I would like to give a big shout out to all Legion fans. I had the great pleasure to work on the Legion with the amazing DnA. My interest in the Legion began with the Cary Bates,Mike Grell days. Been a fan ever since and fulfilled a fanboy dream doing the book. The Legion was one of the hardest projects I had ever done, but also the most fulfilling. I am currently working on 52 with the great Keith Giffen on layouts. I would be happy to answer any questions and look forwrd to hering form you all........LLL!
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
Welcome to Legion World, Mr. Batista.
The art on 52 has been great.
Posted by Thriftshop Debutante on :
Why, Chris Batista! We've been waiting for you. Posted by Nightcrawler on :
Thanks for joining up Chris!
I'm sure the gang is preparing a long list of questions regarding your run as I type this. Posted by mechana on :
Chris! It's great to see you doing so well. (oh yeah, it's Ronda Pattison here!) I have to confess I haven't been following 52, but I'm sure your work is terrific; I've always thought so. Your art for Legion was an absolute pleasure to work on.
I hope you have some fun here; everyone is so friendly and kind. That's why I'm still here even though I haven't worked on Legion in ages!
Posted by Reboot on :
Hi
quote:Originally posted by Nightcrawler: I'm sure the gang is preparing a long list of questions regarding your run as I type this.
Well, since he prompted me, I do have one...
Was it your choice to put M'Onel [back] in the Valor costume? (I read something about that months before it happened saying your really wanted to do it (from a con report around the time you were announced as the ongoing artist, so sometime during summer 2003 while Dream Crime was still coming out), then could never find the site again, but it did happen in your last arc.)
Posted by Vee on :
Welcome to Legion World! It's always such a pleasure to have some of the Legion's creative talents (past or present) join us here. Have fun! Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Welcome Chris Batista Lad! At Comic-Con this summer Legionworld member Caliente and I were behind you in microphone line at the Legion cartoon panel Q & A but we didn't realize it was you at the time Posted by Chris Batista on :
It's been a nice welcome. Thanks to everyone.Great to hear from you Ronda. You were one to convince me to drop by Legion World, just took me awhile to get here. Just wanted to answer REBOOT's question about Mon el. First of all he was always one of my fave Legionaires. Second...I always hated that costume with the giant M on it. The red boots belong on Captain Marvel not Lar Gand. Third....I wanted to do an update of his classic suit (which I eventually did) and still maintain that iconic simplicity. I made it a jacket instead of a shirt and dropped his blue undies. Fourth.....By changing his costume I wanted to force any writer to acknowledge the change and hopefully make him a bigger focus in the book. I felt he deserved much more attention than Superboy.
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
My question...
From what I've understood about the Academy students who appeared in LEGION #25, they were all designed by you and the point was to make them interesting looking enough to warrant doing something with them later on.
Did you have any specific ideas about any of them? And if so, what were they?
[ September 10, 2006, 01:27 AM: Message edited by: Nightcrawler ]
Posted by ActorLad on :
Glad to see you here Chris, You're one of my favorite artists. Hope you enjoy your stay!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
in response to the academy students question...I don't have the artwork in front of me so I'll try to remember. DnA gave me a few names and let me play with the rest. I threw in Polar Boy(I just felt he needed to be there).I insisted on Kent Shakespeare not that anyone argued. Comet Queen, Stone Boy[with a better name I hope}, a Rocket Racoon homage to add a little more diversity to the team's bodytypes.I seem to remember some kind of reptilian character in a containment suit, he or she may have been a speedster type. I think Quislet was there but don't remember. For the most part I wanted to make fans react and ask questions. Some of them were just designed without a story. I had to come up with a specific number of recruits. Hopefully fans would dig them and want to see more of them. DnA had some really great plans that they never got to put in motion. They wanted the Legion to get even bigger hence their name. It would have been hell on any artist but would have been worth it. On last note...DnA were originally supposed to have 5 issues to wrap up their run but it was cut down to 2. It would be impossible to wrap up all those storylines, so they had to settle for the Singularity which had been left dangling for a while. There was a great resolution to the Cub story that I was dying to draw.
Posted by the boy with UltraPowers on :
hey Chris !!
i'm glad you've found the time [ in between your fab artwork on '52' ] to join us here on LEGION WORLD !!
i really enjoyed your run on 'THE LEGION' [ your designs for the SERVANTS in the 'Foundations' storyline were cool, did they look that way in the script, or was it all down to you ??
and as my favourite character is ULTRABOY, i'm interested to hear more on the planned CUB storyline, please tell us more ....
cheers
from
Matthew.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks a lot Matthew. Ultra Boy is one of my faves as well. He is fun to draw as well. The servants designs were all left up to me. Thanks for the kind words. I can't remember the specifics of the Cub story. I feel that only DnA should tell that story, not my half assed recollection. The most I can relate is that is was meant to be done in 2 issues focusing on Cub, Uboy and Twolf. At least one of those issues was going to be an issue long fight scene between Jo and Brin. I would have loved to draw that. I loved the dynamic between those two characters. I really dug DnA's take on TWolf and he was great to draw. Makes me sad that we never got around to it. I think it would have been one of our best stories. Ultra Boy is the most requested character as far as sketching for fans goes. Twolf is the second. Peace...............
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Great to see you here Chris! I have to say I'm disappointed you didn't get to draw a lot of Garth as himself in the last series. But I do own two of the pages (including the "love scene") you did during the Universo storyline which had Imra dreaming up the real Garth. I also just got a couple of pages with Jarth talking to Dr. Gym'll that were done by you and inked by Chip Wallace. Some of the best pieces in my collection. Now, if you'll just draw the Legion back-up in 52... Posted by matlock on :
Hi Chris, welcome to the board. I guess my big question would have been about Cub, which you've answered as best you could. So I'll just say I thought your time on the book was absolutely top notch, and I'm sorry it was curtailed by the end of that particular Legion's stories. I thought Dream Crime was really good, and the Saturn Girl spotlight issue was really well done. I'm glad DC is still keeping you around and on such a high profile gig. Nice to know the Legion's tradition of helping usher in fresh talent to bigger and better things continues.
Thanks for stopping in after such a long time away from the book, and you should tell Mr. Keith Giffen how nice we are. There hasn't been a pages-long debate about the merits of the nine panel grid in far too long.
[ September 11, 2006, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: matlock ]
Posted by lil'rhino on :
Hi Chris! No questions, just lettin' you know that I was very, very impressed with your art on the Legion and wish your run on the book would have been alot longer. That cover you drew w/ the entire team must have been a nightmare, but the results were faboo!!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks a lot Lightning Lad. I have to say I was pretty happy with how that love scene came out and am glad that a real Legion fan owns them. Just to let you know, DnA always had plans to seperate the two characters, Jarth was only temporary. If there is A legion backup in 52 I would love to draw it but I feel the honor belongs to Barry Kitson, as it's his Legion now. I hope you got your hands on some Olivier Coipel's Legion work. I thought he was outstanding on the book. He gave the future some real grit and made the Legion sexy without being cheesy. His work on the title was very intimidating and inspiring.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Also big thanks to Matlock and Lil Rhino. You all have made this very rewarding for a first time poster. I'm currently drawing two nine panel page courtesy of Mr Giffen. Makes you work that's for sure. The cover was my only one for the Legion and it's special to me, plus I had the madly talented Andy Lanning on inks. We were supposed to be reunited (with dan abnett as well)on Nova for Marvel. Unfortunately I had a prior comittment on 52 on it just did'nt work out. You should read the mini, it's great. Kev Walker did great job on it as well. I just read hear that it's going to be a series. I hope it's a hit. DnA have long deserved the spotlight.
Posted by Ghost of Numf El on :
F'n'A to have you here Chris!
Posted by Reboot on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Just to let you know, DnA always had plans to seperate the two characters, Jarth was only temporary.
"Seperate"? That's interesting - I could have seen Jarth hatching into Garth at some point, but I wouldn't have expected Jan to return given, not so much the fact that he was killed, but the Progenitor stuff. Is that what you meant or am I misreading?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Yes Jan and Garth would have become seperate entities with their own bodies. I think Jan's essence would have been from before his evolution into the Progenitor, stored in the memory crystals somehow. DnA would explain it far better than I. There also may have been a potential return of the Omniphagos somewhere along Jan's rebirth. They had a plan for everybody.
Posted by rtvu2 on :
Welcome Chris! Love your work on 52. Anthing there you can tease us with?
Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
Great to have you onboard Chris! Your Legion work was always a treat and I'm glad to see your continued work on "52". As a longtime "Rom" fan, I also loved how you updated the Spaceknights (I hear they're making an appearance in "Annihilation" - hopefully not just to get annihilated) - too bad the new incarnation never took off. I think I read that Starlin only did it for the paycheck which is too bad.
Legion-ralated question: Who are your all-time fav Legionnaires (aside from Mon) and which were your favorites to draw?
Non-Legion related question: What other projects do you have down the pike? A little self-promotion never hurt...
Posted by Legate Cobaltus on :
Great to have you here Chris! A lot of big fans your work around here, including me (I think your 52 stuff is the best you've done so far!).
VERY interesting to hear about DnA's plans for the reboot Legion. Too bad we never got to see them. Actually, one of the things that bothered a lot of fans was the sense that some of the stories towards the end dragged out a bit (Universo storyline, Darkseid story). Could you give any insight to an attempt on the editors parts to spread these stories about so they'd fit a trade paperback? It seems DnA were more comfortable in doing 2-3 issue stories that 'grew' gradually into another 2-3 story, instead of one 'set 5-6 issue TPB story'.
Posted by Omni Craig on :
quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad: But I do own two of the pages (including the "love scene") you did during the Universo storyline which had Imra dreaming up the real Garth.
Side note: Scott, I officially hate you. Those are freakin' beautiful pages!
Oh, and Chris, no question from me, but welcome to LW! Always great to have truly talented folks and fellow Legion fanatics join in the fun here! Really enjoyed your art from day 1 on the book! I was not always a big Olivier fan...he grew on me as he developed, but it was so sketchy and dark...I know it reflected the "time" of the book with the Blight and Lost, ...hmm Legion Lost 12 was pure magic though...crap I'm digressing again. Anyway, your work is brilliant and keep it up! I actually find myself smiling as I buy a book off the rack with your name on it because I know the quality and effort you put into your art. I've not been disappointed yet! Your Legion stuff, the Hawkman 3 parter leading into Rann-Thanagar, 52... wow! Again, just keep it up, and we'll keep buying it! See you around the outpost.
[ September 13, 2006, 01:39 AM: Message edited by: Omni Craig ]
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Greetings Chris! While I personally wasn't that impressed overall by DnA's writing on the Legion, your artwork was always first-rate, and I'm really enjoying your work on 52.
Posted by Stratum on :
Welcome to the boards, Chris! I love the job you're doing on 52 and can't wait to see more work from you on it. I am considerably impressed by all the 52 pencillers who manage to keep a coherent look throughout a weekly series. No mean feat, that.
