/or won't/can't purchase one online, I can send you one of mine or purchase the extra at the shop for you. Just send me the cost of the book and postage. smile
Posted By: Lightning Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 12:15 PM
*sound of foot tapping* And I'm still waiting for my pre-paid, pre-order from the first day they offered it. I didn't have this much trouble with my last order directly from TwoMorrows. And I would have expected they would have gotten their books out before Diamond. scream
Posted By: the boy with UltraPowers Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 05:43 PM
i picked this up today with my other comics !!!

i've just had aquick flick through !!! lots of great interviews and promo pics !!!

there are some great NEW pictures by Terry Shoemaker of the current LEGIONNAIRES !!!

and i noticed Greybird's name at the front of the book !!!

that's cool !!! Grey !!!

Matthew.
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 07:20 PM
I got it, I got it! My CBS had 2 copies left, now they only have 1!

It's BIGGGG!!!! I can't wait to read it, I'm gonna start this evening at bedtime.

Ionly flipped to one page and it was a goodie-- Lightle's (iirc) rendition of Lydda complete with beehive!
Posted By: Blockade Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/03 07:59 PM
It's going to take awhile to get through it. Loved the sketch of Ferro Lad.
Posted By: Outdoor Miner Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 02:44 AM
Picked it up at a local comic shop yesterday. I probably should have reserved a copy instead of just coming in off the street but it worked out.

There's a lot of stuff to read here. May be a day or two before I can really start commenting on it.
Posted By: macrab2 Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 03:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Nightcrawler:
Should I take the lack of comments on these boards that everyone's busy reading this book? Or is it that no one got one?
I'm suprised that nobody has comented on the book. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks...anybody?

Mike
Posted By: DrakeB3004 Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 05:54 AM
i have it reserved at my shop, but it hasn't come in yet.
Posted By: the boy with UltraPowers Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 10:33 AM
Quote
Originally posted by macrab2:
Quote
Originally posted by Nightcrawler:
[b] Should I take the lack of comments on these boards that everyone's busy reading this book? Or is it that no one got one?
I'm suprised that nobody has comented on the book. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks...anybody?

Mike [/b]
well i only got mine yesterday, and there's quite a lot to read in it [ i also had a stack of comics building up, that need to be read !!! ]

i don't think i'll be making any major comments at the moment ....

Matthew.
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 10:53 AM
I looked through it all last night but only read a portion of it.

Levitz surprised me with his candid comments re: the current rebooted Legion.

The Bierbaum's section was informative and a little depressing. I wish I knew a way to let them know how much I liked their Giffen-less LSH run, their Legionnaires run, their Heckler and their THUNDER Agents work.

Keith Giffen looks like one of his drawings!!!
Posted By: Faraway Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 12:16 PM
Its in the CBS waiting for me. But as I came out of the house without my wallet and had Legion 26, Fables 19 and Generations 11 to pay for I just had to leave it behind scream frown frown frown

Now I wont get back to the CBS until monday frown

I want it and I want it NOWWWWWWWWWW tongue
Posted By: SteveLightle Re: The Legion Companion - 11/14/03 05:09 PM
I'm assured that I'll be receiving a contributers copy. I can't wait to see what, of all the tons of art I scanned and sent them, that they used.

Steve L.
Posted By: the boy with UltraPowers Re: The Legion Companion - 11/15/03 09:49 AM
i think i'll start on the Levitz and Giffen interviews, first !!!

i wanna read what Paul say's about the RE-BOOT, now that you have mentioned it LASH !!!

Matthew.
Posted By: Outdoor Miner Re: The Legion Companion - 11/15/03 10:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MLLASH:
Levitz surprised me with his candid comments re: the current rebooted Legion.

The Bierbaum's section was informative and a little depressing.
Levitz's comments surprised me, too. Full marks for honesty, though.

