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 Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Welcome to Archive Volume 35, covering LSH 0, Legionnaires 23 -25, alternating with LSH 67 - 69, LSH Annual #6, Showcase '95 #6, Legionnaires 26, LSH 70. Links to previous Archive discussions comprise the first post of Archive 33. Archive Index
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaires 23 "Flight" Issue InformationSummary: After Invisible Kid introduces the Legionnaires to their new mode of transportation -"the flight ring? -the girls take a night on the town. Andromedra tries to make friends and has a disturbing encounter with other racists. Apparition still has mommy issues. Review: Where to begin with this one? It is probably hands down the best issue so far, in terms of what the creators attempted to do and what they succeeded in doing. "Flight" is a classic "A Day in the Life of" type of story which gives us a great opportunity to know members of our large cast a little better. This single-issue tale paves the way for future story developments, yet it celebrates the central appeal of the Legion: the joy of having super-powers, being able to fly, and belonging to a team. Although I focus more on the writing in these reviews, I couldn't help but notice the art. Jeffrey Moy (he's credited by his full name here) and W.C. Carani rock, as does Tom McCraw on colors. The art is sharp, crisp, and clear. This is the bright, shiny future the 30th century is supposed to be. It's not perfect (as Andromeda's encounter with those of "her kind" will demonstrate), but there is hope and joy - especially as expressed in the Legionnaires' faces when they realize that Lyle's rings enable them to fly. The bottom of Page 3 and the splash on Page 4 beautifully express this sense of liberation and wonder. (And the settings aren't bad, either. Check out the lounge/rec room in Panel 1 of Page 3. Who wouldn't want to hang out there?) The story rocks, as well. The Legionnaires are depicted as universal teens everywhere. There's the thrill of the being able to fly. Then Brainy's jealousy of Lyle begins as the latter gets the accolades for creating something from Brainy's lab failure. Then the girls want to go out and have fun, but the boys want to stay in and play with the V.R. (a futuristic video game, natch); Imra, significantly, also chooses the V.R. But the rest of the girls dress in civilian clothes and go to a new club. Here we get to know the Legion lasses by watching them interact. Zoey keeps changing "Shy Vi's" clothes to hilarious effect. The girls tease each other over which Legion boys they like. Laurel is so out of place she wears her uniform to go out. And Tinya unexpectedly encounters her mother, who makes her go home and reminds us that these super-hero kids are, well, kids. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a story if nothing "bad" happened, and something does: A trio of racists take out their hatred on a fish-like alien. Laurel pursues them and then lets them go. There's so much in Laurel's expression at the bottom of Page 20: confusion, a reflection of herself, perhaps? If she condemns these attackers, she will have to condemn herself, and she is nowhere near ready to do that. The other scene which stands out for me is one of Rokk and Imra nearly sharing a kiss while getting lost in their V.R. characters. This scene, like the one above, plays with our conceptions of what Legionnaires are supposed to do. Imra is supposed to be with Garth, not Rokk! But this is a new Legion, full of new possibilities. Flaws? The transition from Page 8 to Page 9 is jarring, as we go from Laurel's nervous request to join the gang to Garth's dream. But that's the only one which jumps out at me. Grade: 99.0 (A+)
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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A fine version of a "girls night out" story which continues to add depth to the characters, moves the story along on several fronts and has a few unexpected developments.
One element I really liked, rather perversely, is that the girls weren't let into the club. Fame only goes so far - and maybe their fame wasn't as widespread as they thought. Their reactions were just so realistic as they considered how to get in. I do have to wonder why a tall, statuesque blonde like Andromeda wasn't ushered into the club, even in her uniform.
Kinetix and Vi fit right in with the group; Andromeda goes along but is clearly out of place in her uniform and lack of conviviality. Her call back to Daxam was quite touching, she really sounded like a kid away from home for the first time. She's a political bargaining chip for Daxam; it struck me that Obin Der was not much concerned for her well-being but manipulating her with the threat of returning home to no powers. Andromeda's showing some real conflicted emotions here; she doesn't hesitate to stop an attack on a sentient she would consider inferior, but she lets the attackers go when she sees their White Triangle symbols.