I have a thousand and one questions about 52 and a number of theories posted over in the official 52 discussion. It would be nice to see what someone on the other side of the fence thinks of them.
Jamie
Posted by Chris Batista on :
On the topic of 52 I don't really have much in the way of teasing. In my upcoming issues look for JSA, Will Magnus, Lobo and the crew,Captain Comet and the usual regulars. One of whom will be getting his own series to which I am attached.I can't reveal who as I've been reading speculation about who lives or dies and that would ruin some of that and my boss would make me a eunuch. Now Spaceknights broke my heart. The printed version does not reflect what I put in in the original proposal. Since they would'nt let me write it they got Jim Starlin for me ( I wanted DnA ). He clearly did'nt get what I was going for. I wanted crazy Sci Fi concepts grounded in characters you could get attached to. I never wanted it to be so one dimensional and cliche.They were never meant to speak like that. The Arthurian touches were ment to be subtle not like a crowbr to your balls. I wanted to evoke Dan Simmons and Peter Hamilton. Oh well, I ws happy with the way they looked. Toy Biz was interested for a while but the while Rom issue held that up.
Favorite Legionaires (in no particular order ) Ultra Boy, Cosmic Boy, Timber Wolf, Monel, Saturn Girl, Wildfire, Shikari, Karate Kid, Collasal Boy(cockrum design). I love all the members of the Legion. Except Monstress, Projectra (snake), Thunder(should have been a far cooler character)
Thank you for noticing the effort I put into what I do OmniCraig. Your compliments are appreciated like you would'nt believe. Guys like you make us work hard. Thanks also for Stratum and Erik. If you take the time to post, the least I can do is say thank you.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Welcome Chris, I wasn't reading The Legion during your tenure but i'm happy to say i've really enjoyed your issues of JLA and 52 in the past year.
Hopefully those can lead you to some high profile assignments because work of your quality really deserves to be in the spotlight.
Posted by rouge on :
Hi Chris,
Gates was my favourite character in the reboot, and it really upset me that he was pretty much discarded very early on in DnA's run. Were there plans to bring him back to the front eventually, or was he just a character they didn't care for?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
As far as I know DnA liked Gates. He did get to rip off one off Rhas Al Ghul's hands. I enjoyed drawing him as well. I think with the limited time left, he was one of the characters that would never get a shot at the spotlight. It's the curse of writing the Legion, very difficult to get around to everybody. One of my old faves was Sun Boy. I had convinced the editor that the team needed him. I thought the fans would agree as well. He was going to be updated to not just be a Jonhnny Storm knockoff with a slighly revised classic costume.
Posted by the boy with UltraPowers on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I hope you got your hands on some Olivier Coipel's Legion work. I thought he was outstanding on the book. He gave the future some real grit and made the Legion sexy without being cheesy. His work on the title was very intimidating and inspiring.
hey again Chris !!
i have some Olivier Coipel artwork !! i was a MASSIVE fan of his work on the book, and as you said he made the team ULTRA sexy !!
it's interesting to hear you say, you were intimidated [ but also inspired ] to come onto the book after him !!
looking forward to those upcoming '52' issues that you have mentioned !!
from
Matthew.
Posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire on :
Hi Chris Even though you never worked on the original Legion,Your still one of my favorite artists that drew the title, I could see your love for the characters in your artwork on the Legion just like I did with Dave Cockrum and Steve Lightle. I would so love to see you draw the Legion in the costumes from the 70's and 80's.
Posted by Sketch Lad on :
Chris, I loved your work on the Legion! Not only did you make the characters look attractive and exciting, your detail in backgrounds and tech and everything was excellent. That stuff really matters in the Legion comics.
I'm a major Dream Girl fan, so I'm fussy about how the artists draw her, and your version of Dreamer was lovely. Thank you for that.
I also enjoyed your JLA art a while ago. I was glad to see you there.
Hope you get to look around Legion World and have some fun. Since you've been a fan since the Bates/Grell era, I'm sure you can appreciate a lot of our humor here. The people of LW know a LOT about the Legion. We've made stars out of people like Sinde, the girl that Cos dated when he was mad at Lydda. We had a gallery exhibit (in the Bits of Legionnaire Business section) dedicated to the heroes memorializes at Shanghalla! We're INTO it around here!
Take care!
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
Hi Chris Really pleased to see you here at Legion world.
I love your work of 52, really helps me undertand the story with all the little nuances.
I have to admit I was not a great fan of Oliviers work on the legion (although I can see the effect he was going for to match the mood of the stories) it was just a matter of taste I guess. When you took over the legion i was much happier and for me the artwork was much better.
Like a lot of the guys have already said, please feel free to join in the various silly and serious threads all over the place, the people here at Legion World are a great bunch to hang around with.
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
I wish that all the great Legion artists could continue drawing the Legion forever. You gave us a lot of beautiful, memorable scenes, Chris, and it's great that you're working on 52.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Chris, I absolutely loved "Dream Crime"! The synergy of your art and DnA's writing really shined there and was a highlight of that series. "Foundations" was a little awkward on the writing side, bur your art was very bright and imaginative.
This was the first time I'd seen your art since you were the original artist on "Steel". I thought your work showed promise there, but your Legion work showed major improvement. Absolutely beautiful!
I'm not picking up "52", but when I find out what weeks you drew/are drawing, I'll definitely seek those out. Looks like I'll have to seek out your recent Marvel work, too!
And I'll definitely pick up the new title you alluded to. I hope "52" and the new title help give you the superstar artist status you deserve!
Anthony
Posted by LARDLAD on :
BTW, Chris, do you know at what point DC pulled the plug on "The Legion" in favor of Waid's revamp? "Foundations" was so heavily promoted that I was shocked to see the announcement come. The whole point of that storyline appeared to lay the groundwork for the future. Did they make the decision before, during or after "Foundations" saw print?
Thanks, Anthony
Posted by Caliente on :
quote:Originally posted by Monkey Eater Lad: At Comic-Con this summer Legionworld member Caliente and I were behind you in microphone line at the Legion cartoon panel Q & A but we didn't realize it was you at the time
Wow, really?! I didn't know that!! I could've bombarded him with questions like so many other lucky DCers.
Anyway, it's great to have you here Chris. I love your work on 52, though I am dreadfully behind after being out of the country for 5.5 weeks, and will undoubtedly love your work on the DnA Legion when I finally find time to read it. (I've been slowly working my way through the reboot. ) So, yeah. Woo-hoo!!
Oh, and I second Scott's Legion back-up suggestion. 'Cause yeah. That'd be sweet. (It was me who asked about the Legion in 52 at SDCC, btw. Along with a million other things...)
Posted by Tromium on :
Chris, I'm also a big fan of your Legion work - your reimagined Titan and "diner waitress" issue are some of my very favorites moments of the post-Zero Hour era, and I want to thank you for making the final year of The Legion a visual treat. Am I correct that you also redesigned Sensor? If so, good job. DnA's plans for fissioning Jarth make me shudder a bit, though.
I have to admit my reading of "52" has been pretty spotty lately, but I'm back into it with the current issue and I'll be sure to look out for your work. I wish you all the best with your new project and hope you have a long and successful career with DC.
My question is the same as Lardlad's. It seems the commercial success of 'Foundations' (or lack of it) must have been the final deciding factor in ending the previous continuity, and the decision had to have been made swiftly. Don't mean to put you on the spot, but we're all very curious about the inner workings of DC as it affects the Legion.
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Hey Chris, besides Sun Boy, were there any other Legionnaires from previous incarnations that you wanted to bring to the team?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
My favorite era is the Cockrum era, followed by Keith Giffen's masterful run with Paul Levitz. I was actually planning on getting Timber Wolf back in the Cockrum costume. With just a slight revision to modernize it. I wanted to do the sme with Violet, I just loved that design. Cockrum's Element Lad actually looked tough. I would love to draw the Legion in those outfits, except Cosmic Boy. Looked too much like a space stripper. Keith Giffen's redesign was sweet. Thanks for the Dreamer notices, I based her on Carmen Electra. Carmen just has thoose big Blue eyes that worked really well for Dreamer.
A Sensor fan? I thought everybody hated her. DnA wanted her to resemble a lethal mermaid of sorts. I took some cues from Zahn on Farscape. I was planning on some new patterns because snakes shed their skins. I never liked the snake with the arms. Not much fun to draw. Then again, I think I would have prefered Sensor Girl.
And yes SketchLad....I'm relly into it as well. Big, big, big, legion geek. I'm well versed with every era. Big thanks to you all for posting!
Posted by Querl Dox on :
Welcome Mr Batista! I'm really pleased to talk to you as i've begun in the Legion with your art.
I will explain so you can understand. I'm from France (i'm only in the USA since last december) and i started to have access to comics-shops regularly only around that time as i moved to Paris. So i started collecting the Legion at that time too, and i was astonished by your art in it.
The title was my favorite as i really like DnA as writers, i follow them on their new books too now.
So it's a particular feeling for me, as it was my beginning, and i'm a little emotional about it. These issues will always be special for me.
Just to say thank you for all these wonderful moments each time i was reading an issue, i couldn't wait for the next one.
I hope your actual work on 52 will lead to another run on another title that will give you the exposure you deserve, and where we will be able to enjoy your art again. I would be happy to see you on a monthly book again.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
As far as other Legionaires returning, I would have loved Blok, Colossal Boy (Gim Allon),Tellus (needs more aliens) and Quislet. I'm sure I had others in mind but I'm drawing a blank right now. The Legion is meant to be huge and damn the artist! They have to protect the whole universe.
Those issues were very special to me as well Querl Dox. They represented my finally drawing what I truly wanted to draw for years. Comics are hard work and it really helps me, as an artist, to love the characters I'm bringing to life. With DnA at the helm I was a happy camper. I was'nt always happy with how it all turned out. Constant deadlines mean that you can't always do everything you want, but with the Legion I was always trying. Being on this board has been wonderful for me and I want to express just how much everyone's words mean to me. It especially matters that it is the Legion. As far as being on a monthly, 52 is doing that right now. I will have a series from it's completion. It's a character that I love as well. He's been great to draw in 52. If I could pick what book I would want to draw it would be Captain Marvel or Mr Miracle.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
The decision to relaunch the Legion was ,I think, a marketing decision. They could push Mark and Barry as the team that did Empire. They did get higher numbers than we did. Originally I was going to stick around with Mark coming aboard. I wrote down a whole bunch of notes for him that my editor asked me to put to paper. These were ideas that I was always pestering him about. Then the relaunch came about with Barry on board. The fresh start made more sense with Barry. It would have been hard on me to just throw everything away and start from scratch as I was very happy with were the book was. Besides Barry is a great chap as well as being a great artist on the book.
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: As far as other Legionaires returning, I would have loved ... Quislet.
Who doesn't love Quislet? Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Besides Barry is a great chap as well as being a great artist on the book.
