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I've been meaning to post this for the past year but you know how it goes. One thing leads to another and when you have the time you don't feel like putting some things down in writing.
Last year (2005) was the 30th anniversary of my love affair with the Legion. Thirty years since I had picked up my first copy (Soljer's Private War, SLSH #210) and become hooked. 2005 was also the 30th anniversary of another major event in my life. The death of my father, four days before my ninth birthday. I guess even after all this time I'm still not over that. I didn't have a bad childhood, even after my father's death, especially compared to some. But I know that my little brother (two years younger) and I did grow up with a hell of a lot less than most of our friends and my mother did the best she could. We didn't turn out too bad, at least I like to think so. I haven't seen nor heard from my little brother since my mom died in 1996. He left his wife and two small girls (who have since moved on with their lives) and disappeared into the wilds of Montana. I keep thinking one night I'll hear about him on the news, the new Unabomber. He spent a few years in the Air Force right out of high school and I could see him turning into that kind of person. He never had to be deployed into a war zone so I don't know why he had such a grudge against the government but he did.
Anyway, in 1975 I lost my father and, within three months, my grandfather (his dad) and a close uncle (my dad's brother-in-law). Needless to say the summer of 1975 was not the best. My mom, wanting to get close to her family (my dad's was all back home in Alabama), moved us from Phoenix to Ely, Nevada where her sister/aunt (another long story, that of my convoluted family tree) lived. Ely was my mom's birth town, a small mining town just trying to survive. Not only was her sister living there at the time but so was mom's older brother and his family. So I had a bunch of cousins around for the first time (the offspring of my dad's two sisters being in California and Massachusetts at the time) and everyone did their best to help out. We had mountains and hills and snow for the first time and I found, at the drugstore at the bottom of the big hill from my uncle's place, my first comic rack. I had read comics before then, mostly Archies (I seem to recall my dad bringing them to me and he reading them too but that may just be a made up memory from childhood). What I had never seen until then was the old fashioned drugstore with the soda counter and spinner rack near the front window. All of those colorful books opened up a new world to me. I was a reader before I started school, my mom teaching me and reading to me constantly. I had a fifth grade comprehension and reading level by the time I was in the first grade (what I couldn't do was talk normally, another long story).
Being a small town, Ely didn't get their books regularly. This had to be around August and I think this issue came out a month or more before. Living in Nevada was different as we had a full summer vacation, three whole months. In Arizona, at the time, we only got two weeks off during the summer. We move there in late May/early June and I spent July (or most of June, forgive my memory) on the Oregon Coast with a friend from Phoenix and his family who were kind enough to include me on their summer vacation and came to Ely to get me. So when I found this copy of SLSH it was out of date. But what did I know. All I know is that out of all of the books I must have bought there before we moved to an even smaller town in Northern Nevada later that year (Jackpot, on the Idaho border) it was the one book I still had (and still have).
I honestly don't remember the next or subsequent Legion books I purchased. They did become a staple of my childhood from that point on. And from that first story I 'identified' with Garth. It would be awhile before I found out about his tragic background, the unluckiest Legionnaire and all, but I connected with him from the start. When my friends and I (including a couple of girls) would be playing Legion in the hills behind our trailer park, building forts out of old sinkholes and sheets of old newspaper printing plates (large pieces of aluminum that would have been wrapped around the printing press to print the newspaper, and I have no idea how they came to be in the desert of Nevada), I was always Garth.
As I grew older, playing the Legion and 'flying' around the hills and mountains of Jackpot eventually stopped. But my love of the Legion kept on growing. As I started working (at the age of 13 I had my first job, the Jailhouse Hotel, in Ely and I've worked every year of my life since) I found that there were places I could order back-issues of comics from. Actually, I'm a little ahead of myself with that. First, after we had moved back to Phoenix for part of a year, I found a whole store dedicated to selling new and used comics. When we left Ely (having moved back there from Jackpot for a few months) we had a yardsale and I sold what must have been a 2 foot stack, or larger, of just Archie comics. The money I earned bought me a novel to read on the way to Phoenix (Raise the Titanic by Clive Cussler) and, once back in Phoenix, my first trip to a comic store. I don't recall how long I stayed at the store that day with a friend but I do remember our mothers leaving us and coming back later and we still weren't ready. I bought a number of old Superboy and Legion books, predating #210. Don't remember buying much, if anything, else.
