Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #26

The Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #26 (Sept, 1986)
title: "Illusion"
writer: Paul Levitz
penciller: Greg LaRocque
inker: Mike DeCarlo
ink assist: Arne Starr
lettering: John Costanza
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Karen Berger 
cover: Steve Lightle
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Sensor Girl, Polar Boy, Colossal Boy, Tellus, Dream Girl, Brainiac 5, Dawnstar, Phantom Girl, Ultra Boy, Wildfire, Timber Wolf, Sun Boy, Element Lad, Blok, Chameleon Boy, Magnetic Kid, Lightning Lass, Shrinking Violet, Star Boy, Invisible Kid, White Witch, Quislet

Guests: 
Saturn Girl. Lightning Lad

Opponents: 
The Fatal Five: the Emerald Empress, the Persuader, Flare, Caress, and Mentalla

Monday, June 29, 2015

LSH Cover To Cover 3: Curt Swan

Welcome to the third installment of our Legion of Super-Bloggers feature on all of the comic-book cover appearances of The Legion in chronological order.

As you may recall, we are now at the beginning of the Legion's run in Adventure Comics. However, their over-all sales strength still seems to be a question at DC, as they *still* are not getting all of the main cover appearances! For Adventure Comics #325 we get Lex Luthor, Superboy, and.... Supergirl?! For Adventure Comics #327 we get a homicidal Pa Kent, and just a vignette about future Legionnaire Timber Wolf (then called Lone Wolf). And of course we get Adventure Comics #322, which features The Legion of Super-Pets. When the Legionnaires DO appear, there is a definite trend to only feature two or three Legionnaires at a time. Oddly enough, at this time Saturn Girl and Element Lad are most often cover featured.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Art Institute of Zwen: Luke Daab!


This week we're featuring one of our favorite creative types, Mr. Luke Daab of Chicago!

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Legion Post Cards

Legion post cards? You bet!
The most well-known of such merchandise was a set of 15 postcards released in 1990, which included characters from the then-current incarnation of the Legion. Pencilled by Keith Giffen, inked by Al Gordon, colored by Tom McCraw, and featuring text by Tom and Mary Bierbaum, the cards featured 5YL members such as Kent Shakespeare, Kono, Devlin O’Ryan, Bounty, and Celeste, along with other established characters from previous versions of the group.

There was also a set of Justice League postcards released at the same time. Completists might wish to include the Booster Gold card from this collection (because, you know, Legion flight ring).


In 2010, DC released a box of postcards commemorating its 75th anniversary.  The set of 100 featured DC comic book covers from the 1930s through to the 80s, and includes a postcard with the cover of Adventure Comics #247.

Another postcard featuring the Legion was issued in 2005, to help promote Alex Ross’ MYTHOLOGY book. The card uses Alex’ well-known piece of classic Legionnaires flying upwards towards space.  A few months later, the US Postal Service produced the DC Comics Super Heroes Collectible stamps, which was a set of 20 stamps featuring various DC characters. While no actual Legionnaire was included, there is a stamp of Supergirl from the era in which she was an active member. Below you can see a photo of the Alex Ross card, with the Supergirl stamp affixed and postmarked at San Diego Comic-Con in 2006. Cool!


And speaking of SDCC,  in that same year Warner Bros also offered a promotional postcard at its booth to tie in with the Legion of Super-Heroes animated TV series.


In 2000, countries around the world were invited by the US Postal Service to participate in a world-wide stamp-design contest, Stampin’ The Future, with the grand prize winners from each country assembling in Anaheim, California, for a special global celebration. This was one of the first day covers issued at the occasion.

More recently, in 2012, postcards were made by IDW  to promote the Legion/Star Trek crossover series.



Finally, across the pond, UK Legion fans had access to a pretty set of postcards featuring Adventure Comics' Legion covers, which were given away with the first two issues of the HEROES comic. The title featured reprints of US comics, notably Batman, Blue Devil, Flash and the Legion (albeit on much better quality paper). Unfortunately, the series (and publisher) only lasted eight issues.  The awesomeness force is strong in these postcards, though.