Barry has been great to LegionWorld as well. You should check out some of his threads where he shares with us the various stages of his covers. They're pretty nifty!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I met Barry Kitson for the first time just over a week ago. We had dinner and drinks with Legion editor Steve Wacker. He told me that he was heading out to Baltimore for the Con. Other than the fact, that he punched out a nun for taking a sip out of his beer, he was a great guy. He's got a wicked left, that nun was out cold. She'll think twice next time.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
A belated welcome from me, too... and thanks for putting Kent into the cadets!
I loved your run on the book! I'd have rather had that continue than the five fill-in issues that followed.
Posted by Omni Craig on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I met Barry Kitson for the first time just over a week ago. We had dinner and drinks with Legion editor Steve Wacker. He told me that he was heading out to Baltimore for the Con. Other than the fact, that he punched out a nun for taking a sip out of his beer, he was a great guy. He's got a wicked left, that nun was out cold. She'll think twice next time.
That is hysterical! Barry sounds like a tough guy. It would be even more impressive if the nun was Andromeda... Posted by Omni Craig on :
Wow Chris, I had forgotten you drew Steel in the beginning of his series... I dug your art way back then too!!
Has your new series been announced yet, or are you teasing us? Maybe it's a new Booster Gold series!! Posted by Chris Batista on :
Kent Shakespeare was one of the most pleasant surprises from the five year gap era. Most of the cadets were left up to me, and there was no way I was leaving out Kent. I was really hoping he'd make the active roster. It would have been nice to actually come up with a costume for him. Oh well! Steel has shown up in the latest issue of 52. He's been great to draw as well. Check out the colors on the issue, really great stuff. I don't mean to be a tease on the topic of a new series but I have a duty to protect what little secrets I know about 52. Since there is speculation about who lives or dies, I can't reveal who it is yet. All I can say, which unfortunately will still be teasing, is that I have already drawn the character in my issues of 52. He's a favorite of mine.
Posted by Blacula on :
Hi Chris! I can't believe I've only just discovered this thread now! Welcome to Legion World!
I'm a big fan of your work! Your time on the Legion was my first exposure to it and it made me an instant fan! Congratulations on your excellent work in probably the best JLA story of the last 5-10 years too!
Really looking forward to seeing what your post-52 series is. Hoping its a Ralph Dibny ongoing! He's too good a character to end up in limbo... or worse - in the ground!
One last thing before I go - SO great to see you're a Colossal Boy/Gim Allon fan too! I think I'm probably the biggest Gim Allon fan on this site and thus one who blames the reboot's sudden decline in quality (pre-DnA) to be a direct result of the Emerald Violet storyline (which killed off Gim and left us with that endless/useless Team 20 mess).
So here's a question - were there ever any plans to bring back Gim? Or was that just your wishful thinking as an artist?
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Chris, you should know that we *really* like it when creators tease us around here. You might want to use Barry's favorite graemlin: Posted by Chris Batista on :
JLA was such a treat to draw. I got to draw the original lineup and Despero. Not to mention working with the amazing duo of Geoff Johns and Alan Heinberg. I wish I could do a fill in on the new Brad Meltzer Leauge. Maybe I'l start begging now. Sorry it won't be a Ralph Dibny ongoing but he is definetly proving his worth in 52 without any powers. Collasal Boy was "hopeful" thinking if the book never got rebooted. My plan was that somehow his lifeforce had been preserved in Violet by the Emerald Eye. When he is restored, Violet would get her classsic Cockrum suit and so would Colossal Boy. That costume just looked perfect to me. I love Violet as a character but not at the expense of Gim Allon. Besides, his being an ex cop would play really well with Legion World being a base for the Science Police. I doubt most Legion fans would be too upset at seeing Colossal Boy back in full glory.
Posted by Reboot on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Collasal Boy was "hopeful" thinking if the book never got rebooted. My plan was that somehow his lifeforce had been preserved in Violet by the Emerald Eye. When he is restored, Violet would get her classsic Cockrum suit and so would Colossal Boy. That costume just looked perfect to me. I love Violet as a character but not at the expense of Gim Allon. Besides, his being an ex cop would play really well with Legion World being a base for the Science Police.
They had actually, deliberately, ruled that out as a possibility back in the issue where they revealed she had his powers though...
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Good point Reboot. I had forgotten about that especially since I remember I was'nt reading the book as much at that time. It felt a bit "Archie" at the time. If I had ever gotten the chance to Bring Gim back, never fear, I would have done my reserch thoroughly. It had taken DnA to get me back as a full time reader. I felt they gave the book a giant set of cojones.
Posted by rickshaw1 on :
Just saw this. Hello Chris. Welcome to the board from another fan of your art. It's a pleasure.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
The pleasure is mine Rickshaw
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
quote:Originally posted by Reboot:
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Collasal Boy was "hopeful" thinking if the book never got rebooted. My plan was that somehow his lifeforce had been preserved in Violet by the Emerald Eye. When he is restored, Violet would get her classsic Cockrum suit and so would Colossal Boy. That costume just looked perfect to me. I love Violet as a character but not at the expense of Gim Allon. Besides, his being an ex cop would play really well with Legion World being a base for the Science Police.
They had actually, deliberately, ruled that out as a possibility back in the issue where they revealed she had his powers though...
It's comic books.... nothing is ever entirely ruled out! (except perhaps a single, coherent, logical DC continuity!)
I liked that Vi could get big, tho.
My main objection to seeing Gim brought back in Reboot would have been - is it just another pointless comic-book death/resurrection, or would there be some kind of character development as a result? The former cheapens all comic book deaths, as it's done too frequently. Not that I'd want to see a returned Gim flake out into existentialism or similar... but something to show it's given him more depth.
Also - wouldn't it be fun for a returned Gim to be the one able to shrink, and leave Vi with the giant end of the powers dichotemy?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I hear you Kent. If I was indeed able to bring Gim back from the grave, I would do my best to not make it a cheap stunt. He would definetly be affected as a character. I just felt that in the reboot, we did'nt really get a chance to know him before he died. They never dug into his heritage. What does being a Jew mean in the 30th century? It has lot's of possibilities......
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
Welcome, Chris!
Wow, it's fun reading your comments... revisiting what's now a 'bygone' era.
I remember when ROM came out thinking that you'd be a great match for the LSH. And I was right!
Would you be interested in returning to the series someday?
As a big Sun Boy fan, I was pleased to read that you, at least, had plans for the character. Dirk really deserved some reboot spotlight.
As a bigger Element Lad fan, I found the revelation that Jarth would've eventually been Jan separate from Garth heartening. Would that have been heroic Jan the Legionnaire?
And Omniphagos? How would that have worked out?
I'm really sorry we Legion fans didn't get to read the stories that you and DNA had planned for the series. They sound like good stuff.
Thank you for your work on the Legion. I especially loved your Dream Girl. And that image of the boat in the canals or rivers of Titan is one that has stayed with me. Was that meant to evoke the river Styx?
What was ahead for Brainy and Invisible Kid? Were some of us fans reading too much into 'that kiss'?
Nightcrawler provided a link to a thread in which we made up back stories for all those unnamed cadets. There were headshots from the comic that was used for IDing the characters. If we posted those here, would you share what you remembered about them?
Again, thanks for posting here-- it's been a treat reading this thread on a flash-flooding, gloomy day here in Tennessee.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks so much Mystery Lad. I remember reading a negative review for Spaceknights (can't blame them), in which the reviewer felt that I would be very well suited to the Legion. I think doing an All Star Legion would be pretty awesome. Of course there are no plans for it. Jan, if I recall, would've been the heroic Element Lad. Just can't remember all the details. I would hope that he would be more in the vain of the 80's Legion in which he was'nt shy and lead the Legion. The canals of Titan were just effectively capturing the amazing detail in the script. I'm glad you liked it. As far as Brainy and Lyle, who knows? I would be very happy to share any of my thoughts on the cadets. I was never sure if the fans would like any of the unfamiliar ones. Keep dry and thanks again.
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
OK, Chris... remember you asked for it How about these three to start?
Posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I think doing an All Star Legion would be pretty awesome. Of course there are no plans for it.
To bad Chris with you and then there's George Perez,Jim Lee,Carlos Pacheco,Allan Heinberg and Brad Meltzer all saying they would love to do something with the Legion,DC should do an All-Star Legion book for the fans,I would really love if it tied in with All-Star Superman and had the feel of the Original Legion with them being in costumes closer to the ones they wore in the 70's and 80's(Dave Cockrum rules)maybe even some of the writers and artists who did the Legion in the past and still love the characters could work on the series also like Paul Levitz,Steve Lightle and dare I say Jim Shooter and Kieth Giffen.
[ September 23, 2006, 11:51 PM: Message edited by: Lone Wolf Legionnaire ]
Posted by rtvu2 on :
quote:Originally posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire:
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I think doing an All Star Legion would be pretty awesome. Of course there are no plans for it.
To bad Chris with you and then there's George Perez,Jim Lee,Carlos Pacheco,Allan Heinberg and Brad Meltzer all saying they would love to do something with the Legion,DC should do an All-Star Legion book for the fans,I would really love if it tied in with All-Star Superman and had the feel of the Original Legion with them being in costumes closer to the ones they wore in the 70's and 80's(Dave Cockrum rules)maybe even some of the writers and artists who did the Legion in the past and still love the characters could work on the series also like Paul Levitz,Steve Lightle and dare I say Jim Shooter and Kieth Giffen.
Misdirection. Chris is really working on it right now! Posted by Chris Batista on :
OK here goes.... 1. I think she may have been a possible White Witch or she may have been immensely strong due to her manipulation of her mass. 2.May have been Reflecto or a new take on Chemical King. Did'nt want him to look like every other caucasion Legionaire. 3. My tribute to Rocket Racoon, Pakrat from Atari Force and Starfox. He would be very fast and incredibly agile. Like trying to catch a squirrel. Fun loving prankster but very feral when cornered. Never gave him a name. Any suggestions?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I had no idea so many creators want to do an All Star Legion. If I had to pick I would go with Alan Heinberg and Carlos Pacheco. Brad Meltzer is great but we have'nt seen what he can do with science fiction. He may be great at it. Pacheco is in a class all his own, as are George and Jim, and Alan proved himself on Young Avengers. I would love to do it, but with that kind of competition, I doubt I would be considered. I definetely feel it should evoke the Cockrum era with a real grasp for futuristic thinking (much like DnA). Steve Lightle was definely amazing on the Legion.
Posted by Reboot on :
1 & 2 - well, we saw Mysa in a major role three or four times (Kinetix's origin, Mordru, Elements of Disaster), and Condo in several extended cameos as a holonews reporter (and possibly Invisible Kid's boyfriend, although they yanked the actual confirmation of that) respectively, so presumably the other two choices
3 - Dunno, but something entirely non-squirrel/raccoon/rodent related, hopefully. That goes second only to the "I'm from Country X, so I must have powers/a costume/a name/all of the above related to stereotypes/the flag/the name of that country" in my list of pet hates on that score Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
No questions (atleast right now). But Chris I'm a huge fan.