Then we moved back to Jackpot (we moved around quite a bit, even before my dad passed). This must have been late 1979, early 1980 now. I was 13 going on 14 and back in the small town I missed being able to get older books. Then I discovered Mile High Comics in the ad pages of a comic book. What money didn't go to help my mom or buy new comics went to Mile High in the form of a stead stream of postal money orders. Late in 1980 I fell in love with Phoenix in the pages of Uncanny X-Men. It happened to be, of course, issue #137, her death. So now money went to back issues of X-Men. Soon after that a new title showed up in the gift shop of Cactus Pete's, the casino where I got my comics. The NEW Teen Titans. With those two new titles my whole comic world exploded and I was buying nearly every book put out by both companies, either at the gift shop or the small drug store in Wells where I was going to school. Jackpot was extremely small and only had a grade school. So by the time I started the 6th grade I was being bussed 140 miles a day to Wells to go to school. Jackpot eventually started adding grades to the school, at about a rate of one a year (of course always behind a year for me) until they finally got a full high school the year I graduated. But I had already spent my teenage years in Wells and moved there on my own for my last year, running the journalism class (our journalism teacher was sent to Grenada and I was the only person with the knowledge to teach the class in my senior year) and working as the editor/typesetter/photographer/layout artist of the town's weekly newspaper.
Wow, okay, rambling a bit here. What I'm meaning to say above was that although I dove head first into the comic pool and was deeply into the X-Men and Titans, the Legion was still first most in my mind. I could rattle off code names, real names, powers, how they got those powers, home worlds, enemies, etc. for the Legion like none of my other friends who were into comics (remember this was long before computers and the internet, I had to actually rely on a working memory, which I had at the time). I was a full fledged Legion geek by that time and people expected it. The Legion had been there the whole time with me, since my father's death, giving me a world to escape to and, maybe at times, long for. Comics were an escape like no other. I went through phases with my regular reading: Hardy Boys and all those young teen detectives (was going to be one or a lawyer); anything by Isaac Asimov; Don Pendelton's Executioner books (I had family ties to the 'mafia' and this was a real escapist fantasy for me); Stephen King; Anne Rice. But I never found a novel that could grab me like, for instance, waiting for the next issue in the Reflecto storyline (or whatever was happening at the time). Comics had become a mainstay in my life, all leading back to the Legion.
After high school I held various jobs, living on my own still or with some friends. I couldn't afford college and felt like I would be abandoning my mom if I left her with my brother. I helped out with what I could. She wound up moving to Wendover, NV (on the UT border) and I followed her a few months later. Time passes (first marriage, divorce, failed engagement, all that fun stuff). My comic collection is piling up as are the bills of my adult life. I don't have many friends now who are into comics, having lost touch with everyone I grew up with. For the first time in my life the Legion had fallen off my radar. I honestly don't remember when or why but I had just stopped buying them (thankfully before LSH Annual #3 and the whole Proty is Garth garbage). I was into all the collector crap that came out in the late 80's/early 90's and the Legion wasn't part of that fad. While my collection grew with multiple copies of first issues, special event issues and multiple covers of multiple covers, the Legion became a dim memory. By the time late 1991 came around my comic buying was about over. I was getting ready to drop my subscriptions through Mile High and forget about comics. I was lonely, having moved back in with my mom after my failed marriage and failed engagement. A friend of mine set me up on a blind date in 1992 while I was on vacation and that led to my greatest love in life, Caroline. Fourteen years now and counting. Sometimes it feels like we haven't been together that long. By the time we were married in March of 92, a whirlwind romance we had, I had stopped buying comics altogether.
