Since I’ve reached the premiere of their own series, I feel it’s time to take a break and look at the events and appearance that led up to that premiere–to present a Legion Timeline for the four and a half years (almost) between their first appearance and their final arrival as their own property.

In that time, sixteen new heroes were introduced (counting Comet, the Super-Horse), plus a whole other team of arch villains, and a groundwork was laid for a team with rules and a recruitment policy–something few super teams had or have to this day. And, of course, they were all teenagers. We had had the Boy Commandoes and the Newsboy Legion, and Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys, but not a whole Legion of teens who ran their own affairs.

So here’s a brief summary of the ground covered. As you’ll see, things started to move faster and faster as time went on.

1958

April – Legion introduced Saturn Girl, Lightning Boy, Cosmic Boy introduced – Adventure Comics #247

1959

December – Lightning Boy becomes Lightning Lad – Adventure Comics #267

1960

August – Chameleon Boy, Colossal Boy, Invisible Kid introduced – Action Comics #267

1961

March – Star Boy Introduced – Adventure Comics #282

May – Phantom Girl, Triplicate Girl, Brainiac 5, Shrinking Violet, Bouncing Boy, Sun Boy introduced – Action Comics #276

June – Mon-El introduced – Superboy #89

August – First Adult Legion, Legion of Super-Villains, Saturn Queen, Lightning Lord, Cosmic King introduced. Origin of Lightning Lad – Superman #147

November – Sun Boy joins – Adventure Comics #290

1962

February – Legion of Super-Pets, Comet the Super-Horse introduced – Adventure Comics #293

April – Bouncing Boy is a member – Action Comics #287

June – Lightning Lad / Saturn Girl romance revealed – Action Comics #289

July – Ultra Boy, Marla introduced – Superboy #98