X-Men Legacy #1 Review


Legion is learning how to control his abilities, but how long can he keep it together? And more importantly is the journey worth the read?

Here is Marvel’s summary:

Legion, the most powerful and unstable mutant in the world and son to Professor Charles Xavier, has killed gods and reshaped the face of the universe. NOW! in the aftermath of Avengers vs. X-Men, Legion will finally attempt to conquer his demons and embrace his father’s legacy!

Another one of Marvel’s rebooted NOW! titles, X-Men Legacy shifts it’s focus from the feisty southern belle Rogue, to Legion (AKA David Haller), son of Charles Xavier, and one of the most powerful mutants on the planet. He has been taken to a secluded area in the mountains by his father in order to learn how to control his powers. As such, he hasn’t seen Professor X in weeks (due to events in AvX), and begins to wonder if his father just really wanted to strand him there because of the trouble he’s caused. When he learns of his fathers death however, he leaves his haven in order to find a new path in life and follow Charles’ legacy.

British writer Simon Spurrier (Who is no stranger to Marvel or the X-Universe) helms the book with the familiar concept of finding one’s own path, but it is tweaked to match Legion who has to find his own path while also trying to live up to the huge Legacy (sorry couldn’t resist) that his father left behind, which is interesting seeing as how Professor X was one of the most influential mutants on Earth. So Spurrier does a good job in making the reader feel for David and the burden he now bares. Another interesting concept is how Legion accesses his abilities, he has an extreme case of multiple personality disorder, but each of his personalities has a different power set. Spurrier handles this concept by making David’s psyche a prison where each personality is contained until their ability is needed. They don’t always cooperate however as shown in the book.

Tan Eng Huat pencils this issue and his art is a welcome sight. He gives each personality their own distinct look, some looking human others looking alien. Also he shows the struggle David goes through and how hard he is working to control himself. The powers are also depicted well here, with a variety of different colors used on each ability.

This is a nice jumping on point for readers, and fans of the character will like the book as well. While there a couple artistic hiccups, it is still a solid read.  The title “Legacy” is a perfect as this story is a about living up to the memory of a parent and finding your own way in life. Recommend.

3.5/5

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