Legion World Forums LEGION CLUBHOUSE The Legion of Super-Heroes Long Live the Legion! Dev revisits the 5YL era

I'll gladly confess to being a less advanced species if I can get clear storytelling out of the deal.

I say it's for the advanced palette, but not perfect. There were certainly LOTS of problems. But we can point those out as we proceed.

Palette, species . . . they say you are what you eat.

If there is something redeeming in Giffen's confusing narrative, I'd like to know what it is. Perhaps I've just missed it, or perhaps I need a fresh perspective.

I love, love, LOVE the 5YL Legion series! This is what got me hooked on the Legion in the first place! For all the talk about the LSH being too dense to get into, this series might have been even harder, but the drama totally drew me in and made me hunt for back issues to find out what the LEGION was all about.

Issue #2 was absolutely the best Ultra Boy story to date! He, more than Rokk, made me really feel for what was lost when the Legion disbanded.

The Mordru-verse Andrew Nolan also made me a Ferro-Lad fan for life - and he only appeared in ONE issue! Awesome stuff!

I discussed issue # 5 extensively a year and a half ago in this thread .

As for # 6 . . .

As a narrative, it holds together very well. It wasn't very confusing to follow on re-read, but, of course, this has to be understood in context. Knowing how the story turned out, who Bounty was, who Laurel was, etc., makes the issue easier to follow the second time around. Giffen throws so many new characters and subplots at us that, on first read, it was very disjointed.

I'm not sure what Cham hoped to accomplish by petitioning Mordru, but the scheme fails utterly. The failure provides us with a glimpse into what Cham, Rokk, Jo, Kono, and Furball fear the most, but it also makes them look like idiots for blundering into this trap. There's also a snippet of Mysa in Mordru's harem; she is apparently "sharing" the ex-Legionnaires' mental agony at Mordru's behest.

Giffen actually provides us with snippets of stories instead of full narratives, and this makes each issue, and # 6 in particular, unsatisfying. Just when you think a scene is going somewhere, he shifts us somewhere else, and we have to start all over--a process made even more laborious by his method of starting each scene with word ballons and letting us gradually figure out who's talking.

I recall being so frustrated and confused by # 6 that it was the last issue of 5YL I bought until many years later. Now, on re-reading it, I can't help but think that Giffen was trying to turn the Legion into Watchmen: he adopts all of the stylistic conventons of that series--nine-panel grids, text pages, a dark worldview-- but he lacks an understanding of the basic narrative techniques that made Watchmen so compelling. That is, he doesn't let us get close enough to any of the characters to care about them. Instead, we're treated to one shocking scene after another. But shock and awe only go so far.

I guess I tend to love certain aspects of 5YL, and hate others.

I like the basic storyline that they set up in those early issues, and the basic idea of the Legion, having disbanded, coming back together because they realize that they are actually necessary to the stability of the galaxy. I like the takes on a lot of the individual characters. I generally like the density of the issues. These issues tend to have a lot more re-reading value than many other comics, as I tend to catch little details that I'd missed on previous readings.

Unfortunately, a number of things get in the way of the story. The fact that in the first twelve issues, there's at least two or three primarily devoted to retconning Legion history really sets an unhealthy trend that ends up dominating too much of the series.

In an ideal world, I would have made sure they got the "new team" together with a clearly defined membership by #12, and used the first annual to a) tell the story of the Legion's break-up/Black Dawn, etc. and b) update us on at least most of the characters who hadn't rejoined the team.

Issue #7, May, 90

Interesting issue that brings the team that much closer together. Given that the next issue is a sill in story, and the one after that I believe is one also...the story doeas begin to drag here.

Mordru "faces" off against Rokk. In an interesting choice of story telling. An image with prose running alongside. It worked well for the Rokk/Mordru Dinner/Conversation. Everything there seemed to be thought out enough that it holds up to multiple reasons, and we will learn all of the meanings behind their conversational reasonings over time.

Vykros gives a beating, and then takes a bigger one.

We get Mysa back, Rond is freed as well. The rest of the team gets free and the band is getting bigger by the issue.

Jan and the crew that went to find him are headed to Winath.

We are also given a mystery energy that seems to be tracking someone on the Trom crew from Earth.

The other thing is an ad for the Probes.

Issue #8, Jun 90 - Rond did WHAT?!?!?!?!