I had hoped that the whole "Put the members names in a hat" story had been an Internet rumor. But no.
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/15/03 10:50 PM
Y'know what?

JIMMY JANES got a raw deal.

I'm looking at several of his finished-pencil covers (pre-inks) and they totally rock.

They should have published his entire LSH run uninked, 'cause the finished product looked weaker.

His stuff actually looks GREAT in black and white....
Posted By: macrab2 Re: The Legion Companion - 11/16/03 11:40 PM
Just got mine....

What I find interesting (artwise)is how many pencillers prefered/liked/admired Jack Abel's inks...among them, Nasser and Sherman (who seemed to prefer them!).

I really love the book. Glen, if you're out there, you did I great job

Mike
Posted By: Blockade Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 11/17/03 01:46 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MLLASH:
Y'know what?

JIMMY JANES got a raw deal.

His stuff actually looks GREAT in black and white....
I've been sayin!!!! On the DCMB whenever I mention this, people will actually put blank posts around mine as if to move away! I'm NOT crazy, I'm NOT crazy...I'm not the ONLY crazy, I'm not the ONLY crazy!

Well I was severely disappointed in the Giffen interviews. I expected he would be this straight-jacketed ritalyn deprived dribbling shaker with a palsy in his drawing hand but he is a very empathic character. Wait, gotta look that up. Yeah! Empathic!

Really, this is some of the best money I've spent in a long time. The drawings are a treat, as well as the insights and personalities.

Plastino is my kinda hard case. Held up for his own, and his illustrations were beautiful. I could have gone for a few more pictures of those.
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/17/03 01:55 AM
Mindy Newell's description of how Giffen & Levitz got excited about ideas-- Giffen being akin to an acid-tripper and Levitz being akin to a pothead-- was very funny I thought, as were her "this is NOT an endorsement of drugs! Drugs don't help you write" comments.

She sounds like a funny lady.
Posted By: Sketch Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/17/03 07:05 AM
I've been glued to my copy of the Companion!
Posted By: Blockade Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 11/17/03 09:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by deanlegion:
I've been glued to my copy of the Companion!
Hmmmm, there's a boorish joke or two in that...
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 11/17/03 10:21 PM
{ I've been glued to my copy of the Companion! }

Somewhere in there is a racy joke involving an episode of "Star Trek" (the original series), featuring Zefrem Cochrane ...
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 01:36 AM
NOTHING comes between me & my Companion!
Posted By: lil'rhino Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 03:55 AM
I was reading my Legion Companion on the subway yesterday and 4 strangers came up and asked me about it!
Unfortunately, none of them were do-able.

lil'rhino
Posted By: Cheryl Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 04:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by macrab2:
What I find interesting (artwise)is how many pencillers prefered/liked/admired Jack Abel's inks...among them, Nasser and Sherman (who seemed to prefer them!).
Haven't got my copy yet, but wow, that's surprising how Sherman and Nasser felt about Abel. He certainly turned in a finished product that was a lot less faithful to their pencils than Rubinstein or McLeod's inks were. No offense to Abel (who I've read was a very nice fellow) but I always felt his inks were just a slight step up from Vince Colletta.
Posted By: MLLASH Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 04:59 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lil'rhino:

Unfortunately, none of them were do-able.

lil'rhino
Blast!

Did any of them have inner beauty?
Posted By: lil'rhino Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 05:11 AM
Who knows. I didn't get to look inside them. We were on a crowded subway car after all!
wink
lil'rhino
Posted By: Parasitic Twin Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 10:47 AM
I found Mike Nasser's comment about being contacted a couple years ago to provide the art for a Legion series written by Busiek very interesting. I wonder if this was pre- or post- Lost?
Posted By: DrakeB3004 Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 05:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Parasitic Twin:
I found Mike Nasser's comment about being contacted a couple years ago to provide the art for a Legion series written by Busiek very interesting. I wonder if this was pre- or post- Lost?
The only thing I know of a Busiek penned Legion is that Kurt once said that he was either approached or was talking to someone about the Legion and ultimately he decided he didn't want to write about this Legion because it's no longer the Legion he knew -- it's the Levitz Legion that he'd be interested in (or something like that).
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 06:51 PM
Does every discussion or news thread have to have innuendo about sexual acts? *sigh*

