Created by Otto Binder (writer) & Al Plastino (artist); the Legion of Superheroes made their debut in a "Superboy"(Superman as a teen) story, which appeared in "Adventure Comics"#247 (Apr. 1958). Several members of a vast teen superhero team had traveled through time (from the 30th century) to recruit and test Superboy, to see if he would be eligible to join their team (although Superboy had been their inspiration for becoming superheroes & forming the Legion in the first place). Superboy passed his testing and would join them for many 30th century adventures over the years. The Legion's 1st appearance was so popular (they returned in issue #267), that they gained their own feature by issue #300 (Sept. 1962)!!! As stories progressed, more and more of the vast team of superheroes were revealed. The Legion's membership included---Lightning Lad; Saturn Girl; Brainiac 5; Star Boy; Bouncing Boy; Triplicate Girl (who became Duo Damsel after one of her selves was killed); Karate Kid (who in the late 70's would gain his own comic book series, were about his adventures after time-traveling back to the 20th century); Colossal Boy; Ultra Boy; Lightning Lass (L.L.'s sister); Phantom Girl; Mon-El; Sun Boy; Element Lad; Matter-Eater Lad; Ferro Lad (who died saving the world from the Sun-Eater, in issue #353); Chemical King; Timber-wolf; Shadow Lass; and eventually Supergirl & Jimmy Olson (as Elastic Lad), from the 20th century. During the 60's era, Jim Shooter became the main writer, while Curt Swan & Win Mortimer, more than capably took on the artistic duties. Neal Adams (my favorite artist) did much of the cover art, during that time. The Legion battled many colorful super-powered villains, although none stood out to me as much as the 'Fatal Five', which included---Emerald Empress; Tharok; Mano; Persuader; and my personal favorite: Validus (an ominous giant super-being whose brain showed through the front of his head).
The Legion made their final "Adventure Comics" appearance in #380 (May 1969). In the early 70's, they became a back-up feature in "Action Comics", and eventually joined "Superboy" in his solo comic. Artists George Tuska & Dave Cockrum were responsible for re-vitalizing the series during that time (they accomplished this feat, with style). Bouncing Boy married Duo Damsel in "Superboy"#200 (Feb. 1974).
Mike Grell brought his fantastic brand & style of artistry to the series; beginning with issue #203 (which also featured the death of the Invisible Kid)!!! Grell also introduced 'sexier' costumes for all of the girls of the team! New heroes Wildfire, Tyroc & Dawnstar joined during this era. With issue #231, "Superboy" became "Superboy and the Legion of Super Heroes". In 1978, Lightning Lad married Saturn Girl in a DC Treasury Edition-Sized "All New Collector's Edition"#C-55, which was also illustrated by the 'great' Mike Grell! The 'Earthwar' story-line (which put the Legion in an inter-galactic war) received much acclaim. The series was written by Paul Lovitz and was illustrated by Grell (and later by Joe Staton). By 1980, Superboy left the team (giving them their own title)
Animated TV Appearances included---"Superman: The Animated Series" ("New Kids in Town"); "Justice League Unlimited" ("Far from Home"); and their own series "Legion of Super Heroes" which began in 2006.
Live-Action Appearances included---"Smallville" episodes: "Legion"; "Doomsday"; as well as the final season 200th episode.
As a kid, I was always fascinated by the "Legion of Super Heroes" and their vast array of colorful heroes & heroines (who came from nearly every planet imaginable); as well as their fantastic story-lines & artwork!!! I know they are still followed by 'legions' of fans!!!
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