One of my most cherished comics...why, it's signed by the Bierbaums, Sprouse and THE Curt Swan.

The Legion origin with a twist. Actually it's more of a Who is Brande issue. Good read that gives some reasons behind the why's and wherefores to the Legion.

We also learn that the team is headed to Winath. Guess the team will be back together sooner than later. We also find out that Rond and Laurel have a baby!!! Whatever will Brainy think?

Text pieces on Brande and the Khunds view of Laurel.

Quick review this time.

Issue #9, Jul 90 - Laurels Story

Another fill in issue because, according to Tom in his blog, Keith was falling behind. A good fill in though, as it gives us some back story on Laurel...their Supergirl replacement.

We start and finish her story with a buffer of Roxxas lamenting that the Legionnaires did not go straight to Shanghalla. During the story, Laurel looses her parents. We see her cousin Eltro.

Roxxas also finds out that Earthgov has hired someone to hunt him down. Not a good thing for Earthgov. He also decides to head to Winath once he learns that's where Celeste is headed...as well as Jan.

We get an update on the Green Glowing orb that is heading towards our heroes.

Then we have Salu dreading the reunion with the other...Rokk specifically. We also see a statue of a fallen Legionnaire that has not been seen before...won't find out till later who it is.

Text pieces on Laurel, and the Khund Earth attack.

Issue #10 - Roxxas Strikes

WEll, now we're cookin. The Legion is on Winath, but so is Roxxas. Always liked this issue, even though at first read, I was a little concerned about Jo.

Nice reunion scene with Rokk and Garth. Ayla musing on the Legion.Brainy taking on trying to help Mysa, who is now watching a vidoe of her and Blok over and over.

Various other happenings...then Roxxas strikes.

Roxxas geting peeved at Mekt for not wanting to help was funny, but the beating he laid on him was brutal. Bounty goes down with Neuro toxins, Reep gets sht in the head, and Celeste gets shot and beaten to a pulp. Jo lays a beating down on Roxxas until he is dispatched.

Roxxas get sout of dodge, the Dominators are worried that he'll come after them.

The Green Glow is arriving at Winith.

And to Lash's Joy...Tenzil hits the book. He's here under a special exemption clause to get him on Earth. He's doing an Archaeologist Dig for a show. He also brings Calorie Queen and some walking Venturian Money with him. I always imagined this version of Tenzil being done by a young Bruce Campbell.

Text pieces on Blok and Mekt's mental recovery.

Issue #11, Sep 90 - Tenzil Kem takes a bite out of crime

Okay, I like this issue. Not as much as Lash, but I like it all the same. It moves some things that have been in the background along...Brek's dangling sub-plot. It's also a fun issue as well.

Before I get to Tenzil...what else happens:

We get an update from Winath.

Then from Brainy, who gives us a few hints that we know Bounty. Does not look like Celeste will make it.

Roxxas kills some Dr.'s.

Text piece on Tenzil.

And Jo is back...back in time...

As far as the Tenzil story goes...it's really all over the place, but actually has a point...to get Brek off Earth. Which Tenzil does. I hope Lash chimes in on this one...Titan Presidents of Bismoll indeed.

I love what T&M&K did...the stuff that came after ...Legion on the Run, not so much, but I still enjoyed it...until I realized what they had in store. Then I just got Pissed.

They definitely have rereadability. There is so much in there, and so many hidden things that are so much fun to find.

Some of these, by Tom B.'s own admission were done because Keith was behind. Add onto that the fact that they had to reboot on the fly after 4 issues, I think they did a good job with a horrid situation. Odd to think that a comic can be given a break, at least by me, given the editorial dictates that they had to put up with.

If Keith had been faster, and the editorial things not come down...they may have been able to so that...but we'll never know.

Issue #12, oct 90 - Rebirth

Love this issue. Some great things happen and several plot lines wrap up. Plus we get a new character to the Legion mythos...one I hope turns up again someday.

The Legion is back...officially.

Roxxas is captured. Jan really is the one that decides that letting him live is worth more to the Legion's "soul" than what he really deserved.

Celeste is apparently healed by the Glowing orb. It takes quite a while, as I remember, for this storyline to really progress anywhere.