I moved to Salt Lake, giving up my job in Wendover since Caroline had (I think) 15 years in with the Sheriff's office at that time. We began our life together and she understood all the comic boxes I moved in with us. Even had a few of her own, being a collector of all things vampiric. But I had stopped buying and the Legion was forgotten. It continued this way until 1996 (I think) when, for some reason, the Legion popped back into my head, specifically Garth. We didn't have a real internet connection then but I could access the internet with our mortgaged to the hilt PC from Silo by using Earthlink. I was searching around and found some information. Not enough to really drag me back in. It wasn't until May of 2000 that I hit upon the LSHRPG. This was an eGroup (long before Yahoo took over) that was dedicated to role playing the Legion through e-mail. Having been an RPGer during those same formative years, this new twist intrigued me and I e-mailed the group owner asking if he had room for another player and, if by chance, Garth was available. Not only did Dave (as he was known then) welcome me with open arms, Garth's old player had just dropped out, allowing me to take over. I tried to play Garth as I remembered him and hope that I did it well. A quick aside here. Wayne, our Star Boy, was one of the players I first interacted with, making him (and Dave of course) my oldest of on-line friends. Nearly six years now. Wayne actually e-mailed me outside the game after a post I had made so it was my first personal communication outside of the game (I'll copy that game post after this, just for the hell of it).
From that moment the Legion came back into my life. I eventually found my way to the old DCMBs but just as they were beginning to shut down. I posted like crazy, or what I felt at the time was, and starting some real interactions there. When the day fast approached of the DCMB going away (I don't consider the new boards legitimate, the DCMBs are dead, long live the DCMBs!) I was contacted by a poster called Nightcrawler who wanted to start up his own place for Legion fans to meet. An idea that, in my programming infancy, shared. The rest, as we say, is history.
Although I lost sight of the Legion at what was really another low point in my life, they came back, as full of life for me as they were that day in 1975 when I was trying not to think about my dad and get lost in four-color glory. After Caroline and my Legion World friends and family, the Legion are something I can firmly grasp and hang on to. With all the reboots, reimaginings, etc. I still can go back to #210 and remember the way it was. What would have happened had I not found the Legion then? I don't even want to know. I did and that is what matters to me.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine one day I'd actually not only be interacting with more Legion fans than I ever thought existed but with some of the creators as well. I guess I'm still a fanboy geek at heart. Thanks for letting me ramble on. I know this didn't come out the way I wanted nor the way I had started it a dozen other times. But I finally got it out albeit a year late.
((Anyone who reads this: This is just for Garth's (and my) piece of mind. This is not meant to do anything but allow my character a chance to work out some of his feelings before he goes out on another mission, leaving his sons behind, again. Nothing that is said here is "foreshadowing" of things to come nor is it to effect the game in any way. So enjoy (or not). Thanks again, Dave, for letting me do this.))
Garth: **uses his omnicon to have the nanny bring the boys to HQ and meets them at the Hall of Heroes.**I'll bring the boys home when I'm done here. Thank you. **Takes each boy by the hand and walks to where Irma and Ayla's statues stand beside each other**
Graym: Mommy, Daddy. It's Mommy!
Val: **just looks up at Garth**
Garth: **getting down to the boys' level by bending to his knees** Yes Graym, it's your Mommy. And do you know who that is standing next to her?
Val: **before Graym can answer** Auntie Ayla!
Garth: **laughing and hugging the boys** Yes it's you Aunt Ayla. **getting a little serious** Now Daddy has to leave for a few days...
Graym: Where are you going, Daddy?
Garth: I have to go with Uncle Blok to see some people. I will only be gone a few days but if you want to come here and visit Mommy and Aunt Ayla's statues, just have your nanny Cari bring you here.