Flight rings! Exciting! The kids sure caught on fast how to use them, nobody losing control or flying into a wall. This really puts Lyle on a level with Brainy, which the green kid clearly doesn't like. Jealous of the more popular and outgoing Lyle or intellectual remorse that he didn't think of this first? Brainy and Laurel have some things in common - feelings that they're superior to others combined (possibly) with a desire to be liked, wrapped up in social awkwardness.
Imra's choice to stay behind was unclear to me; possibly mixed motivations at work. Did she feel uncomfortable with the other girls, uncomfortable at a club or did she want to spend time with Rokk? Initially, I didn't even recognize her and Rokk; they looked older in the VR and I thought this might be some new group being introduced into the series.
We got a couple of "For Valor's sake" comments, from Obin Der and Triad, setting up that legend. There is also an indication that Triad had/has family problems.
Zoe takes Vi through a series of dress changes, including a couple of old Shrinking Violet costumes. Her final effort even seems to surprise her and the very revealing dress attracts the attention of the bouncer who is now willing to let Vi into the club. Zoe's surprise hints that she lost some control, went a bit far with the design, illustrating her tendency to overreach.
Garth's scenes were abrupt, as HWW pointed out, and I thought they were a waste of two pages retelling his origin story; that dream could have been condensed to a panel or two. As his face transforms into a lightning beast in his dream, is that supposed to mean he's becoming something he doesn't want to be? He boasts to Rokk about his high lifestyle, but he's a poorly treated employee of McCauley.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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I've said this before, but I am pretty sure that this is either THE or ONE OF THE first ever Legion comics I ever purchased, so I love this issue a lot and it has a special place with me. It also kind of established in firmament that a "day off" issue is something that should be universal in every comic title; it humanizes the characters as we get to see what they do on their time off, and the girls are all adorable (especially Ayla, Vi and Zoe, but that's just me  ). Jeff Moy's art is fantastic in this issue, as he draws the characters brilliantly, but also has his sci-fi easter eggs all over the place - the ESB asteriod sequence reference in the rec room, the Stargate theme of the nightclub. Your callout of the Laurel/Obin discussion was spot on. Her characterization, not changing into casual clothes, and her agressiveness with the White Triangle folks was REALLY interesting to watch. I took Imra's choice as a) not feeling like she fits in 100%, and b) she has a crush on Rokk, so its a 2-fer. The Tinya/Winema scene had me laughing out loud, especially the girls' reaction to Tinya literally being dragged away. Triad's mention that their presence was Tinya's idea was perfect. I loved Spark's Peter Pan outfit. The highlight of the story to me, due to the payoff at the end, is the fashion show with Zoe and Vi. I remember when reading this originally, that I wondered if Zoe's power was working with Violet mentally somehow, as she says "work with me" but given what we know of her character later, I just assume that means "be patient with me." Either way, the final costume for the punchline was an interesting choice to say the least.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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I agree with everything said - great issue, fun outing, lots of little characterization moments, a bit of moving the overall plot along (Obin Der, Valor, Andromeda and the White Triangle, Winema, Cos/Imra/Garth love triangle, Zoe/Vi friendship...), excellent art.
Alas, Winema continues to remind me of my mom. I even showed her the panel, saying "mom it's you!" I was 12 at the time, and I didn't realize til later I'd hurt her feelings... I could relate very well to poor Tinya though! Strict and volatile parent, eek. And that whole "I'm old enough to go wherever I want!" bit.
Lyle continues to one-up Brainy as well, despite being less intelligent he's just more practical. The creators really took a liking to Lyle eh?
I do wonder how Zoe messed up so badly with Vi's latest outfit, the one that caused her to shrink down and hide. Also an interesting start to their friendship, with Vi clearly uncomfortable with Zoe's constant outfit-changing but not saying anything. (Also a nice power moment for Zoe, fixing the aquatic sentient's water globe). and Jenni freaking out over potentially crushing Vi!