I simply say this and pass on.
Posted By: Kid Prime Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 07:34 PM
We ARE on the same board, aren't we, Grey? laugh

In all seriousness, I HAVE to get this. Soon.
Posted By: Vee Re: The Legion Companion - 11/18/03 09:37 PM
I can't find it anywhere! Suggestions?
Posted By: Lightning Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/19/03 01:53 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Vee:
I can't find it anywhere! Suggestions?
You can order right from TwoMorrows here .
Posted By: Pov Re: The Legion Companion - 11/20/03 08:03 PM
I just got mine in my subscription delivery today! It looks great-- can't wait to get home and delve into it. laugh
Posted By: Lightning Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/20/03 08:09 PM
Finally got mine in the mail yesterday. Hopefully this weekend will give me some time to go through it and enjoy.
Posted By: Reep Re: The Legion Companion - 11/20/03 09:03 PM
Finally got mine. Only read so far most of Part 1 of Shooter. I think I'll take my time on the book and read it over the next few weeks. I love all the commissioned Swan work.

All in all, this has been a very good year for Legion. I mean, hey, besides everything else, we got Legion World too!

In December, maybe I can remember to start a "Legion Year in Review" topic or Poll for commentary and comparisons on events and publications.

Remember when many of us were wondering Coipel's departure was a momentum killing blow?

ChameleonBoy
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 11/21/03 02:32 PM
I tried six local stores on the phone, hoping to bring my custom their way, and one finally had it. Four copies of it. (As of Wednesday, three were left at Amazing Comics & Cards (amazingcomics@att.net) in eastern Long Beach, for those looking in the L.A. area.)

Simply far too, shall we say, amazing for words. In sampling the interviews, I'm already shocked that Glen Cadigan was able to so greatly vary the questions he asked. And to anticipate so much. He even asked James Sherman about one of my visual contributions (a scan of the art I own from Dawnstar's "Who's Who in the DCU" entry) months before I sent it to Glen.

The book design -- unfortunately, uncredited -- also makes the most out of including hundreds of items of variously shaped artworks and logos. And of flowing text around them in a highly readable manner. The typography is excellent. I feared too much would be squeezed into too small a physical package, but it was not.

Much more to be read this weekend, my current health permitting (also why I'm playing catch-up on threads this morning).
Posted By: Blockade Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 11/21/03 10:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Greybird:
my current health permitting (also why I'm playing catch-up on threads this morning).
????
Posted By: Greybird Re: The Legion Companion - 12/01/03 08:57 AM
A bump for this thread, and also for a poll about the book that I posted this morning -- motivated by curiosity.
Posted By: Rusty Shackleford Re: The Legion Companion - 12/03/03 08:43 PM
I'm of two minds on the price at this point. Sure, I'd have liked to have paid less, since I'm not smile . But for the amount of reading this has taken up and the articles I still have yet to read, I suppose this is equitable.

Quote
Originally posted by Nightcrawler:
Should I take the lack of comments on these boards that everyone's busy reading this book? Or is it that no one got one?
I've had it since Saturday, but I wanted to read most of the interviews in the book rather than coming here and reading it. Just wanted to get my money's worth. LOL.
Posted By: He Who Wanders Re: The Legion Companion - 12/14/03 01:01 AM
Well, I finally got my copy last Thursday, and have spent much of the weekend reading it. There is so much here, it's overwhelming. The fact that Cardigan was able to track down so many creators and either interview them or reprint articles from fanzines about them is mind-boggling. And the rare and previously unpublished artwork -- what a treasure!

