View source for Interlac (APA)

'''Interlac''' is a [[bimonthly]] [[amateur press association]] devoted to the [[DC Comics]] [[science fiction]] [[superhero]] team the [[Legion of Super-Heroes]]. It was the first APA devoted to the Legion and, despite the decline of APAs due to [[Internet forum]]s, continues to operate to this day. June 2023 marked the 47th anniversary. The site is named after the fictional language of the same name, which is the primary language used in the comic's setting.

== History ==
Rich Morrissey founded the APA in June 1976, calling it LEAPA (the LEgion Amateur Press Association); it changed its name to Interlac three mailings later. There were 15 founding members, and the first mailing was 26 pages.<ref name="Broertjes">Broertjes, Harry. [https://www.facebook.com/notes/interlac-the-legion-of-super-heroes-apa-facebook-group/the-history-of-interlac/554096254635965/ "The History of Interlac", Interlac APA Facebook Page.] Accessed Mar. 3, 2021.</ref>

At the time, there were few general-interest comics APAs, [[CAPA-alpha]] and APA-5 being the exceptions, but never before in comic book fandom had the fans of a single comic book come together in a single APA.<ref name="Broertjes" /> While Interlac's form came from CAPA-alpha, its membership came from the Legion Fan Club (started by 13-year-old Mike Flynn in 1972)<ref>Estradera, Mariano Bayona. [http://members.fortunecity.es/superspain/legione2.html "Second Part: The Profusion of Super-Heroes", Legion of Super-Heroes fansite (2002).] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201020111/http://members.fortunecity.es/superspain/legione2.html |date=2008-12-01}} Accessed Oct. 21, 2008.</ref> and ''The Legion Outpost'' (a fanzine started in 1972).<ref>Dallas, Keith. [http://www.comicsbulletin.com/soapbox/110019003313118.htm "Silver Soapbox: Celebrating the Best of a Fanzine That Influenced the Future", Comics Bulletin (Nov. 11, 2004).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523065141/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/soapbox/110019003313118.htm |date=2011-05-23 }} Accessed Oct. 21, 2008.</ref>

In 1976, the Legion of Super-Heroes comic was finally on a solid footing, with the rich Legion mythos giving members plenty to discuss. As the roster grew—soon reaching its 50-member limit—it became clear that the APA had become a true community. Members met each other at [[comic book convention]]s and became real-life friends; members [[Tom and Mary Bierbaum|Tom Bierbaum and Mary Gilmore]] met through the APA, began a romance, and eventually married.<ref name="Broertjes" /> The Bierbaums later graduated from Interlac to working as scripters of the Legion comic itself.

The roster, with the exception of a few stalwarts, has turned over repeatedly, breathing fresh life and bringing new points of view into the forum. All the same, in 2000, eight of the 15 founders were still on the roster, waiting list, or honorary membership list, and four of the original 15 had remained on the roster continuously.<ref name="Broertjes" />

At one point, a spin-off APA devoted to music was formed, dubbed ''Quarternotes'' by its founders.

== Notable members (past and present) ==
* [[Jim Shooter]] (founding member)
* [[Tom and Mary Bierbaum]]
* [[Dave Cockrum]]
* [[Colleen Doran]]
* [[Paul Levitz]]
* [[Mark Waid]]

== See also ==
* [[Legion of Super-Heroes]]
* [[Amateur press association]]
* [[Science fiction fandom]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Facebook|groups/interlacapa|Official page}}

{{Legion of Super-Heroes}}

[[Category:Legion of Super-Heroes]]
[[Category:Comics fandom]]
[[Category:Magazines about comics]]
[[Category:Zines]]