Why am I not surprised that Tinya was the one who suggested going clubbing? and Zoe's "can't get a boy to dance" line, lol!
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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Oh, I totally forgot to mention Lyle and the flight ring! That was a standout to me as well, Lyle making big on Brainy's accidental invention (it makes sense that its Brainy, as Mon-El created it originally). It is interesting that Lyle gets a LOT of attention from the SWMP crew during the reboot. I'll rely on Ibby for this, but I don't think Zoe tries to alter anything of Vi's again until Vi suggests a sleepover and Zoe changes her PJs into a teddy and she freaks out at Zoe about it (rightfully, but Zoe's choice raises MANY questions. )
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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I think you're right, Zoe goes a bit hands-off re altering Vi until LSH 109, that sleepover incident. If I remember right, after L* 23, the next time we really see Vi and Zoe on-screen together is LSH Annual 6, Zoe's origin story where she also loses her powers. That was the first confirmation that they had become friends. We don't really see them again until Zoe leaves to find a way to repower, which I think was LSH 70.
Zoe does alter Vi's hospital gown in L* 52, but that's cause Vi is feverish and changing size uncontrollably. Zoe makes sure the gown grows/shrinks with Vi.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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Right! Zoe does change Garth, Imra and Lyle into beachwear, but she keeps her word with Vi. Probably a good move. We all know an angry reboot Violet is pretty dangerous.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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oh yeah, and that was in L* 77, towards the very end Indeed. Zoe changes Jan's outfit a couple of times there too, and she changed Candi and Sensor as well!
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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You'd think the Athramites would file a complaint against her for unlicensed fashion design.
Interesting idea that Zoe's power was possibly working mentally with Vi, connecting with Vi's subconscious.
Great Mom story, Ibby - although you could have come up with a quick save by saying "Tinya's mom is pretty and fashionable - just like you". I wondered if Winema was going to the club herself, she looked quite dressed up. She might have gotten in just based on her political rank. Or is she continuously spying on Tinya?
Holy Cats of Egypt!
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Brilliant save, FC! I should totally have used that on my mom!
I believe Winema was indeed at the club, I remember Tinya saying "but what about YOU going to this club?" Winema goes "I'm old enough to go where I want!"
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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Agree - Winema was absolutely out clubbing. :-)
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Wanderer
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Wanderer
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Fun issue. Very enjoyable how everyone is portrayed.
I didn't get the bit with Andromeda and the thugs at first reading. I wondered if they were hypnotising her with their medallions or something, but I guess it's still early in the year long mystery here. If I remember right it's the future attack on Triad that really starts to advance things.
I have read over this whole first year sequence a number of times and it is pretty obvious that the team had the whole story largely plotted out before they ever began. It's good work and it hangs together well.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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great points, stile. I read this issue out of order, so by then I knew what the White Triangle meant. But you're right, in correct order it's a big mystery.
Also really cool how well the team plotted - I think as early as Andy's intro in LSH 66, and perhaps earlier, they already knew where they'd go with the whole White Triangle bit! I found it very impressive.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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Yes, I want to say that I've read somewhere - and it may be back as far as the AOL chats - that they had planned pretty much all the issues through Mark Waid's involvement, which I think ended just after the White Triangle story resolved in L* Annual 2.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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The White Triangle as a hypnotic device, great idea! It might well have occurred to readers; it's not that far removed from Universo's medallion.
No interference from crossover events and Superman office must have helped with the success of the long-term plotting. This series really does flow like a well thought out serial.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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I'll see if I can find anything relating to that if I have any time (ha!), but I'm pretty sure the whole thing came out of the legendary planning session where they decided to completely reset the Legion after Zero Hour that included Waid, McCraw, Carlson and maybe others.
