Legion World Forums LEGION CLUBHOUSE The Legion of Super-Heroes Visionaries of Tomorrow Gail Simone: Flip-flopper or Waffler?

That is the question!

A bunch of very nice posters and mods wrote and it made me realize self-imposed exile just seems silly, so I'm FLIP-FLOPPING!

A bit I wanted to say about this past issue, and the dedication on the title page.

Rob Harris is one of the reasons I'm writing professionally today. I met Rob, and a mess of my other current friends at a Kingdom Come message board, not too unlike these message boards here. Seven years later, I'm still friends with most of those people (two of them got married, for Pete's sake). So when people say, "Oh, it's just the internet," or "It's just a message board," I kinda get my back up. I would never have met so many cool people who shared my love of comics without message boards.

Anyway, of this group, Rob was always the kindest and definitely one of the funniest. If you needed help, Rob was always, always there, and never complained, never badmouthed anyone, never got involved in dumb flame wars (a weakness I myself am trying to rid myself of in general). He helped several times with my internet column, he laugh-tested a lot of my Simpsons work, and he helped tremendously on my Women In Refrigerators site.

Just a great guy, the kind of friend we all should be lucky enough to have.

Beyond that, he was a huge Legion fan, and when he was just a kid, he won a Create-A-Legion contest (if I have my facts right) with the character of Nightwind. Now, BEYOND the fact that I knew Rob, I was always fascinated (like many of you, I'm sure) by the Subs, rejects, cadets, etc. that were on the Legion's fringe, and I loved the character of Nightwind, even though her previous appearances were small at best.

In a horribly unfair and awful set of circumstances, Rob passed away a few months ago. I'd already accepted the Legion assignment but only a few days previously, and the timing was actually very painful for a day, but then I started to feel that this was something he would have loved to see--a friend of his writing Legion, even briefly.

Nightwind was already going to be in the story (every writer puts in their favorites!), but this made it very meaningful to me. I hope this doesn't intrude on the story for you, but I like to think that Rob represented the best of Legion fandom the way he represented the best of comics fandom, and that's why this arc is important to me, beyond my love for the characters and setting.

Silly as it sounds, I hope you guys take a moment and appreciate what a cool thing you have here--a place where you can argue and still be friends, a place where you can meet people whose love of the Legion (or comics, or whatever) is as great as your own, and a place where you can talk about insanely obscure trivia and have someone know exactly what you're talking about. Thanks to the mods and administrators and posters, because this is a more special and rare thing than we might realize, and it shouldn't be taken for granted.

Anyway, sorry to go on at length, thanks as always for the great comments--it's fun even reading the slams, even though I hate to let someone down. Legion is a special book--it's a book that wouldn't even exist if not for the hardcore central audience. Frankly, I consider it an honor to have been asked to work on it, and hope that someday, in the future (not the FAR future, I hope), I'll get to write these characters again.

Gail Simone

Thanks for the story about Rob Harris, Gail. That's a nice tribute you've paid to him, in the story and here in your message.

And keep coming back!

I vote flip-flopper!

Seriously, thanks for sharing Rob's story with us. Believe us that we are all well aware of how great a place this is and how lucky we are to have it.

Few comics have had the strength of the fanbase that the Legion has had, and I think a significant reason for that was the amount of input that we have always been given into the creative process of the series. From fan-created characters, to reader-elected leaders, to fans-turned-writers, there are so many examples of how the fans have been allowed to help shape the direction of our favorite team.

Thanks once again for taking the time to interact with us, Gail.

Gail, I had heard of Rob's passing and was sorry for it as I knew him briefly and in passing through the defunct Legion board at CBR. I don't know the origin of how he created Nightwind but knew the story of his contribution of her to Legion history. And I had also heard about Nightwind's upcoming appearance (I haven't picked up my issue yet). But I didn't connect the two.

Thank you for coming back and please continue to do so. You are as much a part of the Legion's history now as any other creator and your voice will always be welcome here.

What a nice story, and a nice tribute to Rob. Thanks for the background info, Gail. When a story is dedicated to someone, it always helps to know why.

I wouldn't call it either. There are times when people make things so uncomfortable for me, that I need to take a break from the place and I own it! Thanks for this background information. I wish I had caught the dedication.

I'm sorry to hear of Rob's passing.

Nightwing debuted in AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #12 (AUG. 1976) -

Jeepers! So Nightwind was originally supposed to be related to Timber Wolf!?!

What a wonderfuly story, I never knew the origins of Nightwind's character (I like her too!).

I am very glad you waffled/flip-flopped/returned.

Believe me, I am getting LEGION # 36 tomorrow and am SO looking forward to it.

When did Nightwind first appear in comic? Didn't her appearance (and Lamprey's) change significantly between her first and second appearances?

No, they (and Crystal Kid) had at least 2 appearances before they were "Giffen"ized... the Blok spotlight and the Wildfire spotlight.

I'm not digging them out, but I want to guess LSH # 272 & 283.