We see Brin running around Winath in the buff. Again, They seem to do more in nine panels for Brin than had been done with him for quite a while. They take back a bit of the idiot stigma that Levitz seemed intent on branding him with.

Love Kono's dismissal of Jo's death.

Jo meets a Khund.

New Outfits arrive.

Then we get to meet Kent Shakespeare. He is on Quarantine, working/guarding the kids there. He fights the Persuader, to an unpleasant cliff-hanger. Gim, the SP is there as well.

Text pieces on Reeps order of the outfits, and info on the Persuader.

Issue #13, Nov 90 - State of the Universe

Alright. Good issue, and if you consider that they had to fill in a few issues, this would have been within the initial 12. This brings the Legion that much closer to being united, and also gives us an idea of where their new headquarters will be.

Kent takes care of the Persuader, and Mano has to give Starfinger the news. Although Gim does not have to do his "Colossal Boy" routine, it is good to see him, and he's there to basically offer Kent a ride partway to Winath. Ivy, who was apparently going to have a bigger role, is seen.

Circe is given a directive by the Dominators, who know their manipulations are falling apart.

Jo is still in the past, with no idea where...or when, he is.

Laurel takes out a Khund Battle Wagon.

Tenzil and Brek are, never mind..."My God! He's eating that man's head!" "It's okay, It's okay! I'm a Senator!"

Furball returns and Garth offers Rokk a home base.

Rokk and Salu finally have a heart to heart.

Lydda is excited that the Legion is back...and Loomis is confused.

We get a text piece on the state of the universe.

Glorith removes what is left of the Trapper.

Annual #1, 1990 Jo's story

One of my favorite Legion stories of all time...if not my favorite.

It covers so much ground and weaves together seemingly unrelated events with ease. Sure there a re some tweaks along the way, but that had to be given the dictates of the company at the time. From his first appearance to Adventure tales through the Conspiracy issues of the last series, they manage to tie in things that still amaze me to this day.

Jo is shown to have more brains and depth than most of the Legionnaires. He figures out Brande's secret, Glorith's plans, tricks Mordru, and finds a way to stop Glorith...or so he thinks. It does end up costing him in the end, but like I said earlier, I think he's a better character overall for having lost Tinya for a while.

Issue #14, Jan 91 - Teh Tenzil and Brek show

This issue cracks me up even more than the last issue staring Tenzil and Brek. Fun read, plus we get tto see some old faces.

Tenzil is taken into "custody" by Evillo, because his daughters want to meet a Legionnaire.

Along the way we get to see Saturn Queen and Sugyn as well.

There are other things that happen. The Jo plot plods along some more.

Rokk sees the potential headquarters.

Text piece of Loomis' report on the new HQ.

Issue 15, 16, 17, Feb thru Apr 91 - The Red Terror

Gonna do these as one post since they're all one story. The art in this is bad. Not the Giffen side things, but the main art. Brandon Peterson has the art chores on the main story here, and I believe it is his first published work. He does hone his craft and become a very good artist, but his beginnings here are awful. The story is not bad in and of itself, given that Tom has stated that it was a three issue fill in story for some reason.

The main story is the war with the Khunds. We get to see a lot of old friends.. Marte Allon, Projectra, Chuck and Lu, plus a ton of Academy Students from the original run. Not everyone makes it out of this alive though.

Salu looses her leg here, and get's a replacement.

Grev has married Lady Memory to bring the two tribes together. Lar and Tasmia go to Talok VIII.

Glorith is revealed to be Leading the Khunds.

Brainy stops the Red Terror.

Glorith is sent to the end of time.

Mysa saves a planet, but at what cost.


Other things going on:

Issue 15

Brainy cannot get Rond and Laurel off his mind. He figures out that Jo is back in time, but has no way to track him.

Loomis is working on the HQ power, and we get a bit of fun with Kono and the vibrating fingers...

Jo figures out he's in the past.

Dirk's ghaving Circe dress up for relations is obvious here as she is in blue make-up. Twisted puppy there.

Issue 16

Tyroc, the subs, Universo and Jacques are the resistance on Earth. The Dark Circle is involved somehow as well.

Issue 17

In one of the few things I disliked about this run of the Legion...the Tornado Twins are executed.

Issue #18, May 91 - The Dark Circle

A mostly blah tale for me. Nothing really interested me, or does now to be honest, except the final couple of pages with art by Giffen.