Ever since Starknights I've been a huge fan. I had a letter published in the last issue of that mini.
Loved your Legion work. That was a dream come true for me.
I was really blown away by your JLA run. Hawkman wow!!! Great job. And ofcourse I always get excited when you do an issue 52. Can't wait to see what you do next. You are one of the few artists these days that follow on all their work.
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: 3. My tribute to Rocket Racoon, Pakrat from Atari Force and Starfox. He would be very fast and incredibly agile. Like trying to catch a squirrel. Fun loving prankster but very feral when cornered. Never gave him a name. Any suggestions?
This character actually picked up a bit of a cult following during the time he was featured, with the nickname "Floating Foxlike Creature Boy".
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
Although some of us wondred if FLoating Foxlike Creature could have been female?
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
This is fun, so let's keep going!
The last one's obvious Kent, but I'd like to hear any more ideas you might have about him.
Posted by Kid Prime on :
quote:Originally posted by Reboot: Condo in several extended cameos as a holonews reporter (and possibly Invisible Kid's boyfriend, although they yanked the actual confirmation of that) respectively, so presumably the other two choices
Of course, that's assuming that Condo was going to be Chemical King. Since CK never popped up, there's always the possibility that he would have been someone different once rebooted.
Chris, I'm really glad you've started posting. I thought your art really made the book special once Coipel left.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Here we go.... 1.Stone Boy for sure. I always meantfor Blok to be his own charcter. Thought it would be cool if this Stone Boy had some kind of power over earth matter. 2. For this alien I had no idea. Maybe he or she is a thinker. 3.Kent Shakespeare of course. Maybe give him his hero name Impulse. At least I think that was his name in the 5 year gap. It's been awhile. I think he was just going to be really tough. For old time's ske he would be real tight with Ultra Boy. I think he may have had a journalism background as well. Gotta take advantge of that Clark Kent resemblance. The fox would definetly work as a female. Good suggestion. Get us a team up with Timber Wolf.
I want everyone to keep in mind that there was very little time to create these characters. It would have been nice if they had all been mapped out in advance. I tried to get a few classics in there for the fans but the book had to get done. I'm glad that they were received well in spite of the rush. Thanks a lot Kid Prime. Coipel left some big shoes to fill
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I loved your Micro Legion gallery Ultra Jorge! Any chance you'll put in Princess Projectra's Cockrum outfit?
Posted by Yellow Kid on :
Hey! How did I miss this thread?
Welcome aboard Chris. As you can see we just love it when a Legion creator interacts and generally try not to be too fanboyish (for anybody but Mark Waid...he's such an easy target ).
I hope you're comfortable here and get lots and lots of hours of enjoyment out of our slavish devotion to all things Legion.
(lots of cool art threads and fanfic too if you want to blow a little free time surfing around)
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Chris, what is your reaction to Steve Wacker leaving DC (and '52')?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Steve Wacker is one of the few good guys in the biz. I have had some awful experiences with two faced,egotistical editors. Steve was the exception. Loyal, understanding, passionate about the characters, and most importantly very fair. He always looked out for me in ways no one in comics ever had. I'm not sure I would have my contract at DC without his support. 52 would never be so far along without him and will continue to do so from the system he implemented. At the end of the day, this is still a business. Steve has two beautiful kids and had to make a decision that was best for him. I will miss him when I drop work off at the office. He's gonna do great things at Marvel and I'm sure we will work again someday.
Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
Speaking of "52", I have a Question question:
Why in the name of all that is good and holy, do you guys not put Vic in his fedora? (except covers and the bio page) I miss that classic look.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
That's a very good question Drake. Unfortunately I don't have an answer. I never got a chance to draw the Question myself but he should definetly have that fedora. I did just finish up a particularly brutal issue starring Captain Comet. Very brutal stuff in this issue and I hope you guys enjoy it. The writers really deliver on this one. I think Grant gets most of the credit though.
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
Here's some more of those pesky cadets to tickle your memory, Chris:
Loving your work in 52-- but you've got me worried with that Captain Comet comment!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Here goes Mystery Lad 1. This one never had a backstory. Just filler unfortunately. 2. Never had a name but was definetly going to be aquatic based. Got that shark/dolphin hybrid look. 3. May have been a valley girl Negative Man. Similar powers without the drawback of leaving your helpless body behind. As far as 52 is concerned, keep in mind Captain Comet's new book.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Chris thanks! I love making the micro Legion stuff.
Is this the Cockrum Projectra you are talking about?
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
btw, on the page below I had all those cool cadets (atleast most) you drew! Loved those guys like everyone else.
That is indeed the Cockrum Projectra I was referring to. I love the cadet page. They kick ass. Very nice work Jorge. BTW...I was reading the Infinite Crisis hardcover and there was an interview in the back with the creative team. Geoff John's original idea (instead of the Titans dog pile on Superboy Prime) was to have Kon El show up with an all star roster of the Legion from every era. The idea was nixed because the Legion was off limits. I would have loved that idea. Imagine pre crisis Mon-El being a part of that team. I guess it would have ended the series right there because that version of Mon-El was even tougher than Superboy Prime. Oh well.....I can dream.
Posted by Joe-Boy Harvestar on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: That is indeed the Cockrum Projectra I was referring to. I love the cadet page. They kick ass. Very nice work Jorge. BTW...I was reading the Infinite Crisis hardcover and there was an interview in the back with the creative team. Geoff John's original idea (instead of the Titans dog pile on Superboy Prime) was to have Kon El show up with an all star roster of the Legion from every era. The idea was nixed because the Legion was off limits. I would have loved that idea. Imagine pre crisis Mon-El being a part of that team. I guess it would have ended the series right there because that version of Mon-El was even tougher than Superboy Prime. Oh well.....I can dream.
I think I may have just pee'd a little.
Posted by Caliente on :
Aye. What Joey said. ><
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: As far as 52 is concerned, keep in mind Captain Comet's new book.
I knew you guys would have to get around to this sooner or later, given that Mystery in Space was advertised as spinning out of 52. At least now I know it'll look good.
Click Here For A SpoilerI hope Comet goes out like a soldier. MiS wasn't too clear on this part, possibly because Jim Starlin didn't have the details. Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Geoff John's original idea (instead of the Titans dog pile on Superboy Prime) was to have Kon El show up with an all star roster of the Legion from every era.
Hmm... I guess dozens of thread about Pantha's head would've been about Catspaw's head instead... Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Next batch of cadets:
Posted by Chris Batista on :
1. reptilian speedster. Needs containment suit to harness powers. Powers would not be the same as XS's powers. Would'nt need to run to access speed. 2. Inspired by LiveWire(superman animated series.)but with spectral powers. 3. Brilliant Psionic. Mental processing can manifest psionically. Who says Brainy is the only smart one.
Posted by Igee The Mighty on :
Hi Chris! I was first introduced to your work via the DnA Legion and the clean lines and vibrant storytelling were great! I was glad you got the "Crisis of Conscience" gig at JLA and now at "52"!
No specific questions, just a few reactions:
- Legion was off-limits from Infinite Crisis...I'm tryin to think that was more to avoid temporal issues than anything else - loved those cadets! it reminded me of the Levitz-Giffen ish of LoSH back in the day (#305?) when the Legionnaires evaluated the Legion Academy studes and decided against getting anyone at that time.
No one's asked so without meaning to sound too personal could you tell us more about yourself? Demographics, hHow long you've been in the biz, your influences, etc...anything you're willing to share.
Lastly, as everyone ahead of me has said, thank you Chris for being part of "Legion World" (the site, the book, being one of the creators)!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Many thanks Igee. As I've mentioned before, working on the Legion, has been the highlight of my career.It's amazing to grow up reading the Legion and to finally have a contribution to it's rich history. The cadets were fun but I have to give the credit to DnA for putting them in in the first place. I've been in the business for over ten years in relative obscurity. Most of my work has been for DC and Marvel. I have so many influences but here's a few. The incredible Garcia Lopez, Michael Golden, Alan Davis, Jerry Ordway, Gil Kane, Yasumi Umetsu, and Adam Hughes. There are many more. I think it's important to be have influences from differing styles. In my early years I used to have a very manga style, long before it was fashionable. Lastly, thanks for making Legion World such a great place to be. I'd be happy to answer any question.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
I always thought these were supposed to be Nightwind and Lamprey.
Posted by Joe-Boy Harvestar on :
I actually mistook the first of those 2 as male Posted by Andorian Lantern on :
Hey Chris, it's Adam from the Planet. Drop me a PM, I've got big news.
Talk to you soon, hope all is well, Adam
AL
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I did just finish up a particularly brutal issue starring Captain Comet. Very brutal stuff in this issue and I hope you guys enjoy it. The writers really deliver on this one. I think Grant gets most of the credit though.
Well, the issue is here.
It was definitely some very brutal stuff and the writers really did deliver. So did Chris.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks for the props Outdoor Miner! I just finished issue 40 which is an entire story with Steel. He will be sporting his first appearance armor. I hope you will all enjoy it.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks Outdoor Miner. I hope you dig my next issue which is all Steel. In his original armor to boot!
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
Hey Chris!
Any chance of you doing work on the rumored All- Star Legion book?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
That would be a great book to do. I would kill to do it but no one's mentioned it to me. A chance to do an 80's style Legion? It would be a daunting task but I would give 100% at all times. Ah well...you can't compete with George Perez. sigh....
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Hmmm....doesn't that sound like confirmation that there'll [i[be[/i] an All-Star Legion book? If so, YAY!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Keep in mind I'm just confirming the George Perez rumor. It would definetly work due to the fact that he is universally loved by Legion fans. If I could pick an artist, I would pick Garcia Lopez. He did a Legion christmas story that still stands out to me. I love George as well, it's just that Garcia's work has had an undeniable impact on me. More than any other artist.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Chris, Garcia-Lopez is one of my all-time faves (as is Perez)! I'd love to see either of them, or you, on an ongoing Legion book, *especially* with something close to the 80's line-up!
Also, I thought the Captain Comet issue was awesome as well. Looking forward to the Steel one!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
That's a helluva nice thing to say Cobalt Kid. Garcia lopez is most definetly my idol since his early Superman covers. It's nice to be included mong such heavyweights. I think the 80's lineup would be ideal with minor additions from all Legion eras ( Kent Shakespeare, Kid Quantum etc). I would make Monel the core of the Legion as Superboy is no longer an option. I don't feel that he's really had the spotlight he deserves as the oldest legionaire.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
wow... Chris, more and more you make me wish you were DC's LSH guru!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I always felt that after Monel was reimagined, by the Bierbaums, as the seeder of the United Planets, he never got enough of the spotlight after that. It was an amazing addition to Legion history that really should have been at the forefront. In my last Legion story I begged the editor to let me do an update of Monel's original costume. I wish I got a chance to draw him more. I hope fans liked the update. I never liked the giant M on his chest, with the gold boots.