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES Vol.2 #272 (FEB. 1981) was her first appearance. She became Berta Haris as a tribute to Rob. Her costume looks identical, but her skin is yellow and she has blue hair like a Sklarian.

Hmm... I've got the Wildfire spotlight. I was thinking their appearance had changed by then.

Oops! Yes, Lash is right.

I can scan in Crystal Kid and Lamprey's AWODC entries if you like.

Yeah, I'd like that.

Lamprey & Crystal Kid first appeared in AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #14 (MAR. 1977) -




APPLICANT'S NAME: Angela Majors
APPLICANT'S CODE NAME: Lamprey
POWER: Ability to breath water. Is able to drain life force and kill with a touch.
ORIGIN OF POWER: Aquatic powers natural due to birth from surface-dwelling mother and aquatic-dwelling father. Killing powers result of being in suspended animation for centuries.
PLANET OF ORIGIN: Earth
STATUS OF APPLICATION: REJECTED.
(IF REJECTED, STATE REASONS): Aquatic power too limited to water-worlds, killing power violates Legion code.
APPLICANT'S SPONSOR: Scott R. Taylor




APPLICANT'S NAME: Rondo Kane
APPLICANT'S CODE NAME: Crystal Kid
POWER: The power to transform any matter into transparent crystals.
ORIGIN OF POWER: Gained power after suffering a bombardment of radioactive rays that hit his experimental space ship.
PLANET OF ORIGIN: Zelar
STATUS OF APPLICATION: REJECTED.
(IF REJECTED, STATE REASONS): No practical application could be found for applicant's power.
APPLICANT'S SPONSOR: Robert Cohen

Gail, great to see you back - and a very touching tribute to your friend Rob too.

Thanks for sharing it with us here.

Also in that issue, AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #14 (MAR. 1977) -




APPLICANT'S NAME: Not disclosed
APPLICANT'S CODE NAME: Transporter Boy
POWER: He is able to transport any living thing to distant planets or make them disappear forever.
ORIGIN OF POWER: Not disclosed
PLANET OF ORIGIN: Not disclosed
STATUS OF APPLICATION: REJECTED.
(IF REJECTED, STATE REASONS): Applicant's power is too dangerous. He gave no indication that he could control where he sent those he transported. It was feared he could accidentally send living creatures to planets where they could not survive, thereby violating the Legion's code against killing. Making living things "disappear forever" also violates that code.
APPLICANT'S SPONSOR: Darwin Frehlick




APPLICANT'S NAME: Arwe Earh
APPLICANT'S CODE NAME: Thunderbow
POWER: The ability of infallible aim in directing any weapon, telekeenetic [their spelling, FYI] energy or teleportation effects. Applicant uses the bow as his weapon.
ORIGIN OF POWER: Natural planetary abilities.
PLANET OF ORIGIN: Ythorza (destroyed)
STATUS OF APPLICATION: REJECTED.
(IF REJECTED, STATE REASONS): Applicant uses weapon in conjuntion with natural ability, contrary to Legion policy. Powers of telekenetic energy projection (limited to aim) and teleportation (also limited) are duplicated by other Legionnaires on active duty (Saturn Girl and Tyroc). Duplication is also against Legion policy except in special cases.
APPLICANT'S SPONSOR: Mark A. Ernst

Thanks, Nighty!

You would think that Thunderbow would be able to make Transporter Boy's powers work better.

What's up with Transporter Boy's freaky tiarra?

So I guess Nightwind's pretty safe for this arc hm??

Gail, thanks for sharing. It's always heartening to know that the Legion is and has always been about more than what's on the printed page - it's also about the community of those touched by its stories through these many years.

First off that is a touching story Gail thank you. And I have never heard of Rob before but I want to know more! How is he connected to Nightwind/g again? And any more info from all you guys about Rob would be appreciated!

Nightcrawler, love those pics man! I've always been a Nightwind/Lamprey fan. Would be cool if she and Timberwolf hooked up.


Jorge

I like waffles and the people who make them...

Thanks for sharing and for coming back, Gail.

I've always been a Nightwind fan and have always felt that she (and Lamprey and Crystal Kid too) was a should-have-been Legionnaire. It's nice to learn more about her creator.

Not disclosed.

"Don't ask, don't tell" ???

Maybe he was made King of the Super-Companions?

Faboo! Gail's back!!

lil'rhino

Faboo! Rhino too!

(just miss you when you're not here, lovey!)

Gail,

Thanks for returning to these boards. My wife always chuckles when I'm on these boards, but she is duly impressed when any of the creators come on board and interact with their fans. It somehow legitimizes my rare spare time.

I look forward to future communiqués with you about The Legion, Birds of Prey, or whatever else you so happen to pour your talents into.

Gail,

Flip flop and waffle please.

Feel free to come and go as you want after all we cant tie you up and make you stay here (or can we Gary, will you check the rules about that for me)

And feel free to waffle on about anything, after all thats all most of us do anyway.

Glad to see you've decided to stick around. I'd hate to think that one person could drive you away.