Essentially they clean up a bunch of threads from the last three issues here. Lar and Tasmia break up a Dark Circle thing on Orando. Visit Xolnar and Cargg om the process. Yawn...

Universo and Jacques meet and seemingly come to an agreement to join forces.

Circe is under observation now.

Shvaugn gets a wake up call.

Jo cobbles together a ship to head towards Earth...five thousand years in his past.

A Dark Circle ad is the text piece for the issue.

Alright. An aside here.

The next issue of the Legion is actually an issue of a Superman crossover that was happening at the time. I so not have the issues handy, but do remember them. I really enjoyed the "Time and Time again" story from the Superman team.

There were two Legion-centric issues to it, and the first was a trip to an older Legion era where Supes helped the team fight another Sun Eater.

Then came the Dev Em issue. Based on my name here, you would think that this would have ticked me off seeing as how Dev Em was turned into a homicidal maniac. For some reason it didn't.

Not sure how the timing went on the release of all the issues, but it is the perfect lead in to what they were doing in the next issue of the Legion.

When I can find the issue in question, I'll edit this to include a review of the issue proper like.

Around #11 a series of issue’s occur that are some of what I consider the greatest moments in Legion history:

#11 – First Tenzil issue – ground-breakingly funny.

#12 – the Cover – potentially my favorite cover of all time, with the Legion emblem—somewhat battered and dirtied—standing firm as the team rises again.

#13 – “State of the Universe” – Cos and Vi’s heart to heart is one of the best moments in Legion history for me. I’ve reread it several times and each time I get more blurried eyed than the one before.

#14 – Second Tenzil issue – even funnier than the first.

I love the 5YL era and reading this thread only reminds me of it more. Whenever I’ve reread the entire Legion run, when I get to this era, I get prepared to get a little misty-eyed and feel the emotional heartstrings get pulled a bit. It wasn’t perfect by any means. But it was brilliant.

This scene actually strikes me as a bit underwhelming, considering the last encounter between the Legion and Roxxas basically ended with Jan "discovering" that killing him would be a mistake.

The more I think about it, the more that Roxxas-killing-Blok strikes me as a pretty cheap death. As we've discussed before, the whole storyline would've had much more impact had they followed through with their original ambition of killing Shvaughn, thus ratching up the Jan-Roxxas tension a notch. Instead, they killed off a Legionnaire who a) was never really a fan favorite character and b) they probably would've pretty much left out of the series anyway. I can kind of imagine them sitting around after the Shvaughn plans changed saying, "Well, we could kill off Blok or Tellus, let's flip a coin and decide which..."

Alternatively, if they wanted to go with a *really* powerful storyline, they could've had Roxxas kill Jan.

I definitely agree the death of Blok was one of the series major mistakes. All subsequent rereads of it only showcase that moreso.

Other deaths in TMK, while not pleasing to fans, were done much better. Blok's always felt a bit cheap. I do, however, love Dev's idea of how Blok could easily have still been alive--it almost feels like it was part of the plan.

Yeah, I definitely agree that there were outs as to how Blok could come back. I actually would be really interested to see what the Beirbaums could've done with him, personality-wise, as I think they could've made far more interesting than he ever was under Levitz.

I have to admit, however, that "A Legionnaire you thought was dead isn't, and a Legionnaire you thought would live forever doesn't" is one of the great next issue blurbs of all time.

Issue #19, Jun 91 - And the rain came down

Liked this issue a lot, but it does focus on one of my favorite characters for at least half the book.

Two very distinct thing happen in this issue. The Moon's destruction hits Earth. With devastating effects. Millions die in the impacts. Including some old friends.

The other half of the issue is devoted to finally wrapping up Jo's trip to the past. Glad to see the whole thing wrap up, and interesting to see Nabu involved in his return to the proper time. Again, the creative team proves that they are more than able to make Jo a rounded character. The last page when he finally allows himself to cry for Tinya is moving...at least as moving as a comic can get (until the SW6/Legion reunion issue.

Text piece on the destruction of the Moon.

Was anyone, while reading this real time, saying, geez i wish they would get on with the story?

Probably not, except for those anxious to see how it came out.

Even reading the reviews is exciting for me.

I didn't think of it at the time, but yes I guess there were better options to killing Blok, though sending the parts in a box would have been a bit more Dexterish.