Gail simone Reflects on Unexpected ‘Legion of Super-Heroes‘ Run, Replacing Abnett and Lanning

In 2004, Gail Simone took on a brief run writing Legion Of Super Heroes with Dan Jurgens as the artist. Recently, Simone reflected on the circumstances surrounding her involvement with the project, revealing that she unexpectedly replaced Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, known as DnA, on the title. The circumstances, as she describes them, involved miscommunication and industry shifts that left her with mixed feelings about the experience. The book in question, The legion, published between 2001 and 2004, featured the Legion of Super-Heroes.

the revelation came after a fan,Ben Fritz,the AI Editor at the Washington Post,posted art from simone and Jurgens’s collaboration on X,formerly Twitter. Simone responded, “When they ask if you want to write LoSH oh and by the way, @thedanjurgens is the artist…” This prompted Fritz to inquire about the nature of her run, specifically asking, “Did you no going in it would be only 4 issues and then the Legion reboot continuity would end? Your story was good but it was weird in hindsight to let go of DnA, have a new team do a 4-issue story, and then reboot again.”

The Circumstances of the Change

The Legion, published between 2001 and 2004, featured the Legion of Super-Heroes and followed two miniseries from 2000AD creators Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning: Legion Lost and Legion Worlds. The ongoing publication of The Legion resumed with artist Olivier Coipel but was ultimately canceled in 2004, marking a significant turning point for the series.

Simone elaborated on the circumstances that led to her involvement, stating:

No, and I’m still irked about it. I was told DnA needed a short break so I agreed to do four issues, just a fun LoSH story. What actually happened was they ended DnA’s run and ran my story as the final story in that run. it was not fair to DnA who had been doing a great job. That editor is long since gone but that was a really meen thing to do to the regular creative team. And it was the first time I’d ever been manipulated like that. Or else, I loved writing the story and the artists were amazing.

Simone’s statement reveals a sense of unease and frustration regarding the situation, emphasizing the impact on Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, who she felt were unfairly treated. The editor in question was Stephen Wacker.

The Career Trajectory of Stephen Wacker

Stephen Wacker’s career has spanned various roles within the comic book and animation industries. He is known for his time as a DC editor and for co-creating Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel. Wacker also served as a Senior Spider-Man editor, overseeing storylines such as One More Day and Brand New Day. In 2013, he transitioned to Marvel Animation as VP-Animation.

Wacker later left Marvel to become EIC at 3 Worlds/3 moons until 2023.Currently,he is working in growth at Stone Kite Studios as SVP,alongside Margaret Stohl,Jeanine schaefer,and Lewis Peterson.

Conclusion

Gail Simone’s reflection on her brief Legion Of Super Heroes run provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the comic book industry. The unexpected circumstances surrounding her involvement, coupled with the subsequent career paths of those involved, highlight the ever-evolving nature of the industry and the complex relationships that shape its creative output.

Gail Simone, Dan Abnett & andy Lanning, and the Shifting Sands of the DC Universe: An Exclusive Interview

Did you know that a seemingly minor four-issue arc on Legion of Super-Heroes sparked a controversy that reveals deeper truths about creative control and editorial decisions in the comic book industry? Let’s delve into the captivating story behind Gail Simone’s unexpected run and its lasting impact.

Interviewer: Welcome, Professor Thompson, renowned comic book historian and expert on the creative processes behind iconic superhero franchises. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Gail Simone’s unexpected Legion of Super-Heroes arc and the broader implications for the industry.

Professor Thompson: It’s a pleasure to be here. The Simone/Legion of Super-Heroes situation is a fascinating case study in the power dynamics at play in comic book publishing, illustrating how editorial decisions, often made behind closed doors, can substantially impact creative teams and the narrative trajectory of beloved franchises.

Interviewer: The article highlights the unexpected nature of Gail Simone’s involvement, replacing Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (DnA). Can you shed light on the context of dna’s run on Legion of Super-Heroes and why their departure was so noteworthy?

Professor Thompson: Absolutely. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning had revitalized the Legion of Super-Heroes franchise. Their work, including the Legion Lost and Legion Worlds miniseries, had reinvigorated the title’s readership and critical acclaim. Their run was praised for its complex storylines, character progress, and the reimagining of several classic Legion characters. Replacing them abruptly with a short, four-issue arc, particularly after such an accomplished run, understandably raises questions about the management of creative talent and long-term planning within the publishing house. The disruption of their established narrative arc raised concerns about the valuing of sustained creative investment.

interviewer: The article suggests miscommunication and a lack of clarity played significant roles in this situation. How common are such issues within the comic book industry, and what are the potential consequences?

Professor Thompson: regrettably, such situations, while perhaps not always this dramatic, are not uncommon.Miscommunication and a lack of clear dialogue channels between editors, writers, and artists can lead to several detrimental effects. It can result in creative frustrations, damaged relationships between creative teams, and even hurt the overall quality and coherence of a comic book’s narrative. Transparency and solid communication are crucial to fostering a productive and supportive creative environment.A collaborative approach that prioritizes clear expectations and open dialogue is essential for avoiding similar scenarios.

Interviewer: The article mentions Stephen Wacker, the editor overseeing the period discussed. Given his later career trajectory, how dose this event fit into the broader context of his editorial career?

Professor Thompson: Stephen Wacker’s later contributions to Marvel Comics illustrate how even seemingly minor editorial decisions can have long-lasting consequences while demonstrating the dynamism of careers in the comic book industry.The Legion of Super-Heroes incident shows that even successful editors can make questionable decisions, and emphasizes that a robust learning environment is vital for long-term success in the field. While this incident points to what can go wrong in overseeing creative teams, it shouldn’t overshadow his significant accomplishments in his subsequent career. His experiences in the DC Universe likely shaped his later editorial approach and certainly impacted his contributions toward the marvel Universe.

interviewer: What larger lessons can be drawn from Simone’s experience, specifically concerning the treatment of creative teams like Dan abnett and Andy Lanning?

Professor Thompson: This incident underscores the importance of respecting and valuing the contributions of creative teams. DnA had poured years of work into rebuilding the Legion. Replacing them so abruptly without proper context demonstrates a lack of understanding of the creative investment involved. Similarly, it underscores the need for editors to be clear and communicative with their creative partners. The whole experience highlights the importance of fair and ethical treatment in collaborative creative endeavors, nonetheless of the scale.

Interviewer: What implications does this story have for aspiring comic book writers and artists who might potentially encounter similar situations?

Professor thompson: Aspiring writers and artists shoudl prioritize forming strong working relationships with their editors and publishers. It should be based on mutual respect, transparency, and clear contract agreements which clearly define scope, rights, and payment schemes to avoid ambiguity and future disputes. thorough communication and open discussion are critical in preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that their creative visions are respected and fairly compensated. They must also understand that, sometimes, despite the best efforts, creative decisions beyond their control can occur, and that understanding and addressing the situation pragmatically may lead to positive outcomes.

Interviewer: Professor Thompson, thank you for shedding light on this compelling case study. Your insights are invaluable, especially for understanding the complex dynamics within the comic book industry.

Professor Thompson: My pleasure. I hope this discussion helps illuminate the importance of clear communication, respect for the creative process, and ethical considerations in the world of comic book publishing. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – let’s continue the conversation!