Val: **looks at Garth, trying to copy Garth's serious look** Does this mean you won't be burning dinner tonight?
Garth: No, I won't be burning dinner. **smiling** But maybe if you are good while I'm gone, Cari will make that snack you like. You know, the old one Mommy used to make when you behaved?
Graym and Val: **in unison** French Fries!!
Garth: **hugs both boys tight, laughing** I love you both! Come on, **picking up a boy in each arm** let's go see if Cari will fix you French Fries! **flies the boys back to their apartment and then returns to the Hall of Heroes**
Walks back down to where his wife and sister's statues stare down at him.
Garth: *half out-loud* If I didn't know better, **looking at the faces on the statues in front of him** I would swear the two of you can tell I'm leaving the boys again for another mission. **big sigh**
**Turning more towards Irma's statue** Sweetheart, if anyone ever overheard me in here they would probably ship me off to Titan to be studied for a mental condition. I know that I stepped down as leader to spend some more time with the boys, but that girl, the ghost, Mona, really shook me up. I really thought I was losing my mind. I thought you had come back to haunt me. And ever since Jeckie turned up on Weber's World under your cousin's control ((Dave, Universo is Irma's cousin in your reality, right? I remember that being the case pre-boot, please correct if wrong)) I keep expecting you and Ayla to be the next one's to turn up, "back from the dead". That's the big reason I agreed to go on this mission. If Jeckie was there, why not you or Ayla? And I just don't believe Universo is dead after all the trouble he's caused us in the past. Anyway, of all people you know me best and know my need for adventure. I love spending time with the boys but without you it's not the same. But I don't want to leave them as orphans either. Irma, help me! If you are out there let me know, someway, somehow! **head in hands, takes a deep breath then looks up again with tears in his eyes** Just watch out for the boys while I'm gone.
**Turns and starts pacing** When both you and Ayla were killed, I lost more of myself than I have left. It seems like the best parts of me are gone now. **stops in front of Ayla's statue** You know, "kid" sister, we didn't get along as good as twins should have or that I would have liked, but you know I love you. And I respect you, as a person and a hero. I hate going home to the farm on Winath with the boys and not have you and Irma there with us. **pulls out his omnicon and looks at the time** I have to go meet Andy and the team in the hanger. Just wanted to come and talk to you both one more time before we go. I'd say I promise to come back but we all know that's a promise that can't always be kept.
**Before he leaves, Garth takes out a holo-cube of him, Irma and the boys with a scene of them working together back on the family farm. Ayla can be seen in the back with their parents. He places the cube on the top of the base of Irma's statue and activates it. The scene starts to play and shows the family harvesting Thanschun ((look it up)). Little Val is hard at work and Graym is more goofing off than helping. Graym takes up a handful of a plant and places it on Val's head, like a wig. All the adults start laughing and little Val, not crying like most 2 1/2 year olds would do, leaves the Thanschun on his head and keeps on working. The scene starts over again. Outloud Garth says "Just a reminder of the good times" then flies back to the hanger to rejoin the team.**
posted
Scott, that was really nice to read. Thanks for sharing that
Your past experiences in life have helped build you into one helluva a guy and a great friend. Its funny how something like the Legion can be part of that.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Very nice tip of the hat to the Legion and what it means to you, Scott. Your first issue was one of the more memorable and sad Legion stories, I think.
(It's difficult to imagine Garth without Imra! Poor guy.)
thanks for sharing your happy and sad memories with us all, it's always interesting reading someones life adventures !
when i think over my life, after my immediate family comics have been there in my life for the longest time !!
coming up to 25 years, this year !!
they are the biggest love affair that i have over any other of my interests, and i think most people that don't know about comics, simily don't understand the love and affection we have for these books and characters !!
i find it hard to explain why i 'still' read and collect them !!
Matthew.
From: Manchester United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad: Is that a new Soljer graemlin for me Gary? Or have just been my usual unobservant self and missed it?