As a closing note, kudos to anyone who remembers the Interplanetary Post Office. In the 30th century, it was the center of all mail between worlds, which mailmen from throughout the galaxy would visit to collect postal items to convey back to their respective home worlds. E-mail, what e-mail?


**This is a variation of the oath used in the Legion of Super-Heroes animated TV series.
 

See more Legion miscellania at www.facebook.com/bitsoflegionnairebusiness

Friday, June 26, 2015

5YL Legion of Super-Heroes #40


Recap: The Earth has been destroyed. About 100 domed cities have survived as a flotilla in orbit around the sun. Now the rebuilding needs to take place. The vestiges of the Dominator rule need to be eliminated. The political structure of this New Earth needs to be stabilized. And two sets of Legions are trying their best to help out. But there are threats lurking even in this shaky stability.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Superboy starring The Legion #225

Superboy starring The Legion of Super-Heroes #225 (March, 1977)
title: "And Who Shall Lead Them?"
writer: Paul Levitz
penciller: James Sherman
inker: Bob Wiacek
editor: Denny O'Neil
cover: Mike Grell
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Dream Girl, Lightning Lad, Shadow Lass, Ultra Boy, Wildfire, Superboy; cameos of Mon-El, Colossal Boy, Shrinking Violet, Phantom Girl, Chameleon Boy, Saturn Girl

Opponents: 
The Resource Raiders

Synopsis: 
On Earth, Superboy interrupts Wildfire's swearing-in ceremony for Legion Leader because he thinks he should be the Leader instead. Mon-El slaps Superboy to bring him to his senses, as Dream Girl and Lightning Lad try to explain to Superboy that part-time members like him and Karate Kid cannot be elected Leader. Shadow Lass approaches him, knowing that something is going on. Superboy won't talk to her.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Who's Who: Tellus

Tellus
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Ganglios
Super-Power(s): Telepathy and telekinesis
Planet of Origin: Hykraius
Legion Seniority: Tellus joined as one of the five "rookies" after the founders retired from active duty. Polar Boy was listed first as the "senior" rookie, then Sensor Girl was originally listed next. When her status changed, Tellus moved up from Legionnaire #38 to became Legionnaire #37. Tellus was the last Legionnaire to join during the Bronze Age.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #25

The Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #25 (Aug, 1986)
title: "Revelation"
writer: Paul Levitz
penciller: Greg LaRocque
inker: Mike DeCarlo
ink assist: Arne Starr
lettering: John Costanza
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Karen Berger 
cover: Steve Lightle (from a design by Ed Hannigan)
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Dawnstar, Wildfire, Timber Wolf, Ultra Boy, Phantom Girl, Brainiac 5, Sun Boy, White Witch, Element Lad, Lightning Lass, Invisible Kid, Blok, Star Boy, Colossal Boy, Polar Boy, Dream Girl, Tellus, Chameleon Boy....and Sensor Girl!

Guests: 
Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad

Opponents: 
Emerald Empress, The Persuader, Caress, Flare, and their Fifth Fatal Fiver......?

Monday, June 22, 2015

Convergence: Booster Gold

Hey Legionnaires! It’s your pal, the Kord Kid, back again to cover “Convergence: Booster Gold”. Why? Well for starters, it features Superboy and the Legion…but it also has a healthy pinch of Blue Beetle thrown in for good measure, so who better to bring it to you than me? Well to be fair, it’s really being brought to you by Dan Jurgens (writer), Alvaro Martinez (penciller) and Raul Fernandez (inker). I’m just here to provide the witty recap and commentary.


Sunday, June 21, 2015

Happy Fathers' Day!


Today is Fathers' Day here in the 31st Century. 
To help celebrate throughout the United Planets, 
please feel free to take this Super Father Quiz! 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Superboy: Hot or Not?

Our group of candid women with no real Legion knowledge HAVE heard of Superboy. Is that going to change how they treat him?
Participants
Our honorary Legion members are...
Art Girl - A Smallville fan from way back. Watch out!
DJ Nath - Her locker was next to Art-Girl's in high school. She knows things. Follow her You-Tube channel, Mind Linked, which she telepathically shares with her sister Lip-Bomb.
Havana Nights - Has been asked to try and remember what she was like in high school. Admitted things could get rocky.
Lip-Bomb - Wasn't very popular in school because she dared to ask a boy to dance once.
Shotgun - Could there be sliver of kryptonite in her buck shot?
Moderator: Siskoid - Read The New Adventures of Superboy for the Dial H for Hero back-ups. What does HE know?