Posted by Kent Shakespeare on :
I was never wild about the M, but the side-stripes fit the 90s uniforms team motif. Your classic Mon costume was definitely a sight for sore eyes. The classic costume without the little silver age panties... I hope the current versino loses them in favor of the full red pants.
Posted by l.e.g.i.o.n.JOHN on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I always felt that after Monel was reimagined, by the Bierbaums, as the seeder of the United Planets, he never got enough of the spotlight after that. It was an amazing addition to Legion history that really should have been at the forefront. In my last Legion story I begged the editor to let me do an update of Monel's original costume. I wish I got a chance to draw him more. I hope fans liked the update. I never liked the giant M on his chest, with the gold boots.
i sort of get what your saying about Mon's re-boot era costume Chris, but it was different from his first one which i thought was kinda bland after some 30 years or so, personally i really liked his Valor 20th century costume from the 90's comic book series Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I agree Monel should get the attnetion rather than Superboy. I loved in v4 when they made him the inspiration. It just fit...he's more cosmic, etc.
You know I always thought the classic Mon-El costume was the best but it looks a bit outdated in the current Legion. Barry has given us such good costumes with a more sci-fi feel I think Mon-El may need some adjustments. More a more military type look but the same costume...if that makes sense?
To keep this Batista related...I've always loved Garcia-Lopez though I admit I forgot about him. But his latest work on that Donna Troy mini blew me away. That reminded me he is one of the greats.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
That was definetly my favevorite part of V4. Monel fits that inspirational role far too well. Not to mention the kind of maturity and guidance a thousand year old man can provide. My approach to redesigning his suit was to never stray too far from the source. I wanted a slight militiristic feeling with a bit of regality. I did like the name Valor quite a bit but felt he was written too blandly. He should be a bit of an enigma. Keep in mind that he was supposed to be even tougher than Superman.
Posted by Blacula on :
Hey Chris! Happy New Year! Great to see you're still coming here answering all our questions.
Here's a weird one - are you a regular at a comic shop on 23rd and Broadway in NYC (opposite Madison Square)? I go there a lot and I occasionally see little signs saying things like "Buy this week's issue of 52 - its drawn by regular customer Chris Batista!" and stuff like that. Its a cute promo idea I think and its fun to know I may bump into you in there sometime.
I'm also interested in hearing your views on the JLA. I'm a big DC team fan and they were the first characters I was ever seriously invested in. What was it like working with Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg on that recent Secret Society/Despero story? The sales on that arc were very good I recall. Did you feel like your profile got a huge jolt from it?
This longtime fan was also super-excited with the heroes and villains used in that arc and I loved your interpretations of them. Were they favourite characters of yours too or do you prefer members and villains from other eras? And how are you enjoying Meltzer's take on the team at the moment?
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
quote:One of whom will be getting his own series to which I am attached.I can't reveal who as I've been reading speculation about who lives or dies and that would ruin some of that and my boss would make me a eunuch.
Any word on when the new series will be announced?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I am indeed a regular at Cosmic Comics and have been for many years. i have no doubt you've seen me there. Working with Geoff Johns and Alan Heinberg was definetly a highlight for me. Drawing the classic JLA was a blast. I'm a sucker for the classics and it did elevate my profile a bit. I loved drawing every character in it. My fave was Superman of course. I love Meltzer's take on the team. It's entirely character driven but artistically it's more suited to Rags Morales. All I can say to you ERYK is that one of the miniseries will star someone who just came back from the dead. I unfortunatley am no longer attached due to a commitment on a Superman story. I can't wait to start.
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I unfortunatley am no longer attached due to a commitment on a Superman story. I can't wait to start.
For no longer being attached. (I'm hoping it's Animal Man. ) Can't wait to see the Superman story though.
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Ahhh... and I was hoping for a Batista-drawn Booster Gold series...
Oh well! The Superman story sounds groovy as well!
Posted by LARDLAD on :
So am I to infer this Superman project is not an ongoing gig, Chris? If not, is there something ongoing on the horizon? I hope so...I'd love to see your stuff regularly and on an open-ended project again!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I was actually going to do the Booster Gold mini. Who would have written in was unclear at the time.I would enjoyed drawing Booster but the Superman story came about and fell right into place with zero resistnce. I don't think any of the planned mini's go into production until all of 52 is completed. My editor asked if I had any Superman stories to tell and I did some thinking. I threw him my idea and he really dug it.I was really thrilled because I really, really loved the idea and would have been crushed if it did'nt fly. After being just a cog in the 52 machine, I really wanted to go apeshit on something I had real input on. I will be joined by my peeps Abnett and Lanning (we were supposed to do Nova together). We all love working together and share many of the same ideas. It will be a Superman Confidential story running 3 to 4 issues. It's a flashback to Superman's first encounter with the New Gods! It's a retelling of the first issue of Forever People, which guess starred Superman. Those old stories exist in a very nebulous continuity and featured the silver age Superman meeting Darkseid for the first time. We're combining it with a Jimmy Olsen story were Superman goes to New Genesis. We want to make more sense of these original tales and have them more in sync with modern age Superman. It won't just be a straight retelling. It will definetly have some new twists. I love the Fourth World characters and can't wait to play in King Kirby's sandbox. After we wrap that, we (DnA as well) are pitching a SciFi mini, featuring some of the 52 cast. We hope it'll get approved. I think you won't be disappointed if we get our way.
Posted by rtvu2 on :
yes to scifi mini. yes to superman confidential story.
Thanks for coming by Chris!
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: After we wrap that, we (DnA as well) are pitching a SciFi mini, featuring some of the 52 cast. We hope it'll get approved.
So do I.
Congrats on getting the Superman story approved. Given the hints DC has dropped in regards to the New Gods, this is the right time to revisit those stories. Best of luck with it.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks for the support guys. It is indeed the right time to revisit these stories. With all the rebooting of Superman's origins, these stories don't make the most sense any more. There is no official first meeting anymore and we hope to change that. Besides, I'll be working with ABNETT and LANNING! Me am happy about that.
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Oooh cool, New Gods! Always loved those character designs! I think I first discovered them with the 80s Super Powers cartoons - a bunch of those folks became action figures in the DC toy line. Can't wait to see it Chris!
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
It's great to see the New Gods back in the DC books. I'm really looking forward to your Superman Confidential books!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
It seems there will be a slight delay. The script for the Superman story won't be done for a little bit. I'll be doing an issue of the Teen Titans that will lead directly into Countdown. The issue will feature both Nightwing and Donna Troy. And yes indeed, it is great to see the New Gods take the spotlight. I loved Walt Simonson's run on Orion. He'sone of the few writers who actually gets the Fourth World. His twist with Mr Miracle is one of the best additions to New God lore.
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
Much agreed on Simonson's Orion run. Very underrated book.
I'll be looking out for that Titans issue. Nightwing's one of my favorite DC characters.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
quote:Originally posted by Outdoor Miner:
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: After we wrap that, we (DnA as well) are pitching a SciFi mini, featuring some of the 52 cast. We hope it'll get approved.
So do I.
Congrats on getting the Superman story approved. Given the hints DC has dropped in regards to the New Gods, this is the right time to revisit those stories. Best of luck with it.
You'd have another definite buyer right here--I'd love to see that type of mini done by you Chris.
Looking forward to the Superman/New Gods stuff too. Agree completely on Simonsin's Orion (and his back-up stuff in Byrne's Fourth World).
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I just spent some time this week with Andy Lanning at the NY Con. We went over some specifics regarding the Superman story and the ideas just keeep getting better. I'm currently busting my ass on the Titans and can't wait to draw this story. The support on this site has been incredibly fulfilling. I hope you all like the final product.
Posted by Timberwolf on :
Chris,
I can't wait to see your work on Teen Titans your work on 52 has been great, I really loved issue 40 with how you drew Steel.
Is there anything you can tell us about the issue of Teen Titans?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
The issue guess stars Nightwing and Donna Troy. It does connect directly into Countdown. There will be a brief but memorable scene with Jason Todd. Overall there's not much I can reveal. The issue is more of a set up for the next story. I am totally digging drawing Nightwing. One of my absolute faves. I hope you all enjoy the final product!
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
I, for one, certainly did! And the fact that Nightwing is one of your favorites really showed. Your Donna was beautiful, too (many artists can't seem to capture this).
I hope you get to draw either of them-- or any of the Titans characters-- on a more permanent basis, soon.
I've heard rumblings that there might be a book featuring the more 'adult' Titans. If there is, I think you should get your name in the hat!
Of course, you'd always be welcome to return to the Legion, too!
Posted by MLLASH on :
TEEN TITANS has rarely looked better... I wish Chris would do that title every month!
Posted by Pov on :
#47 showed up in my latest sub shipment, and I couldn't remember why I ordered it! Then, I saw Chris' name in the credits...
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: There will be a brief but memorable scene with Jason Todd!
LOVED it! Go, Tim! :applause:
[ June 04, 2007, 11:06 PM: Message edited by: Pov ]
Posted by Vee on :
Spectacular job on this issue of TT Chris! Nightwing & Donna have rarely looked better. Hope to see much more.
Posted by Crujectra of Psyonia on :
I really enjoyed the issue. The art rocked all the way through. And I have to agree that Dick and Donna haven't looked so good in ages.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Yeah Nightwing and Robin both looked awesome!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Hey everybody! It's been awhile. Glad you guys dug the issue. It was great to draw Nightwing and Donna and the Titans off course. It reminded me of my run on the Legion. I wish I could have done some of the Deathstroke stuff. I won't be doing the Sci Fi mini featuring Adam Strange, Animal Man, and Starfire. Adam Beechen is writing it. Such a shame, my pitch with Dna regarding the same characters would have kicked ass. We were going very dark sci fi stuff, I think we really would have taken fans by surprise. I'm crackin' away on Superman confidential. DnA really delivered on the story. Thanks again to you all for your continued support!
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Crap! I didn't realize you were doing Superman Confidential. I'd skipped on putting that on my list. Has your arc already started Chris?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I just started on the first issue. I don't know when it will be solicited. It's a 3 issue arc with DnA. I'm about 11 pages in and am getting to take a little time on it. Just read the script for the second issue and WOW! Wait til you read Superman's first meeting with Orion. This a great spin on those old tales.
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Sounds great Chris. This will definitely go on my pull list.
Posted by stephbarton on :
Hey, just got my TT issue last week and really loved the art. I'm a big Tim Drake fan and I think you drew him really well, along with Nightwing. In fact you drew everyone really well. You managed to show that there was an age difference between the older and younger Titans without making either set look goofy or exaggerated.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Chris don't know if I said this before but my favorite work of yours was long ago in Spaceknights. Man, you really made those guys cool.
