Episode 152 - The Legion: Foundations with Jim Fetters, Jay McKiernan, and Chris Batista

In this special crossover episode of Men of Steel, we kick off a two-part team-up with the Long Live the Legion podcast!

We’re diving into “Foundations,” the early 2000s arc from The Legion—with special guests Jim and Jay from LLtL and the artist of the arc himself, Chris Batista! Together, we explore Superman’s legacy in the 31st century, the evolving identity of the Legion, and what it was like illustrating this future-forward storyline.

Part 2 continues on Long Live the Legion—don’t miss it!

Overview

Case Aiken introduces crossover episode, featuring Jmike Folson, Jim Fetters, Jay McKiernan, and Chris Batista discussing the Legion of Superheroes 'Foundations' arc, celebrating its 45th anniversary. The plot centers on Darkseid snatching people from time to harness dark matter, with the Legion uncovering Superboy during the investigation. DNA (Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning) established as the core writing team; their earlier success with Marvel's cosmic stories enhances credibility. Chris Batista expresses concern over technology portrayal, advocating for a more advanced depiction of the Legion compared to Justice League. The Legion World headquarters is praised for its futuristic elements like replicated home worlds and teleportation gates. Despite rising sales and positive fan response, the series faced cancellation, causing frustration as issue 25 became the second-best selling of the series with a 25% readership increase. Character designs for the Servants of Darkness were mostly created by Chris Batista, with a conscious effort to maintain Kirby's aesthetic. Superboy's dual role as both Legion member and connection to Titans was anticipated, reflecting long-time fan expectations for character involvement. Kid Quantum is recognized as the first female leader of color in the Legion, showcasing character dynamics and development alongside Cosmic Boy. The evolution of Superboy's design aimed to match Teen Titans appearances, highlighting editorial influence on character aesthetics.

 

Notes

️ Podcast Introduction and Setup (00:00 - 02:09)

• Case Aiken introduces the Men of Steel podcast crossover episode with Long Live the Legion podcast, featuring co-host Jmike Folson and guests Jim Fetters, Jay McKiernan, and artist Chris Batista.

• Discussion focuses on Legion of Superheroes 'Foundations' arc, specifically issue 25 which serves as both story continuation and 45th anniversary celebration.

• Chris Batista reveals behind-the-scenes details about working as lead artist on the arc, noting DC doesn't produce this Legion continuity anymore so he can speak freely.

Story Overview and Context (02:09 - 09:54)

• Jmike Folson summarizes the Foundations plot: people being snatched from time by Darkseid to steal dark matter for restarting Apokolips, with Legion discovering Superboy during investigation of warp phantoms.

• DNA (Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning) established as the writing team, with connections drawn to their later successful Marvel cosmic work including Guardians of the Galaxy.

• Legion Lost miniseries and Legion Worlds established crucial backstory, with 25 issues of world-building leading to this commemorative arc.

️ Technology and World-Building Discussion (09:54 - 16:05)

• Chris Batista expresses frustration with Paul Levitz rejecting advanced technology concepts for Legion, arguing they should appear far more advanced than Justice League.

• Legion World headquarters praised as major advancement - a planet with replicated home worlds and teleportation gates, making Legion feel appropriately futuristic.

• Discussion of how DNA run embraced technological advancement while previous runs kept Legion at similar tech level to 20th century heroes.

Character Design and Development (01:01:03 - 01:24:10)

• Chris reveals Servants of Darkness designs were largely his creation except for Orion, with specific mentions of including Firestorm, White Martian, Lobo, Green Lantern, and Big Barda.

• Orion design intentionally modeled after Destroyer from Thor, maintaining Kirby aesthetic while creating intimidating servant appearance.

• Invisible Kid and Brainiac 5 romantic moment revealed as editor Steve Wacker's spontaneous addition 'just to mess with fans' - became lasting fan discussion point.

Publishing History and Cancellation (01:24:16 - 01:59:06)

• Series cancellation explained as sudden higher-up decision despite rising sales and positive fan response to Superboy addition.

• Issue 25 was second-best selling of entire series with 25% increase in readership, making cancellation timing particularly frustrating.

• Original plans included Superboy remaining in both Legion and Titans simultaneously, with extensive story arcs planned for Element Lad return and Lightning Lad separation.

Artist Collaboration and Creative Process (20:40 - 01:19:06)

• Chris describes working relationship with DNA as collaborative, with writers trusting him to design new characters like Legion cadets and including Easter eggs like Kent Shakespeare and Polar Boy.

• Multiple pencillers used for issue 25 to handle commemorative scope, with each artist assigned specific character groups to avoid overlap.

• Coloring technology evolution discussed, with modern computer coloring providing more tools but potentially reducing creative necessity of older 64-color process limitations.

• ⏳ Superman Connection and Time Travel Elements (34:02 - 01:54:06)

• Clark Kent and 90s Superboy both featured as characters pulled from time, with Clark becoming servant of darkness while Superboy joins Legion.

• Superboy wears classic costume with Legion belt buckle addition, fulfilling long-time fan expectations while serving story purposes.

• Time dilation plot involves universe getting smaller and past being erased, though hosts acknowledge the temporal mechanics don't fully make sense.

Character Relationships and Dynamics (46:03 - 01:30:24)

• Mech (Lightning Lord) rehabilitation storyline discussed as more complex than typical villain treatment, showing struggle between evil nature and love for siblings.

• Kid Quantum established as Legion's first female leader of color, with organic romantic relationship with Cosmic Boy developing throughout arc.

• Livewire/Element Lad fusion creates extremely powerful character combining lightning abilities with matter transmutation in crystalline body.

Technical and Production Details (01:36:23 - 01:51:38)

• Secret Files issue placement in continuity questioned due to timeline inconsistencies with main story events.

• Chris notes Superboy's physical design evolution throughout arc as editorial mandated size increases to match Teen Titans appearance.

• Force field technology and advanced Legion equipment discussed as properly futuristic elements that should distinguish team from contemporary heroes.