Friday, June 19, 2015

5YL Legion of Super-Heroes #39

Recap: Due to environmental indiscretions from the past and the toll of the Dominator war, Earth became unstable and exploded. Just under 100 cities were able to launch successfully from the planet, under protective domes and connected like a massive flotilla. An odd New Earth now exists... but the physical and emotional fallout from the tragedy still needs to be dealt with.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Happy Birthday, Clark Kent!


According to the 1976 DC Calendar, today is the birthday of Clark Kent. It is the anniversary of the date that the rocket-ship carrying baby Kal-El arrived on Earth. For the rest of their lives, Martha and Jonathan celebrated this day as the date their son came into their lives.

That makes Clark Kent a Gemini. Buttering someone up to get what you want isn't necessarily an evil manipulation. Sweetness, kindness, flattery, and smooth handling might be what's required to make things fit together.

Superboy starring The Legion #224

Superboy starring The Legion of Super-Heroes #224 (Feb, 1977)
title: "When Stargrave Strikes!"
writer: Jim Shooter
penciller: Mike Grell
inker: Bob Wiacek
editor: Denny O'Neil
cover: Mike Grell
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Superboy, Saturn Girl, Chameleon Boy, Karate Kid, Sun Boy, Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad, Princess Projectra, Star Boy

Opponents: 
Pulsar Stargrave, Holdur, Quicksand

Synopsis: 
On planetoid P88-01, the Legionnaires prepare to mend the fissure in space when Holdur and Quicksand stop them. Pulsar Stargrave fixes the sky as they watch, then teleports everyone to his home. With a wave of his hand, he encases all of them in a force field. He admits that he opened the fissure in order to lure the Legion out to his part of the universe. He explains that he is looking for an ally to battle his enemy. He had freed the Time Trapper to test him as a possibly ally, but when the Trapper was defeated by the Legion, he decided to use the Legion instead.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Who's Who: Quislet

 Quislet
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: YXO
Super-Power(s): Ability to "possess" solid, inaminate objects/materials and animate them for short periods of time
Planet of Origin: Teall
Legion Seniority: Quislet joined as one of the five "rookies" after the founders retired from active duty. Polar Boy was listed first as the "senior" rookie, then Sensor Girl was originally listed next. When her status changed, Quislet moved up from Legionnaire #37 to became Legionnaire #36.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #24

The Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #24 (July, 1986)
title: "Suspicion"
writer: Paul Levitz
penciller: Greg LaRocque
inker: Larry Mahlstedt
lettering: John Costanza
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Karen Berger 
cover: Greg LaRocque & Larry Mahlstedt
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Timber Wolf, Blok, Shrinking Violet, Chameleon Boy, Sun Boy, Ultra Boy, Phantom Girl, Magnetic Kid, Wildfire, Colossal Boy, Polar Boy, Sensor Girl, Element Lad, Brainiac 5, Dream Girl, Quislet, Tellus, Mon-El, Shadow Lass

Guests: 
Bouncing Boy, Myg, Gigi, H'hrnath

Opponents: 
Emerald Empress, The Persuader, Flare

Monday, June 15, 2015

Steve Lightle Interview with LSB


Steve Lightle burst on the comic artistic scene in the mid-80s and had a stellar (if all too brief) run on The Legion of Super-Heroes. His time as penciller on the Baxter series was marked with several key plot points - the battle with the Legion of Super-Villains, the death of Karate Kid, and the introduction of Sensor Girl. Later in that series, Lightle had a prolific run on covers which spotlighted the unmasking of Sensor Girl, the Universo Project, and the Magic Wars. Lightle has worked in comics on The Doom Patrol, The Flash, X-Factor, The Ghost Rider, and many other properties. But he is perhaps best known, at least in this part of the universe, for his work on The Legion.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Convergence: Blue Beetle #2

Hey Legionnaires! Kord Kid here. I know what you're thinking..."What the?! 'Convergence: Blue Beetle'...on the Legion of Super-Bloggers?" Normally you'd be right, and I'd be doing this issue recap over at my other blog, Kord Industries. This time though? This time is different, trust me! The Legion makes an appearance. If you haven't read issue #1, it's actually OK, they didn't show up in the first part. If you're curious though you can read all about it here (click me). Now sit back and relax as I bring you, "Convergence: Blue Beetle" #2, written by Scott Lobdell, with art by Yishan Li.