I think Marvel is going to redesign them. I am happy Marvel is using them again but said they didn't keep your designs. Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks a lot Steph. Tim was indeed a pleasure to draw. I wanted to make sure he looked young compared to Nightwing and Jason Todd. Congrats on graduating! I caught the Spaceknights in the Annilihation prologue. I was'nt digging the designs in spite of Mike Perkins excellent work on the issue. Spaceknights always give me bad memories but I was proud of the designs. Shame they're gonna ditch them. It always makes me sad when I think of how I never got to do the relaunch the way I felt it should be done. Keep in mind, I wanted DnA to do it with me but editorial did'nt let me. Sigh.......I wish you could have read the original pitch Jorge. I hated what Starlin did with it.
Posted by Lard Lad on :
Chris, any idea what's after Confidential for you? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's an ongoing for you on the horizon--I definitely get the feeling you want to work with DnA more!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Chris, well with DnA now in the Marvel cosmic sandbox maybe we can see some of what was planned? I honestly only collected it for the art.
I was even tempted to try and buy some of the original pages.
[ June 25, 2007, 03:37 PM: Message edited by: Ultra Jorge ]
Posted by Pov on :
quote:Originally posted by Lard Lad: I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's an ongoing for you on the horizon...!
Seconded. It's criminal that nobody's got you on a regular book.
Tell us the gig you want and the editor we need to hassle! Posted by Chris Batista on :
I was asked to do the Adam Strange, Starfire, and Animal Man 8 issue mini but it would have meant not doing the Superman story.I was aching to do this story all through 52, which was not that much fun to draw, and I did not want to give it up. I was supposed to do Nova with DnA a while back, and I gave up on that for 52. Certainly 52 was a far higher profile but Nova would have been more enjoyable. DnA and I have such a great time working together, we're hoping this Superman arc gets some notice for our efforts as a team. With the editorial changes on 52 a good deal of my plans did'nt come to fruition. I wanted to do an Animal Man ongoing but it did'nt happen and I've previously mentioned my plans for Adam Strange, Starfire and Animal Man that did'nt fly. It's a shame because I promise you, the planned miniseries by Adam Beechen, would'nt have matched what DnA and I came up with. I wanted to let everybody know that I will be in Artist's Alley in San Diego this year. I always attend but I rarely sit still. This year I'll be sitting. I'll be happy to show you the pencils for Superman if you attend. Much ass has been busted to bring the pages to life! If I could pick a gig after this story....it would be working with Geoff Johns on Superman and the Legion. That would be heaven. Oh yeah...I would love to do the Marvel Family.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Chris, what Marvel comics were you a fan of growing up?
Also do you like doing more cosmic stories or superheroes?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I loved anything KIRBY created. Thor was my absolute favorite. Walt Simonson's run is unmatched. Reads even better these days. I hated when they junked all his ideas after his departure depi. Fantastic Four was a top fave.Those were the days when John Byrne was God. I was a huge Marvel fan growing up. Happy to see the Avengers getting their respect these days. John Romita Jrsite my love of Defalco and Frenz on Spiderman and Iron Man give me happy memories. Micronauts.....ah yes....Michel Golden and Bill Mantlo. Pure bliss, I would love to get a shot at them. I prefer superheroes but if you can throw in some Sci Fi, I'm happy. Legion was a very happy middle ground.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Chris those were my fave comics at the time as well. Besides Perez's Titans and the Levitz/Giffen legion I was all over Marvel.
Walt's Thor is my fave, Miller's DD, Byrne's FF, Claremont's Uncanny, Stern's Avengers, Dr. Strange, and Spider-Man. Priest's PM & IF. Those were the days.
Chris how old are you? Where did you grow up? You a 80's child? I was a huge Robotech fan as a kid...your Spaceknights kind of looked like a Robotech character. (imagine Chris doing a robotech book???! wow)
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Those were indeed the days! It was no coincidence that when those creative teams went to DC that many of their characters started to shine. I did love DC as well. Aside from the Legion there was Atari Force, Firestorm, the early days of Wally West as the Flash and of course Titans. I am 37 and was born and raised in New York city. I was and still am an enormous Anime fan. I originally had a very very manga style. Gatchaman was my favorite. Spaceknights were inspired by Tekkaman and numerous other shows. I really dug Robotech and was very proficient at drawing them. Scott Bernard was cool as was Roy Fokker. Memories......
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Awesome that you'll be in Artist's Alley this year at Comic-Con! Do you by any chance still have any art/pages from your Legion run that you'll be selling? I remember I think 2 (or 3?) years ago hearing that you'd be at San Diego but not knowing where to find you or what you looked like.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
My faves are Scott Bernard and Roy as well. but Scott rules by far. The Cyclone cycle just rocked.
And for DC I loved seeing Wally become the Flash. Firestorm was my "spider-man" over at DC. In other words as a kid I related to him. Too bad DC & marvel are killing all the characters I related with.
As for Atari Force? I was more of a Omega Men guy but anything José Luis García-López drew I loved (and still do).
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I always attend Comic Con but have never had a table. This will be a first for me as I prefer to just run around the con until I tire out. I may have Legion pages but I'll have to check with my dealer. I still have my totally awesome Cyclone transforming bike. Perfect design. I tried watching the new movie and it was just awful. What a waste of Scott Bernard. I wish I could get a crack at Ronnie Raymond. No offense to Jason Rusch but there was no need for the change. Poor Bart....never dug him as Flash but would have loved for him to go back to being Kid Flash. Still...glad Wally is back, one of my top faves.
Posted by Caliente on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Poor Bart....never dug him as Flash but would have loved for him to go back to being Kid Flash. Still...glad Wally is back, one of my top faves.
My sentiments exactly. Definitely missed my boy Wally somethin' awful while he was gone.
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
I'll be on the lookout for Chris at Con!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Hey I was just reading about the School of Visual Arts in NYC (been in an art kick lately). And Mr. Batista is noted as notable alumni!
Posted by Dennis Calero on :
Hey Chris, great to meet you man! write me at my email dennis@denniscalero.com
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Greetings all! Comic Con was a blast, even though I saw very little of the show and froze my butt off. It was a pleasure meeting fellow Legion Worlders. I was sitting directly opposite of Dennis Calero who was constantly throwing food at any fan who wanted an autograph. He was nuts!
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Hey Chris great to meet you! Man all those Legion ideas you were throwing out, I think you'd be a great writer on the book!
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: I was sitting directly opposite of Dennis Calero who was constantly throwing food at any fan who wanted an autograph. He was nuts!
Now, how did I miss that.....?
It was a pleasure meeting you, Chris. Looking forward to the Supes/New Gods story.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks again guys! I forgot to mention that Dennis threw a wrench at a small kid that wanted an autograph. Blood everywhere, Dennis is HARDCORE MAN!
Posted by Reboot on :
So, any way you can tone down the overwhelming... redness... of that bloody costume? Maybe at least get a decent amount of green back in there...
Posted by Lard Lad on :
Congrats on the new gig, Chris! Looking forward to seeing your artwork on an ongoing basis again!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks for the support fellas. As for the costume, I prefer his previous one more than the red one. It did grow on me after some time. Now if I can
Posted by Chris Batista on :
just finish the last Superman issue I'll be golden!
Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
Best wishes on the new gig Chris! The preview art looks pretty good (I've always thought Jason needed a good kick to the junk). I agree that the costume needs green, but since the current color scheme was Robin's way to honor Superboy, a change at this point needs to be more character motivated.
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
Looks like I'll be checking ROBIN out for the first time in a couple of years. Anything I should know going in?
Lord, I wish you were pencilling the new TITANS book with Nightwing, Donna and co.-- I think your renditions of those two, in particular, are just about the best I've seen in some time.
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
If Chris was doing the Titans it would be perfect. As much as I love your art, Chris, I'm not sure it is enough to get me onboard with a title that has a character I could care less about. Grayson (who looks awesome in your Titans issue BTW) should have been the only Robin.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
It would be awesome to do a Titans book, but only one with the classic line up. Nightwing rules of course, there may be some Nightwing related project in the future, if I get my way (which aint often!). Donna was wonderful to draw as well. Give the book a shot for the return of the amazing Chuck Dixon!
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
No slight against Chuck, who is a good writer, but if I do try the book it will be for your art Chris.
Which reminds me. You still have some Legion stuff up for sale at The Artist's Choice. I need to see if there is any Garth pages left so I can tell Caroline what to get me for Christmas. Posted by Reboot on :
quote:Originally posted by DrakeB3004: ...but since the current color scheme was Robin's way to honor Superboy...
...I don't see it.
Posted by stephbarton on :
Hey Chris. As a loooong time Robin fan I'm glad you're going to be taking over art chores for my fave Boy Wonder (and Dixon is back, which is cool). I really liked how you drew Tim in your Titan's issue, you kept what Tony Daniels started in Titans, which was to make him look like he actually aged a year in the gap and was now a 17 year old rather than a 15-16 year old.
So I'm excited about the future of the Boy Wonder, I've been enjoying Beechen's run and William's artwork a lot, so I'm glad to see such a great creative team is taking over.
I agree with you, the old costume was better, I was really bummed when they changed it. Good news is that the new costume isn't bad, I've gotten used to it and it's not like with some characters (Huntress for example, or even Superboy) where I keep hoping they will change the costumes back.
anyways, I'm really happy to hear you're the new Robin artist. It's nice to know that it's in good hands.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks a whole lot Stephbarton and Lightning Lad. I did indeed follow Tony Daniel's lead on Titans. I will definetly go for the look of a 17 year old as opposed to 15. I have gotten used to the new duds, they kinda grow on you. Imagine if he wore a variation of the Red Robin outfit.....but with his classic mask instead of a face covering one. I think tht would be really cool. Nothing beats his classic duds though!Really itching to get started, just gotta finish one more Superman issue...
Posted by Reboot on :
Shouldn't he be 20 by now? He was a 16-year old in his early days as Robin, there's been two one-year jumps (No Man's Land and OYL), and on top of that it's been something like twelve years real time, which is another two or three years to add on.
Posted by Lard Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Really itching to get started, just gotta finish one more Superman issue...
Yikes! You haven't started yet...and it's already been solicited! Posted by Caliente on :
quote:Originally posted by Reboot: Shouldn't he be 20 by now? He was a 16-year old in his early days as Robin, there's been two one-year jumps (No Man's Land and OYL), and on top of that it's been something like twelve years real time, which is another two or three years to add on.
I thought he was only... 13 when he started as Robin. I remember reading that arc when he goes to plead with Nightwing to be Robin again and he's really young. Certainly younger than 16.
Posted by stephbarton on :
Yup, he was thirteen (his age is given in Batman 441, A Lonely Place of Dying part 3). You might have thought he was 16 when he started because he drove the Redbird (his car) at the beginning of his series, however, he was allowed to have a special license because at the time his father was handicapped. (told you I liked this character).
Posted by Stealth on :
Chris, I read Superman Confidential # 9 today. Great job, especially the full-page splash of Apokolips. Since I'm not reading Death of the New Gods, I'm considering this Superman Confidential arc to be their last hurrah. Thanks to you and DnA, they're certainly going out on top.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks will a hell of a lot Stealth. DnA will also appreciate your comments. We would have loved to have done the Death of the New Gods ourselves, unfortunately no one was asking. Sad part is that due to my Robin commitment I could only do half of the 3rd issue with layouts for the rest of the issue. It was really annoying but there was no other option. I can always say that I indeed did get to draw the New Gods. Not enough Mr Miracle and Barda unfortunately. Hope you enjoy the last issue. DnA did a great job on it!
