The Legion should've -- and would've -- been Marvel's version of DC's All-Star Squadron. In fact, the Legion debuted BEFORE the Squadron did. They were both the creation of writer Roy Thomas, and as much as he clearly try to push the Legion as much as he could, Marvel apparently didn't feel the audience was there for them. That may have been because of anemic sales of Marvel's other, better-known team of heroes from the Timely era, the Invaders. Guess they figured that if those relatively A-listers weren't reaping big sales, then the obscure members of the Legion probably wouldn't attract an audience.

That may very well be, but boy, DC's All-Star Squadron -- also comprised of less-than-A-list heroes from the Golden Age -- managed a pretty good run. That doesn't necessarily mean the Legion would have, but boy I wish Marvel would've given them a chance. It could have provided a great opportunity to explore Marvel's lesser known characters from that era, something they've yet to fully do to this day.

At any rate, the piece you see here was given to me as a gift by the proprietor of one of the most prolific and amazing galleries on all of CAF: Michael Dunne! In addition to being one of the most kind-hearted, generous, and smartest people I know, he has an art collection that is a joy to behold. His pieces featuring the JSA is the greatest collection of artwork featuring that team in the world today, and I'll stand by that until somebody proves me wrong!

This piece was drawn by the amazing talented veteran artist, MC Wyman. Michael commissioned it, and had MC draw it based on an earlier drawing of the team by Don Heck. Heck's version may have been meant to be the cover or opening splash page of an aborted Liberty Legion series. I've also included Heck's sketch just so you can compare the two. Its a nice homage to the late, great Mr. Heck, and I can't thank Michael enough for bestowing this kind gift upon me. I am not worthy.

Social/Sharing