Friday, June 12, 2015

A Pause To a Salute 5YL And A Question For Readers


Last week I reviewed Legion of Super-Heroes #38, "The End".

As I said there, the issue marks something of a shift in the book as well. Keith Giffen's guidance essentially ends in that issue.

Soon after, some of the creative decisions that made this book feel unique slowly went away.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Superboy starring The Legion #223

Superboy starring The Legion of Super-Heroes #223 (Jan, 1977)
title: "We Can't Escape The Trap In Time!"
writer: James Shooter
penciller: Mike Grell
inker: Bob Wiacek
editor: Murray Boltinoff 
cover: Mike Grell
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Superboy, Karate Kid, Sun Boy, Saturn Girl, Chameleon Boy; appearances by Lightning Lad, Princess Projectra, Star Boy, and Shadow Lass

Opponents: 
The Time Trapper; appearances by Pulsar Stargrave, Holdur, and Quicksand

Synopsis: 
On Earth, the Legion rushes off to investigate a rip in the fabric of space. Suddenly, five members are trapped in an invisible force-field. They can't call for help, either, so Superboy decides to go back in time to escape. However, they slam into a wall of time and then into temporal limbo until they arrive at the Time Trapper's lair 3.74 days into the future.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Who's Who: Magnetic Kid

Magnetic Kid
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Pol Krinn
Super-Power(s): Super-magnetism
Planet of Origin: Braal
Legion Seniority: Magnetic Kid joined as one of the five "rookies" after the founders retired from active duty. Polar Boy was listed first as the "senior" rookie, then Sensor Girl was originally listed next. When her status changed, Magnetic Kid moved up from #36 to became Legionnaire #35. 

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #23

The Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #23 (June, 1986)
title: "Back Home in Hell"
writer: Paul Levitz
penciller & co-plotter: Steve Lightle
penciller: Greg LaRocque
inker: Mike DeCarlo
lettering: John Costanza
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Karen Berger 
cover: Steve Lightle
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Mon-El, Shadow Lass, Phantom Girl, Tellus, Brainiac 5, Element Lad, Dawnstar, Dream Girl, Lighting Lass, Shrinking Violet, Timber Wolf, Ultra Boy, Invisible Kid, Sensor Girl, Magnetic Kid, Sun Boy, Cosmic Boy

Guests: 
Circadia Senius, Night Girl, Superboy, Jonah Hex

Opponents: 
despair

Monday, June 8, 2015

TOS: Superman #147 Group Review

featuring
The Legion of Super Bloggers Round-Table Discussion on
Superman #147 (August, 1961)
title: "The Legion of Super-Villains!"
writer: Jerry Siegel
penciller: Curt Swan
inker: Sheldon Moldoff
letterer: Milton Snapinn
editor: Mort Weisinger
cover: Curt Swan and Stan Kaye

Mission Monitor Board:  
Superman, Lightning Man, Cosmic Man, Saturn Woman

Guests:
Lois Lane (as an illusion)

Opponents:
Lex Luthor; The Legion of Super-Villains, composed of Cosmic King, Lightning Lord, and Saturn Queen

Synopsis:
Luthor contacts and teams up with Legion of Super-Villains from the 30th century. The adult Legion of Super-Heroes comes to 20th century to help Superman.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Open Call For New LSB Members!

Do you love The Legion of Super-Heroes? 

Do you enjoy writing or talking about The Legion of Super-Heroes? 

If so, then do we have an offer for you!

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Brainiac 5: Hot or Not?