Posted by Blacula on :
Hey Chris! Great to see you're still around these parts!
I was just in Cosmic Comics yesterday and they were plugging your latest issue of Superman Confidential so even though I'm not much of a Superman reader, I took a look...
WOW! I think it's some of the best work I've ever seen from you. I think that is one of, if not THE best interpretations I've seen of the New Gods characters since Kirby created them.
They're famous for being tricky characters to draw with their complex and intricate costumes but you just have them down! I've never been much of a New Gods fan either but seeing you draw them here makes me sad that with their upcoming death, I might never get to see you draw them again.
Best of luck on Robin!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks for the shoutout Blacula! That has to be one of the best compliments regarding my work. I really tried to be true to Kirby but not draw in his style. Their impending deaths made it essential to draw this story, otherwise I might never get a shot at them. I'm such a fan, I turned down a much higher profile book at DC to get to draw these characters. I'm sad to see them go but my good man J.G.Jones will be bringing his amazing touch to the New Gods with Grant Morrison. J.G. is a huge kirby fan and I know he's gonna kick ass on it. I hope you dig what I'm doing on Robin!
Posted by Blacula on :
Hey Chris. My pleasure. I just calls it like I see it.
I also love the fact that you turned down a higher profile gig so that you could give these characters one last hurrah. It's great to see creators being as passionate about these paper and pencil beings as we are! And it's totally the type of thing I would've done too. If I was a talented artist and all. /wistfully
I wasn't too excited by the hints of the new New Gods we saw in Morrison's 'Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle' series but if you say they're good and that he's working with the excellent J.G. Jones on them now then I'll definitely check them out.
I'm sure I will like what you're doing on Robin and I bet I won't be the only one too. I predict a big rise in sales for you and Chuck's first issue. Especially if this hint about Spoiler coming back is true...
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks again Blacula. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Posted by Stealth on :
Hey, Chris. A couple weeks ago I bought a copy of Superman Confidential # 8, which I missed first time round, and today I read Superman # 10. I'm looking forward tomorrow to read all three issues in one sitting, because I love this story. Not only were Superman and the New Gods written and drawn perfectly, so were Superman's supporting cast. Once again, kudos to you and to DnA.
While it is regrettable that you were only able to do layouts for the second half on # 10, the way you drew Darkseid in # 8 was awe-inspiring. It seems to me that you are one of the few artists who understands that it's not enough for Darkseid to be imposing -- he also has to be revolting! Kirby would have been proud.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Once again, thanks a hell of a lot. One of the niceest compliments I've ever received. I really regret not be able to finish the whole issue but am really starting to enjoy Robin.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Chris on the New Gods?! I gotta get that! Ever since I saw his New Gods clones in the DnA Legion story I always wanted to see more.
Posted by stephbarton on :
Well, picked up Robin #170 today. Nice, very nice. Tim definitely looks like he is 17. It was great seeing Ives again, a bit abrupt, but I think you definitely nailed Ives' look. Oh, and you Batman is sweet.
The action scenes were very crisp and easy to follow, I felt you got a lot of expressions out of the characters' faces as well so kudos for that.
Oh, and I really liked the few times you had the character fully blacked out and then colored in the gold on their uniform (once with Officer Harper where her badge and belt buckle were colored and once with Robin). Was that your idea because I really liked the effect?
Really enjoyed this issue Chris, I'm really happy that your the artist for this book because I've been collecting this book since issue #18 and its always a joy to have another wonderful artist on the book.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Robin should definetly look 17. I feel that at times he's made to look a little too young and skinny. Batman is fun to draw but I tend to find him a bit intimidating. I'm never quite satisfied with my portrayal of him but I'm getting there.I'm glad the expressions are making a connection, I really bust my ass in that department. The fully blacked out effect is a great timesaver when you're up against the wall. Done well no one should notice the shortcut. I feel like I'm starting to hit a groove on Robin right now, and I think you'll like what's coming up. You made my day stephbarton, thanks for taking the time to post. Legionworld rules!
Posted by PenaltyKillah on :
Hey Chris, I appreciated you not drawing the Legion like Muppets! Very few artists in the industry know how to draw teens, and you're one of them. And since Robin's around seventeen, that makes my age approximations of the DCU are a bit more accurate. Makes sense, since Dick started as Robin when he was 12, and if he's now in his mid-twenties, that makes Tim a eligible retcon as a cameo in Detective Comics #38. Now, straight from the source... are his fellow Titan teammates around 17 too?
Posted by Lardi on :
Chris, assuming you're still browsing occasionally, congrats on your new upcoming gig on Booster Gold with Giffen and DeMatteis! SO looking forward to it! Posted by Mystery Lad on :
Chris, I loved your renditions of Achilles and Mysia in the most recent issue of WONDER WOMAN!
What are you doing next? You pop up unexpectedly. It's kind of a nice delight.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
It's been a long time legion worlders....just wanted to say hi. I just finished my last issue of Booster Gold which happens to guess star a bunch of characters I have been begging to use since my first issue. I got to draw the Legion baby! We would have loved to extend it to 2 isues but it was our last issue and we could only do so much. I hope you guys give it a peek.....
Posted by Dev Em on :
Cannot wait to see that!!!
Posted by rickshaw1 on :
Count on it, Chris. You've been doing some great work there. Certainly no dropoff in quality after Dan took his sabbatical. Looking forward to your next work. Drop by and let us know what you'll be doing.
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: It's been a long time legion worlders....just wanted to say hi. I just finished my last issue of Booster Gold which happens to guess star a bunch of characters I have been begging to use since my first issue. I got to draw the Legion baby! We would have loved to extend it to 2 isues but it was our last issue and we could only do so much. I hope you guys give it a peek.....
Legion Baby??
Shame you couldn’t extend it to two issues Chris I have loved your work on Booster.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks faraway lad...I wish it could have been 3 issues. I did get to do a doublepage spread of the Legion vs Validus. I also got to pick and choose which Legionaires.....
Posted by MLLASH on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: It's been a long time legion worlders....just wanted to say hi. I just finished my last issue of Booster Gold which happens to guess star a bunch of characters I have been begging to use since my first issue. I got to draw the Legion baby! We would have loved to extend it to 2 isues but it was our last issue and we could only do so much. I hope you guys give it a peek.....
I am CRUSHED to hear you are leaving Booster Gold!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Your hard and beautiful work on BG has just been given a shout-out on Legion World's Facebook page.
Posted by Chief Lardy on :
Chris, issue 39, released a few months ago, is one of my favorite single issues of any comic in recent memory. You, Giff & DeMatteis knocked it out of the park! Loved Booster's catharsis over the loss of Blue Beetle and that great scene at the end with Beetle's grave persisting through time. Beautiful, beautiful piece of comics storytelling!
I was wary of you guys taking over for Jurgens. Now, I wish you all were staying. Posted by Faraway Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: Thanks faraway lad...I wish it could have been 3 issues. I did get to do a doublepage spread of the Legion vs Validus. I also got to pick and choose which Legionaires.....
Legion V Validus
Now that I look forward to, gives me goosebumps.
Posted by lil'rhino on :
Faboo!!
Posted by stuorstew on :
This is just great news (about the Legion appearing NOT your leaving the book!)
Are you able to tell us where you may be turning up next?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I am currently doing an issue of Batman beyond. It's an issue that focuses on Inque. After that I'm not sure but am guaranteed to land on something....hopefully cool
Posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire on :
Hopefully its something Legion related with Paul Levitz, Mr.Batista and by the way Happy belated Birthday to you sir!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Sorry for the late reply but thanks for the bday wishes. I am currently doing an issue of Emerald Warriors. It's a great story from the awesome Pete Tomasi, focusing on Guy Gardner. Having a blast so far. After that I have to pick between 2 projects involving the Legion. Unfortunately I can only do one of them.....
Posted by Blacula on :
There are two upcoming projects involving the Legion? That's exciting news!
And even better to hear you'll be drawing one of them, Chris! Can't wait!
Posted by lil'rhino on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: After that I have to pick between 2 projects involving the Legion.
Faboo!!
Posted by KryptonKid on :
Is it too much to hope for that these might be on-going projects?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
They are both minis, one at 6 the other at 5. I am leaning towards one more than the other but there seems to be a roadblock or two in the way. It could be very cool but a nightmare to draw. I don't mean to be cryptic but I don't think I can mention them here......hopefully soon...
Posted by Sarcasm Kid on :
Maybe I'll learn more at Big Apple this weekend.
Posted by superboymddjr on :
oh please let it be Legion Academy or Legion of Substitute Heroes....either of them will be FANTASTIC!!! oh please *finger crossing* or even better - Legion of Espionage Squad! *nudge* Posted by MLLASH on :
YAY!!!! Looking forward to new Chris Batista LSH work!
Posted by Blacula on :
Chris - do the 6-issue one so we get to see an extra comic of your work!
Or do the one that lets you show off their costumes the best! (I love the attention to detail you put into every character you draw's outfit.)
P.S. Please give Projectra/Sensor Girl and Tyroc new costumes while you're at it! Legion fandom will thank you! Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
<---------Guaranteed customer for a Batista Legion story. Posted by Chris Batista on :
It won't be a Legion academy story or the subs. It will definetly be the Legion. I will be very happy to revisit the Legion....very....
Posted by superboymddjr on :
the legion with a 6 issue mini series??? has to be a Legion Espionage Squad, since you only mentioned "no Academy ( ) and the Subs" for that matter, either Espionage Squad or Legionnaires 3 or whatever - it s gonna make me !!!
Posted by Meteoro Lad on :
Ohhhhh, I'm really curious now. I hope the Legion changes for the better.
Posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire on :
Great news indeed Mr.Batista, the Legion has so many untapped characters that need to be utilized, I would love if they gave the Legion a year long event with a bunch of mini series that built upon their rich history with Superman and the DCU, instead of destroying that history as such events have in the past.
Posted by Sarcasm Kid on :
It's not the Flashpoint: Legion Lost story, I asked Chris on facebook and he said no.
Posted by Omni Craig on :
Chris + Legion = Good Stuff!!!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Still no confirmed news from DC... the suspense is space-killing me!
Posted by MLLASH on :
OMG THIS HAS BEEN LINKED TO BY BLEEDING COOL--!!!!
Posted by kenaustin on :
Any word if the mini-series is still on?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
It is still on....just started the first issue
Posted by Candlelight on :
Wow. I'm so excited to hear this. I <3d your work on the Legion. Posted by Chris Batista on :
Thanks Candlelight......I hope the fans will dig what we have in store......
Posted by MLLASH on :
I've dug all your work so far-- I still miss your BOOSTER GOLD terribly... you were a wonderful match with Giff and DeMatteis! Posted by Chris Batista on :
We did have fun on that book.....