Shooter's first interview has been the most engaging so far (I haven't read his second, yet). Prior to him, most of the creators profiled had very little if anything to say about the Legion. They saw it mainly as a job (as Shooter and others suggest). Shooter was the first creator to truly take the Legion seriously as a fan might. And, from that point on, many of the interviewees -- Cockrum, Levitz, Giffen, etc. -- treat the Legion as a special time in their careers.

Least interesting interview/profile, so far: Murray Boltinoff. His self-written piece read like he was talking down to a bunch of eight-year-olds. Second least interesting: Cary Bates, for much the same reason. (And this is disappointing to me because Bates wrote most of the Legion stories during my formative days as a fan.) It's really too bad that Cardigan couldn't score a recent interview with Bates. It would be interesting to see how his perspective on his work has changed.

The Legion Companion is well worth the price of admission. And congratulations to Grey for making a small but very meaningful contribution to it.
Posted By: Cheryl Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 12/15/03 01:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by He Who Wanders:

Least interesting interview/profile, so far: Murray Boltinoff. His self-written piece read like he was talking down to a bunch of eight-year-olds. Second least interesting: Cary Bates, for much the same reason.
Well, to be fair, those pieces were written 30 years ago, and a lot of comic book readers at that time WERE 8 years old. Outdated interviews with Boltinoff and Bates are better than nothing.

It is too bad Bates declined to be interviewed, though. He's the only significant Legion creator who did. It would have been interesting to hear his perspective on the creation of Tyroc, a character Shooter, Levitz, and even Grell all have bad things to say about.

I think the Shooter interviews are the best part of the book.
Posted By: He Who Wanders Re: The Legion Companion - 12/15/03 01:56 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Cheryl Lad:
Well, to be fair, those pieces were written 30 years ago, and a lot of comic book readers at that time WERE 8 years old. Outdated interviews with Boltinoff and Bates are better than nothing.
True, though judging by Cockrum's costumes, it's hard to believe that either the editor or writer thought the Legion's primary audience in 1973 was eight years old.
Posted By: Lard Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 08/22/07 03:35 AM
Soon after I posted this thread, I disappeared for a long time and never thought to revisit it to share my thoughts. Then tonight, the thread popped up in the Recent Visitors listings (such a handy function smile ), and I remembered!

Really, I wasn't disappointed in it at all! I had preconceptions of what a Legion Companion should be, and LC shattered them! The articles were very enlightening, and the rare art was a joy!

I'd highly recommend the Legion Companion to anyone who was a fan of the pre-Zero Hour LSH! It was well worth the $25 (even though I got 30% off and paid about $17.50)!

Scott--is it still available through Twomorrows, or is eBay the best hope for a fan who missed it when it was published?
Posted By: He Who Wanders Re: The Legion Companion - 08/22/07 03:59 AM
Geez! I misspelled Glen Cadigan's name twice in my first post, above. Sorry, Glen.

But my respect for his work has only grown in the nearly four (gasp!) years since. It's an invaluable resource for fans and scholars.
Posted By: Chemical King Re: The Legion Companion - 08/23/07 12:16 AM
I also got this book when it came out and is was a veeeeeeery interesting read. Same can be said for the Titans companion by the same author.

The background information about the creators was really immensely thrilling, I can only recommend it to true fans.
Posted By: Lightning Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 08/23/07 12:38 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Lard Lad:
Scott--is it still available through Twomorrows, or is eBay the best hope for a fan who missed it when it was published?
Still available from Twomorrows directly or from Amazon at a great discount.

