On this occasion, since Hatty's taking the newbies out to see what they can do and how they react, I don't think he'll have a problem with people showing initiative. It's what he's hoping for.







There's a delicate detente between the LL and some of the criminal underworld based on the LL effectively saying "Don't make us notice you". A few folks are being reminded what happens if that detente gets broken.







Well, for one thing consultants usually get paid.

I think you're right to avoid "reservist" because it implies a subordination and inclusion that might not be helpful.

From my own perspective it bugs me when the LL - or any superhero team - don't call in all logical assets when it makes sense to do so. But "reserve" members would logically get trotted out whenever there's a heavy-duty emergency (I sometimes use spiffy or Yo like that because they were former members who are still active in the Parodyverse) and I try hard to keep the numbers I feel obliged to use in such battles to a managable number. I'm happier using guest-stars when there's something special for them to do, not because I want more crowd extras for the big baddie battle scene. Hence consultant, which indicates someone brought in for a specialist role only they can perform, than reservist, which means bring in the not-prime-time players.

My other concern with a "reserve" membership is the tendency to have them show up to the rescue when the actual team encounter something difficult. Thor got used that way in Avengers way to much in the first 200 issues; in fact there was even a subplot where the Collector teleported Thor in whenever the Avengers fight got tough. Those kinds of reservist appearances often detract from the competence of the team - c.f the Justice League saying "This is a job for Superman - sure, he's too busy and important to be on our regular roster but this baddie's really nasty". These situations may make the rescuing reservist look good but it's at the cost of the regulars. I have done those kinds of stories (most often with Donar) but I try to keep them rare and different each time.