DCnU Take 2: NICIEZA - LEGION LOST The New's 52's Best
Legion Lost is the best title among the New 52.
Not kidding.
As we continue our "DCnU Part 2" series, where we check back with some of the writers who are launching DC titles in September, we talk with Nicieza about his new Legion comic, which features illustrations by fan-favorite artist Pete Woods.
"And even if the 'Lost' succeed in stopping him, they might not be able to return home for fear of carrying a deadly pathogen back with them," he explained.
But he promised readers won't need to know any Legion history to understand who these characters are. It's a fresh, clean slate designed for new readers.
But now he's saying there may be a couple deaths in the comic?
Newsarama checked back with Nicieza to find out more, and discovered he is, quite possibly, the fourth greatest writer in the world. Or at least one of the funniest.
Newsarama: Fabian, now that you've seen the reaction from fans to the news about your comic, what are the top three things you want to clarify about it?
Fabian Nicieza: 1) Based on general fan reaction, I just want to tell people that I am not the greatest, handsomest and most modest writer in the world — I mean I appreciate them saying that, but it's just not true. No. 4 at most is all I would lay claim to.
Some readers seem to think the "Legionnaires trapped in time" premise implies an end date.
We are an ongoing monthly book. Period.
Just because it's about seven heroes from the future trapped in the present time and forced to fight the spread of a pathogen that is altering life on Earth — a pathogen they very well may be infected with themselves — all the while being branded as both responsible for the virus and its spread, where exactly is it implied that they are ever going to get rescued?
3) And most important, I want to clarify for any fans who have participated in those "which will be the best of the New 52" threads being bandied about on different sites — any list that doesn't start with Legion Lost as it's No. 1 answer is immediately a flawed and incorrect list.
Not talking sales, mind you... I mean, all the pretty boys get all the publicity. We know that, so I doubt our numbers will be in the top 5. I am talking simple, sheer quality (which will not be a subjective interpretation, but rather declarative fact — when declared by me). When I am done wooing all the readers with my handsome, modest charms, we will be the last ones left standing at the top of the heap.
Nrama: Wow, that really does clarify things. Now that you're further into writing the comic, how would you describe the direction your title is taking?
Nicieza: It's been an interesting combination of mounting desperation and confused conflict — and I'm loving writing a group of people who just aren't sure what to do — who don't know the right call to make because there might not be a right call in their situation. It's really liberating to write characters who can be excused, even sympathized with, for making the mistakes that the poor Legion Lost team is making.
Nrama: What character(s) in your comic do you expect to become beloved by fans? And why?
Nicieza: Timber Wolf, because he's going to be perpetually sweaty, pissed and funny, following his gut instinct and his animal senses more than rational, reasoned thought.
The next time he follows an order will probably be the first time in the book — but it's hard to stay mad at him because even though he is turning into more of a "Lone Wolf" in this book, he ends up getting things done while the others are still wondering what they should do.
Nrama: Most important thing you want readers to remember about your comic?
Nicieza: Uhm... you're asking for a rambling summary of all my answers above...? Okay... let's see... greatest, handsomest, most modest writer, great art from Pete Woods... uhm, oh yeah — not a mini-series, characters in very, very deep doo doo... maybe a couple of deaths, maybe not... a virus that could change the face of the DCU... best book in the entire launch (it's a fact)... Timber Wolf cool... Dawnstar cool and hot... didn't mention Tyroc, Wildfire, Tellus, Chameleon Girl (get her a new name) and Gates... should mention them... they're all so much fun to write (except the two I'm killing off).
But this is all the hype we need: Legion Lost will kick the crap out of any book that has the globes to stand up to our challenge (I'm looking at you Lobdell and your 32 titles!).
Wow, that was some fun venting.
Got a comment? There's lots of conversation on Newsarama's FACEBOOK and TWITTER!- Dear DC, Part 2: More Utterly Unsolicited NEW 52 Advice
- Dear DC: Our Unsolicited Advice for THE NEW 52
- The DCnU Take 2: STORMWATCH
- The DCnU Take 2: JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL
- LEGION LOST Love: Fabian Nicieza Takes the LSH to the DCnU