Um...sure. (Actually, I think I created him when I brought back Steve Lightle's "The Origin Of..." topic from the DCMBs.)
From: San Diego, CA | Registered: Jul 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad: Is that a new Soljer graemlin for me Gary? Or have just been my usual unobservant self and missed it?
Um...sure. (Actually, I think I created him when I brought back Steve Lightle's "The Origin Of..." topic from the DCMBs.)
My graemlin folder must not be updating with my backups then. I looked for him in it and didn't see him.
From: Utah | Registered: Jul 2003
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I am really glad you shared your 30th anniversary post. You have led a difficult, challenging and interesting life thus far. I am glad to know more about how you got here. It's always beneficial to be reminded how meaningful our fictional worlds can really be to us. The Legion helped me get through some tough times, too (not as tough as yours, I am grateful to say). That spirit of exceptional kids, creating friendships and really, a surrogate family, to sustain each other through childhood and beyond, always inspired me and gave me hope. It's why the Legion, the X-Men and the New Teen Titans were such great books. It's a message I've tried to impart to kids whose family lives leave a bit to be desired. You should be proud--as we are thankful--of the online family you've fostered and nurtured here.
-------------------- ...but you don't have a moment where you're sitting there staring at a table full of twenty-five characters with little name signs that say, "Hi, my superpower is confusing you!"
From: Chicago, IL | Registered: Jul 2004
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Thanks for sharing your life story with us, it (and you) are pretty amazing bud! Just as importantly, thanks for co-creating a place where you can feel comfortable opening up to your friends, folks who really understand your love of comics, particularly the LSH!!
I've always thought we have a lot in common (almost same age, married about the same length of time, and same favorite Legionnaire of all time ), but in reading your origin ( ) you've had a rougher time than I...and you turned out pretty awesome!
Proud to know you, and to be part of this World with you!
-------------------- Craig C.
- Time travel stories are told in chronillogical order.
From: Santa Ana, CA | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
awesome post scott, congratulations on this milestone. may you continue to inspire and be inspired. here's to the next 30 years!
From: Alameda, CA | Registered: Dec 2003
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Wow. Scooter, thanks so much for sharing this. I suppose I really should tell the tale of "An Australian and the Phantom Girl", or "How I was conned into Loving the Legion". Writing stuff like this is always hard and I have nothing but admiration for those that make the effort. We already know it, but thanks for another reminder of how much you rock.
quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad: A quick aside here. Wayne, our Star Boy, was one of the players I first interacted with, making him (and Dave of course) my oldest of on-line friends. Nearly six years now.
Oh wow. I totally remember this! I (as grizzled Star Knight Thom Kallor) loved the interactions with refined Prince Garth Ranzz. I still remember that "Doing whatever it is ladies do" remark as a classic that'll take some beating.
quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad: Wayne actually e-mailed me outside the game after a post I had made so it was my first personal communication outside of the game (I'll copy that game post after this, just for the hell of it).
I wonder what I said. I hope it was something nice. As a counterpoint to Scott's tale, I worked up the courage after forming such excellent friendships with the RPGers in LSHRPG and it's sister games to actually take my first overseas trip from OZ, to the San Diego Comic Con. There I met in real life a lot of wonderful people I'd only ever met on-line, including of course the ever-excellent Scott and Caroline and other RPG friends, but also Legion World mainstays such as Nightcrawler, Greybird, and Monkey-Eater Lad. (And there were more I'm sure of it, but I can't remember! I am so bad!)
So in conclusion, read the Legion, see the World.
(PS Thanks again Scott for such a wonderful read.)
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![[Lightning Lad]](graemlins/LightningLad.gif)
![[Soljer]](graemlins/Soljer.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Lightning Lad - Re-Imagined]](graemlins/LightningLad3.gif)
), but in reading your origin ( ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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I wonder what I said. I hope it was something nice. 