Gail, thank you so much for the story about Nightwind and Rob. Her presence in the series now has so much more of a novelty to it and if I was 100% behind her rebooting before, I'm assuredly 200% behind it now. What a great gesture for a friend.

By the way, I love flip-flops, waffles, AND you, Gail! Who'd have thought, of all the creators in the world, one of my favorite writers would be around these parts? Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule.

Welcome home Gail!!

A very wonderful story of your's and Rob's meeting and how he helped to influence your career, but equally sad to hear of his sudden passing. Dear friends are hard to loose!

I think it's kinda neat that Brin had a sister or cousin or someone related considering he's kinda a "lone wolf" sort of character. It makes him seem a bit more dimentional but I don't know if your still tying in this info with the current incarnation of Timberwolf??

Take good care and see ya 'round the boards!

That's a great insight and a lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing Gail!

Perhaps he's a prince...or just a big ole' queen!

lil'rhino

Aren't you sweet! You've just made my week!!!

big smooch,
lil'rhino

Hey Gail, is your hair color a champagne pink or more of a dusky rose?

just curious,
lil'rhino

It's red.

And hairdressing license or not, it's my natural color!

Gail

Hey, I've been a hair burner for about 25 years now!! You still practice or maybe just cut the kids hair or spouse??

Ummmm, I mean I do that on the side. Mostly I'm changing in to all sort of freaky beings and beathing the crap out of the bad guys!! Yea, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

I still work in a salon two days a week, Cham...just sold my salon after owning one for many years. But I want to keep my hand in a little bit.

Gail

Jillikers! I want the "Gail Simone Salon Special!"

What a hoot that would be... "The writer of LEGION and BoP gave me the most awesome highlights!!"

Actually MLLASH, I specialize in color. I use Paul Mitchel. His color line ROCKS and it doesn't smell either, which is nice for the clients and my lungs and sinuses!!

Gail, glad your keeping your talented little fingers in the biz. It's a good one!

Cham and Gail, have you been to the hairstyle analysis thread for Legion #36? Love to get your professional opinions, there!

AMAZING WORLD OF DC COMICS #15 (AUG. 1977) -




NAME OF APPLICANT: Su-zhan Tah-rell.
CODE NAME OF APPLICANT: Thundra Girl.
PLANET OF ORIGIN: Thanang.
POWERS: Can cause great thunder storms through cosmic energy which is caused by a secret weapon in her belt buckle.
ORIGIN: Not revealed
STATUS OF APPLICATION: REJECTED.
(IF REJECTED, STATE REASONS): Applicant uses device. Power is not natural, contrary to Legion policy.
SPONSOR: David Kucharski.




NAME OF APPLICANT: Darr-Ellp.
CODE NAME OF APPLICANT: Neutro.
PLANET OF ORIGIN: Jembar.
POWERS: Is able to control every atom within a one-mile radius, turning them into any desired object, or explode then with the force of an atomic bomb.
ORIGIN: Powers acquired after exposure to atomic detonation.
STATUS OF APPLICATION: REJECTED.
(IF REJECTED, STATE REASONS): Explosion power too powerful; such atomic detonations are not cont[r]olable and could cause death, contrary to Legion Code against killing.
SPONSORS: Gavin Tirberr and Durell Pursiful.

Well, Gail, you're the only reason I found this place! I found an interview online where you mentioned Legionworld and here I am.

Didn't realize you had left the site at the culmination of your Legion arc.

Glad you're back! As others have said: you've made a great mark on Legion history (the story is very solid and has great seeds in it); you're one of the best writers out now; and clearly someone with Legionaire-like notions of friendship and legacy. Any ONE of these would get you through this door, all THREE makes it a pleasure for most (if not all) of us.

THANKS.

THUNDER GIRL's kind of hot.

THUNDRA GIRL! (Don't worry, I made that mistake too and had to correct it. )

Hmm. I like Thunder Girl better. I'm retconning it as such in my own personal continuity.

I think Marvel owns the copyright though.

Thundra was hot too. I remember back when she was trying to get with The Thing. And he wasn't having NONE of it.

You KNOW what that means, don't you!

Great gravy! I'm shocked that I'd forgotten all about Transporter Boy's freaky tiarra!

wow gail ... you go girl is the best way to put what im feeling. and to quote dolly parton in one of her better movies...Y'ALL COME BACK NOW YA HERE!

Hmm... I wonder if I bump this if it will lead to Lash fandangoing Transporter Boy, Thunderbow, Thunder Girl, and Neutro?

I'd totally mash up Nightwing (Lara Londo) with Cockrum's Belladonna

Now these five rejects have to become a team!

Jeepers-- a semi-request...!

Huh-huh, MLLASH said 'semi.'

I started a Thunder Girl last night but didn't like it so I deleted it. Try try again...

Here's a color version I did of Neutro,Thunderbow,Thundra Girl and Transporter Boy.

Wow! I'd forgotten about it again!

I think it's the pain of the tight tiara that helps focus his power.