For those wanting to browse through some of the pages, you can view them through Google Book Search .
Posted By: Lone Wolf Legionnaire Re: The Legion Companion - 08/23/07 12:41 AM
I visited the Legion Companion thread last night skimming for pre-crisis Legion pictures,I bought the companion when it came out and loved it,being that it's the best book i've read in 20 years that featured the Legion,I also came across a post started by Steve Lightle my second favorite Legion artist (Cockrum's #1)that was before my time in Legion world that I found very interesting he posted a cool group shot of the Legion that I had never seen before and seemed like a very nice guy,what ever happened to him he has not posted on Legion world in a while it seems.
Posted By: Blockade Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 08/23/07 03:04 AM
a must have
Posted By: Pariscub Re: The Legion Companion - 08/25/07 04:49 PM
Both the Legion Companion and the Legion Outpost follow-up are very good books, and they're probably the two best books of this series published by TwoMorrows (along with the teen titans)
Posted By: Glen Cadigan Re: The Legion Companion - 04/25/08 05:32 AM
Well, here we are, five years later, and The Legion Companion has now officially sold out. There are still copies out there in circulation, but there are none left at the publisher, and I guess that means that there are none left at Diamond, either.

In that time, the Legion has been rebooted (again), Shooter has returned, the pre-Zero Hour Legion has returned (remember what a longshot that seemed like back in 2003, when "get over it" was the usual response to any wishful thinking in that regard), and we've lost both Dave Cockrum and Jim Mooney. Keith Giffen, who couldn't get arrested back when I interviewed him, is back on top thanks to weekly comics, and there's been two seasons of a Legion cartoon.

Myself, I got to interview a bunch of folks that would have no other reason to speak to me, and in the case of two of them, got their stories on the record while they were still around to tell them. I also got to connect with a bunch of interesting people going all the way back to the founding fathers of Legion fandom, so it's been an rewarding experience, and hopefully it's not over yet.

Back in 2003, Legion World itself was still fairly new, and here it is, five years later (there's an ominous phrase) and it's still around. I'll bet everyone who contributed to this thread way back then feels as if it was just yesterday, but the numbers don't lie. It's been five years, folks! If you didn't buy The Legion Companion, you missed out!
Posted By: Fat Cramer Re: The Legion Companion - 04/25/08 08:01 AM
Volume 2, Glen? laugh
Posted By: Chemical King Re: The Legion Companion - 04/25/08 09:36 AM
I really enjoyed the Legion (and Titans) Companion a lot - I just love getting background information!

Hope there will be a second Legion volume, Glen, I am looking forward to Titans II (is it out yet in the US?).
Posted By: Future Re: The Legion Companion - 04/25/08 02:53 PM
Glen, thanks for all your work with the Legion Companion. I love that book a lot. I would definitely be behind another installment if that ever became a possibility.
Posted By: duck458 Re: The Legion Companion - 04/26/08 02:57 PM
A second volume would be fabulous, Glen, please consider it.
Posted By: Lightning Lad Re: The Legion Companion - 04/26/08 04:27 PM
I think we need a 50th anniversary edition! laugh

======
Post from my iPhone
Posted By: Glen Cadigan Re: The Legion Companion - 11/12/13 05:47 AM
If it's November 12th where you live, then it's the fifth anniversary of the fifth anniversary of The Legion Companion, or ten years to the day when it officially went on sale.

I can't believe that it's been that long, and I don't know which is more amazing -- that it's been a decade since it was released, or that this thread still exists!

Just marking the occasion!
Posted By: thoth lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/13 08:48 PM
Just reaching out and selecting a page at random - the Giffen model sheets.... the Bierbaum interview.... the Perez ladies of the Legion... such a good read.

Posted By: Blockade Boy Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/13 10:31 PM
Coincidentally, I just pulled mine out of the box in the garage. It fortunately survive a mouse attack that took out a portion of Levitz' prime but still got a bit mangles as it's not exactly designed to fit into a comic box.

Happy Anniversary! I think I'll go get a cheap bottle of wine and have a read this weekend.
Posted By: thoth lad Re: The Legion Companion - 11/13/13 10:43 PM
Makes me feel a little bit better about part two of the Great Darkness Saga and the coffee cup incident.
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