Is it brains over brawn when when we let a group of candid women with no real Legion knowledge deliver their first impressions of Brainiac 5? Find out, but bring a force field with you...
Our honorary Legion members are...
Art Girl - Her degree in plastic arts allows her to create beautiful things.
DJ Nath - Her degree in education allows her to teach both History and English. Follow her You-Tube channel, Mind Linked, which she telepathically shares with her sister Lip-Bomb.
Havana Nights - Highest degree of education in the group. Her masters thesis in political science was all about George W. Bush's word choice (you can't make this stuff up).
Lip-Bomb - Has a degree in psychology allowing her to read you like a book.
Shotgun - Her degree in education allows her to teach Math and History.
Moderator: Siskoid - His degree in English Lit allows him to do little except transcribe Hot or Not chats.

Friday, June 5, 2015

5YL Legion of Super-Heroes #38


Recap: The war is over. The Dominators have been defeated and have left Earth. The planet hasn't escaped unscathed. The moon has been destroyed. The "Triple Strike" had powerspheres around the planet explode. An inappropriately triggered self-destruct mechanism razed all the Dominator cloning labs around the globe. And the war and its battles have leveled areas around the planet. Still, there was victory. Let the rebuilding begin...

Legion of Super-Heroes #38 is something of a turning point for this 5YL Legion book. The cover has the words "The End" in large letters over what appears to be an unstable world on fire. And those words are appropriate for the storyline as this does represent the end of Earth.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Superboy starring The Legion #222

Superboy starring The Legion of Super-Heroes #222 (Dec, 1976)
title: "This Legionnaire Is Condemned!"
writer: Cary Bates
penciller: Mike Grell
inker: Bob Wiacek
editor: Murray Boltinoff
cover: Mike Grell
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Tyroc, Mon-El, Brainiac 5, Superboy, Ultra Boy, Princess Projectra, Shadow Lass, Chameleon Boy

Opponents: 
Extortionist Fenton Pike

Synopsis: 
On Earth, a series of odd occurrences are plaguing the people of Metropolis. Science Police officers arrive to talk to the Legion about Tyroc, who they believe is responsible. Legion Leader Mon-El explains to the SP officers that Tyroc wanted the Legion to move their head-quarters to his island home of Marzal, to help integrate his society into the world at large. When the Legion refused, Tyroc stormed out and vowed to make things difficult for the city. Mon-El promises the SPs that the Legion is trying to locate and capture Tyroc.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Happy Birthday, Shrinking Violet!

According to the 1976 DC Calendar, today will be the birthday of Salu Digby, better known throughout the galaxy as Shrinking Violet. 
Shrinking Violet joined the Legion of Super-Heroes in their second year and served with distinction for more than 12 years.

Shrinking Violet is a Gemini. It is a beautiful day when she experiences reciprocal energy, as she will today. She can't help but treasure and admire those who treasure and admire her.

Who's Who: Polar Boy

Polar Boy
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Brek Bannin
Super-Power(s): Ability to create and control intense cold. 
Planet of Origin: Tharr
Legion Seniority: Polar Boy attempted to join between Light Lass and Dream Girl, but was rejected at that time. He eventually joined as one of the five "rookies" after the founders retired from active duty. Because he was known to the other Legionnaires, he is listed first among the other four, making him Legionnaire #34. He was Legion Leader during Year 15. 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #22

The Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #22 (May, 1986)
title: "Dead End"
writer: Paul Levitz
penciller: Greg LaRocque
inker: Mike DeCarlo
lettering: John Costanza
colorist: Carl Gafford
editor: Karen Berger 
cover: Greg LaRocque & Larry Mahlstedt
reviewer: Russell "Bilingual Boy" Burbage

Mission Monitor Board:  
Sensor Girl, Chameleon Boy, Colossal Boy, Lightning Lass, Shrinking Violet, Timber Wolf, Wildfire, Brainiac 5, Sun Boy, Magnetic Kid, Tellus, Mon-El, Shadow Lass, Ultra Boy, Phantom Girl, Dawnstar, Polar Boy

Guests: 
Rond Vidar, SP Chief Zendak

Opponents: 
Universo, his lackey called the Restorer

Monday, June 1, 2015

Convergence: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #2


By Anj

Convergence: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #2 came out last week and was an upgrade from last month's efforts. Last month seemed like a clunky mess, especially given the rather boxy, almost simple art within. This month's, with a new art team and some nice moments of heroism, is a much better issue and story.