Joshua, John :: All-Star Squadron 'continuation project' commissions

All-Star Squadron homage to Legion Of Super-Heroes #281

Artist: John Watson (All)

2 Comments - 893 Views - 1 Like

All-Star Squadron homage to Legion Of Super-Heroes #281 Comic Art

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Legion Of Super-Heroes #281 - inspiration

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Artwork Details

Title:	All-Star Squadron homage to Legion Of Super-Heroes #281
Artist:	John Watson (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	893
Likes on CAF:	1 2
Comments:	2
Added to Site:	12/30/2018
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Now *this*, I'd like to think, is a pretty good way to end my commissioning year - the latest of my All-Star Squadron continuation commissions, art by the always-superb John Watson, and based as ever on a comic written, plotted or scripted by Roy Thomas (in this case Roy plotted, but Paul Levitz scripted, Legion Of Super-Heroes #281).

In plot terms - following their climactic battle with the Samuroid in Annual #5, the All-Stars have returned to the East Coast in the company of Judomaster (who is on a short leave of absence from the Army). Many of the team are involved in solo cases when he turns up at the Perisphere, but Firebrand and Hawkgirl are there when a call comes in from a military base - Superman has gone mad and is attacking them. The three heroes set off, but not before Hawkgirl sends a call for support to Washington and Fawcett City - and on arrival, they're joined by Phantom Lady and the Human Bomb, and Captain Marvel, only to be confronted by an out-of-control Superman, who's destroying (luckily outdated) military equipment.

As the heroes try to restrain him, Superman calms down, but has no memory of his actions - or indeed of who he is! However, Zatara, Sargon and Dr Occult arrive, having been involved in secret work for the War Department attempting to diminish the effect of the Spear of Destiny, and believe that an overspill of their magic has affected the Man Of Steel. Superman regains his memory and sets off to square things with the authorities, backed up by his comrades.

... but was it really the magic wielded by Zatara, Sargon and Dr Occult which caused this - or something else? Find out --- soon!

I have to say this Legion cover is a favourite of mine (and, apparently, of John's, which is handy), and while some of the character substitutions were obvious (Superboy/Superman; Phantom Girl/Phantom Lady; Dawnstar/Hawkgirl, and to my mind Karate Kid/Judomaster), I couldn't resist putting the bulky Human Bomb in for Blok and Firebrand in since her costume seemed to be the nearest counterpart to Saturn Girl's 1970s pink bikini outfit. But Lightning Lad was more problematic - at various points as this cover took shape in my head he was Air Wave and the Flash (because of the lightning bolts on the costume), then Johnny Thunder (thunder/lightning, geddit?), before I settled on Captain Marvel --- since Billy Batson is literally a 'lad' who gets his powers from 'lightning'. Couldn't resist.

Hope you enjoy this one, and compliments of the season to you all!

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About the Owner

	John Joshua
Joined:	May 2015
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED KINGDOM
On CAF:	John's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Aidan (Re-Legion ) Lacy
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 12/30/2018

This is a sweet HOMAGE cover, it works on so many levels. John did an ACE job. HAPPY NEW YEAR

michael dunne
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 12/30/2018

John Watson is so great!

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