the Legion Lost “era” of Abnett & Lanning (2001-2004, Legion Lost, Legion World, and then 33 issues…) to ME, was the (as of this date) closest Legion-esque series since the Levitz/Giffen runs. Not to be overlooked - but this team exits in Final Crisis …. then the Waid/Kitson run happened in ‘04
Never read the original Legion stuff (beyond Darkness Saga). I read 5YL as a kid and was confused (reread it as an adult and dug the early stretch of it). But sometime after Guardians hit I got Legion Lost via eBay and adored it. Enjoyed the Legion Worlds follow up stuff too. Eventually it lost me. But it felt like a smart way to ease you into the lore with a smaller cast.
I read the first four issues of Abnett/Lanning over the weekend and was intrigued, but I want to finish my 5YL reread before I commit to another Legion era. More soon!
Really enjoyed reading that. There are more parallels between 80’s Legion and the X-Men that often goes unnoticed: this incredibly creative period for both team (and writer) were each edited by two female editors- Louise Jones (Simonson) and Ann Nocenti on the X-Men and Laurie Sutton and Karen Berger on the Legion. There sensibilities seem to reflect on the representation of women on their respective series, and (if I recall correctly) their popularity with women readers as well.
I’d also go further to say that while editing Swamp Thing was a huge influence on Berger’s approach to Sandman, the structuring of tent-pole story arcs/novels interspersed with stand-alone (short) stories came from her experience of editing the Legion.
What a great piece, Alex. For some reason, the ADVENTURE-era Legion books were the first back issues I started collecting as a kid, probably due to being fascinated by the sprawling cast and deep history.
Thanks, man. It just kind of poured out. I had the pieces of the story bouncing around, but I felt more compelled to get it out today. Glad you enjoyed it.
You know, when I finished reading Marv Wolfman's entire Titans run for The Titans Companion, I felt like someone should've handed me a diploma. You must feel the same way!
With bonus Tellus and Polar Boy panels no less! Yay! (although no Quislet!) that Giffen era was me buying them off the shelf as a teen... still my fave Legion.. ah!
This was a deep dive into Shooter! And I couldn't agree more. So much of the fun I had when encountering comic books (in the Marvel and DC style, but not exclusively) is that I was aware I wasn't getting it all, and there was MORE beyond the issue. To me, the ideal reader doesn't react like: "Oh, this is confusing, I don't understand it all." It's more like: "This is INTRIGUING, I don't understand it all. Let's find out."
the Legion Lost “era” of Abnett & Lanning (2001-2004, Legion Lost, Legion World, and then 33 issues…) to ME, was the (as of this date) closest Legion-esque series since the Levitz/Giffen runs. Not to be overlooked - but this team exits in Final Crisis …. then the Waid/Kitson run happened in ‘04
I need to check that out! I've never read it!
ooooh ! I hope you enjoy it !
Never read the original Legion stuff (beyond Darkness Saga). I read 5YL as a kid and was confused (reread it as an adult and dug the early stretch of it). But sometime after Guardians hit I got Legion Lost via eBay and adored it. Enjoyed the Legion Worlds follow up stuff too. Eventually it lost me. But it felt like a smart way to ease you into the lore with a smaller cast.
Curious what Alex will think!
I read the first four issues of Abnett/Lanning over the weekend and was intrigued, but I want to finish my 5YL reread before I commit to another Legion era. More soon!
Cool. No idea how it’ll read to someone with so much more knowledge of Legion in their head.
Wonderful take!
Thanks so much, Gerry! I loved your run!
Really enjoyed reading that. There are more parallels between 80’s Legion and the X-Men that often goes unnoticed: this incredibly creative period for both team (and writer) were each edited by two female editors- Louise Jones (Simonson) and Ann Nocenti on the X-Men and Laurie Sutton and Karen Berger on the Legion. There sensibilities seem to reflect on the representation of women on their respective series, and (if I recall correctly) their popularity with women readers as well.
I’d also go further to say that while editing Swamp Thing was a huge influence on Berger’s approach to Sandman, the structuring of tent-pole story arcs/novels interspersed with stand-alone (short) stories came from her experience of editing the Legion.
Excellent points! Like I said, there's a longer piece to be written about Claremont/UXM and Levitz's LEGION - maybe I'll get to it someday!
well i couldn’t have loved this more
I'm so glad!! Thanks, Andy!
What a great piece, Alex. For some reason, the ADVENTURE-era Legion books were the first back issues I started collecting as a kid, probably due to being fascinated by the sprawling cast and deep history.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Thanks, man. It just kind of poured out. I had the pieces of the story bouncing around, but I felt more compelled to get it out today. Glad you enjoyed it.
You know, when I finished reading Marv Wolfman's entire Titans run for The Titans Companion, I felt like someone should've handed me a diploma. You must feel the same way!
I did! But what a fun ride!
With bonus Tellus and Polar Boy panels no less! Yay! (although no Quislet!) that Giffen era was me buying them off the shelf as a teen... still my fave Legion.. ah!
An iconic run!
Thanks for the astonishing breadth of this.
You’re welcome!! I hope it entertains a bit.
Ye gods! The length! I sort of want to print this out…
RIP Jim Shooter and long live the Legion! Thanks Alex.
This was a deep dive into Shooter! And I couldn't agree more. So much of the fun I had when encountering comic books (in the Marvel and DC style, but not exclusively) is that I was aware I wasn't getting it all, and there was MORE beyond the issue. To me, the ideal reader doesn't react like: "Oh, this is confusing, I don't understand it all." It's more like: "This is INTRIGUING, I don't understand it all. Let's find out."