Posted by MLLASH on :
It showed both in art and writing. Looking forward to your "DCnU" project!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
if you're on this board you will definetly love our subject matter.....
Posted by superboymddjr on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: if you're on this board you will definetly love our subject matter.....
hmmm I am still waiting for that! so looks like it s a remote chance that you may not work on Legion project?
Posted by Omni Craig on :
The mini series has been revealed!! Here's a link to new thread with another link to the Newsarama post regarding "Legion: Secret Origin" written by Paul and drawn by Chris.
Posted by doublechinner on :
Chris, I LOVE that cover (or whatever it is) in the Newsarama blurb!
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
That piece of art is gorgeous. I'm looking forward to this- will it have some lasting bit that changes a Legionnaire- like when Cham was revealed to be Brande's son in the LSH's first mini?
I gotta admit, though, that another retelling of the team's origin wouldn't be in my top 10 (or even 20) desired storylines to get this treatment- especially considering the Saturn Girl/Cosmic Boy written by Levitz in the most recent tales of the team's history.
I wish Chris and DNA or somebody would get a crack at the New Wanderers...
Still, that art makes me look forward to this more than the prospect of the story does.
Posted by doublechinner on :
Levitz posted on FB that the emphasis is on secret, not origin. It's about the larger forces bringing the Legion together, not the kids save Brandes life on a star liner.
Posted by superboymddjr on :
hmm then good thing that I am gonna buy that book instead of repeating the origin of saving RJ Brande's life....I like that.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
There are going to be very cool revelations about the Legion. It's not a retread at all.
Posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire on :
I must say Mr.Batista out of all the artists who worked on the Legion after all the boots, your art stands out to me as the most energetic and suited for the Legion.
Posted by Reboot on :
Got to ask - are you, as the cover seems to suggest, using the postboot Cosmic Boy costume (i.e., the same costume he had in your The Legion run with DnA), rather than the Silver Age costume?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
actually it's a combination of his classic, giffen's and Sprouse's. I took the best from all.All of their classic outfits are getting reworked to make them feel not dated.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Damn nice thing to say Lone Wolf. I'm thrilled to be back with the Legion. I think You're gonna like the updated classic looks.
Posted by Sarcasm Kid on :
Just don't get rid of the Grell outfits. I'm pretty sure the internet would crack in half if you removed the amount of fan service those outfits afforded.
Posted by Chris Batista on :
they are for the most part, updates of their classic suits. I think Cockrum did the best costumes period!
Posted by Sarcasm Kid on :
Well okay then.
Posted by Lard Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: After that I have to pick between 2 projects involving the Legion. Unfortunately I can only do one of them.....
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: They are both minis, one at 6 the other at 5. I am leaning towards one more than the other but there seems to be a roadblock or two in the way. It could be very cool but a nightmare to draw. I don't mean to be cryptic but I don't think I can mention them here......hopefully soon...
So was the other one that you decided not to take the Star Trek/LSH project that was just announced at Comicon? If so I can see why it was a hard choice!
Posted by Chris Batista on :
The Star Trek Legion mini was indeed the other project. I really wanted to do it but I did'nt fit in the final budget. It just seems like such a cool idea and I love Roberson.
Posted by superboymddjr on :
oh ah! but it s a good thing that we still have another former Legion artists to do Star Trek/Legion mini.
Posted by superboymddjr on :
cool cover #2 by the way! Posted by Iam Legion on :
Ok, I ask that you don't get offended by my terrible bluntness, and I realize you may not be able to answer this question... But: Is "Secret Origin" going to be used to give us any clue what-so-ever as to the differences in continuity between this version of the LSH and the Original LSH it is strongly based on? Or, is it solely to retcon in this dark secret mentioned in the solisitation?
Posted by Chris Batista on :
Far as I can tell it's not going to be vastly different. It will definetly be far more serious and less silly. Keep in mind I love those old stories. THere is going to be more of a why there there is a Legion......
Posted by Iam Legion on :
Umm... So, 'solely to retcon in this dark secret mentioned in the solisitation' is pretty much the purpose. And, we'll be left hanging yet again as to what is still/again in continuity for the new version of the Legion coming out of this 'reboot'? Despite this mini being the perfect opportunity to settle continuity issues and answer questions unanswered since the current version of the Legion appeared in 'The Lightning Saga'?
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Chris, this is probably a question that is obvious from the solicits but I figured I'd ask anyway (since you're awesome), but is Phantom Girl going to play a big part in this mini?
Posted by Blacula on :
quote:Originally posted by Iam Legion: Umm... So, 'solely to retcon in this dark secret mentioned in the solisitation' is pretty much the purpose. And, we'll be left hanging yet again as to what is still/again in continuity for the new version of the Legion coming out of this 'reboot'? Despite this mini being the perfect opportunity to settle continuity issues and answer questions unanswered since the current version of the Legion appeared in 'The Lightning Saga'?
Wow Iam Legion! Your precognitive abilities must be stronger than Dream Girl's for you to know what the sole purpose of this mini is and how it's going to handle continuity issues months before it's even been released.
You're welcome to your opinion of whether you think you'll like it or not but why don't you wait until you've actually read it before criticising it's content?
As much as it pains me to say this, as a DCU continuity fan, there's no point in even trying to resolve continuity problems in the DCnU anyway. All the old continuity seems to be out the window in this rebooted/reimagined/relaunched/re-whatever-they're-calling-it universe anyway.
The Reboot costumes on the Preboot characters should be a big clue toward that.
Posted by Iam Legion on :
quote:Originally posted by Blacula: [QUOTE]Wow Iam Legion! Your precognitive abilities must be stronger than Dream Girl's for you to know what the sole purpose of this mini is and how it's going to handle continuity issues months before it's even been released.
I really suggest you re-read the conversation since you seem to have missed important parts of it. I asked a question of Mr. Batista:
quote: Is "Secret Origin" going to be used to give us any clue what-so-ever as to the differences in continuity between this version of the LSH and the Original LSH it is strongly based on? Or, is it solely to retcon in this dark secret mentioned in the solisitation?
To which he (kindly) replied:
quote: THere is going to be more of a why there there is a Legion...
But said nothing of my question about reconciling the many continuity issues that currently exist or the ones that will likely exist in September once Superman and Supergirl's histories are once again changed. So you see, I made no predictions what-so-ever. Niether did I claim to have any predictive powers. Nor did I criticize unknown content, I criticized what Mr. Batista indicated IS the content. So, I responded to the answer I was given with my conclusion and if you would note, I also added a few questions for clarification or negation of the conclusion I had reached due to the response given by some one involved in the actual work. I know it is only an opinion. As you said, I am entitled to mine as you are to yours. Mr. Batista is of course more than welcome to correct my conclusion if he wishes and finds it necessary to.
[ August 18, 2011, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: Iam Legion ]
Posted by Blacula on :
^ Let's take this to PM.
Posted by Iam Legion on :
Already sent you one after posting this. So, let's.
Posted by MLLASH on :
quote:Originally posted by Blacula:
quote:Originally posted by Iam Legion: Umm... So, 'solely to retcon in this dark secret mentioned in the solisitation' is pretty much the purpose. And, we'll be left hanging yet again as to what is still/again in continuity for the new version of the Legion coming out of this 'reboot'? Despite this mini being the perfect opportunity to settle continuity issues and answer questions unanswered since the current version of the Legion appeared in 'The Lightning Saga'?
As much as it pains me to say this, as a DCU continuity fan, there's no point in even trying to resolve continuity problems in the DCnU anyway. All the old continuity seems to be out the window in this rebooted/reimagined/relaunched/re-whatever-they're-calling-it universe anyway.
It's the "NottaBoot"
Hopefully LSH fistory won't be changed overmuch.
Posted by Iam Legion on :
And so, Volume 7 of the Legion of Super-Heroes offically becomes known as the NottaBoot Legion. Cool! Posted by Iam Legion on :
quote:Originally posted by MLLASH: Hopefully LSH fistory won't be changed overmuch.
Oh my! Is there something about the Legion I didn't know? Is it going to be part of the DCnU's new Adult Imprint? Or was that just a Freudian Slip? *sorry, couldn't resist* *ok, didn't really try to either*
Posted by MLLASH on :
As is commonly known, when referencing an event in the Legion's history, the more correct term is "fistory", short for future history. Posted by Iam Legion on :
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight. Posted by MLLASH on :
Well I do hope this ORIGINS miniseries doesn't alter our beloved LSH fistory into something unrecognizable...
If, for instance, the cellular trim ray or dupli-writing stylus or Brain Globes of Rambat are eliminated from fistory, I will be space-inconsolable (which, as is commonly known, is the futuristic version of present-day inconsolable).
Posted by Iam Legion on :
How much more 'unrecognizable' can it get from the Three-boot version? I am just hoping that whatever it may be, that some of the questions about what is or is not in continuity for this new version will be answered along the way of telling the story of "why there there is a Legion". Guess the answer to that question will start being answered in October if we don't find out from other sources sooner.
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
For the record, creators can't/don't come to forums to answer specific questions regarding projects that have yet to be published. So, I expect everyone to acknowledge that fact by not putting them in awkward situations or expecting answers they aren't going to receive.
I do appreciate that Chris stops by here and gives a few hints now and then. Thanks Chris!
Posted by Lone Wolf Legionnaire on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris Batista: they are for the most part, updates of their classic suits. I think Cockrum did the best costumes period!
I can see you are a man with superb taste!
Posted by Iam Legion on :
quote:Originally posted by Nightcrawler: For the record, creators can't/don't come to forums to answer specific questions regarding projects that have yet to be published. So, I expect everyone to acknowledge that fact by not putting them in awkward situations or expecting answers they aren't going to receive. I do appreciate that Chris stops by here and gives a few hints now and then. Thanks Chris!
First: I want to say that Mr. Batista has done a rare and wonderful thing by coming here and posting at all. Not all creators would take the time or make the effort. He is to be applauded (loudly and vigorously) for doing so.
I'll end it (and my participation in this thread) at that.
[ August 19, 2011, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: Iam Legion ]
Posted by Chris Batista on :
I am not sure how big her role is but she will be prominent in the series. She does more than the founders do in the first issue
Posted by Candlelight on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Those are freakin' beautiful pages! ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[sigh]](graemlins/sigh.gif)
I could've bombarded him with questions like so many other lucky DCers. ![[Shudder]](graemlins/shudder.gif)
![[ROTFLMAO]](graemlins/rotflmao.gif)
That is hysterical! Barry sounds like a tough guy. It would be even more impressive if the nun was Andromeda... ![[Andromeda]](graemlins/Andromeda.gif)
![[tease]](graemlins/tease.gif)
![[Devil]](graemlins/Devil1.gif)
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For no longer being attached. (I'm hoping it's Animal Man. ![[Yes]](graemlins/nod.gif)
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LOVED it! Go, Tim! :applause:![[Evil]](graemlins/devil.gif)
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