They plotted out, then farmed out the scripting for, that first year of books that focused on the intro of the characters and the rise of the White Triangle. They also had to have begun the initial arc plotting for the Emerald Eye story, as they de-powered Kinetix and had her go on a quest almost as soon as she was introduced, which I thought was a bold choice, but then again, they were originally planning for her to have the Emerald Eye from the jump.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Yeah, Zoe wasn't around for long initially eh? Introduced LSH 66, depowered LSH Annual 6 / Legionnaires 26, left to search for power LSH 70. she only went on 2 actual missions: vs. Tangleweb and vs. Composite Durlan.
I guess they thought better to send her off before White Triangle climax, to get one plot thread going and tighten focus after
i also wonder if her return was delayed due to changing horses mid-stream re making Vi the Empress instead. Zoe only returned in Legionnaires 36/LSH 80, they could have had her a bit earlier. though perhaps they also wanted to keep the Legion small, so the reunion in L*36/LSH 80 would have more impact with a bigger cavalry (besides Zoe, we see Garth, Jenni, Jan, Jo, Lar and Laurel all coming back!)
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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Good question on the delay; I doubt anyone remembers the specifics to that detail anymore, but it would be wonderful to find out.
They had to have made the shift in strategy pre-Chu/FF storyline, as Vi goes into confidence mode just before, then becomes leader after. So the big question would be how much change they made to that overall plan from the story, as I think the point of divergence for the overall story would have been when Vi was elected leader. Before that, though, they could have easily made the changes without too much modification to the Chu story.
Interesting regardless. I find it fascinating the level of care they took up through Emerald Vi. They obviously kept the planning up through LSH 100, even if the stories weren't as great (although I really liked the Mordru story). That was all KC Carlson.
When McAvennie took over it was like he wasn't even trying to keep anything cohesive together.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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yeah, the planning was definitely better up to LSH 100! that was real long term planning.
hmm well, LSH 74 to L* 31 had the Emerald Eye easter egg in the Scavenger lair, but Vi was saved from choking gas by the Philosopher's Stone then. Though in her L*40 flashback she attributes being saved (and getting newfound confidence) to the Emerald Eye. I'd say that was the big divergence point, if only because they had to slip in a plausible situation for Vi to encounter the Eye.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Nowhere Girl
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I find it fascinating the level of care they took up through Emerald Vi. They obviously kept the planning up through LSH 100, even if the stories weren't as great (although I really liked the Mordru story). I love the Mordru story, too.
Still "Fickles" to my friends.
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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yeah, the planning was definitely better up to LSH 100! that was real long term planning.
hmm well, LSH 74 to L* 31 had the Emerald Eye easter egg in the Scavenger lair, but Vi was saved from choking gas by the Philosopher's Stone then. Though in her L*40 flashback she attributes being saved (and getting newfound confidence) to the Emerald Eye. I'd say that was the big divergence point, if only because they had to slip in a plausible situation for Vi to encounter the Eye. Oh! I meant major divergence from a writing perspective, since they write in advance of the pencilers starting. Its easy enough to draw in an eye in the background of a panel. I may go on to the Google groups and see if I can find something as to the timing...
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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ah good point, good point! I seem to remember Vi adopting her more revealing costume in.... Legionnaires 34. so perhaps...? I find it fascinating the level of care they took up through Emerald Vi. They obviously kept the planning up through LSH 100, even if the stories weren't as great (although I really liked the Mordru story). I love the Mordru story, too. I adored it as well. very well-written, and everyone got something to do - even the non Legionnaires like Mysa, Dragonmage, RJ Brande. Admiral Everett is one of my fave supporting characters ever, too
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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Legionnaire!
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The earliest evidence of people suspecting Kinetix being the next empress was as early as August 1995, around the time Legionnares 30 came out, and the reference seems to indicate that the speculation had been rampant well before that. If memory serves, it really heated up when she lost her powers in the annual a few months before.
A lot of folks started to see all kinds of things, like her symbol (the sun and crescent moon) as an eye in half profile and stuff like that, which the creative team started to use to really mess with everyone (witness the cover with Zoe reaching for the eye?)
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Re: Re-Reading the Legion: Archive 35
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There was also her lust for power of course, and her green power signature 
Last edited by Invisible Brainiac; 08/28/21 12:03 AM.
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