By Rebecca Gault — Legion of X, Si Spurrier’s ongoing series picking up from Way of X, offers up a debut issue that has promising threads throughout. To begin with these threads is the easiest way to start. Spurrier very clearly has a keen interest in the world building of both Arakko and Krakoa, going as far to introduce a very interesting construction of godliness and worship to the Arakki culture. This is the strongest plot hook in the issue, in my opinion. It’s a fresh idea for the line as it stands and promises clarity to the newest aspect of these books; that of the renewed focus on Arakko.

Lost’s early scenes in the issue are also particularly nice, considering that she hasn’t had a lot of page time to shine as of yet. Hopefully the book will give her more space to grow and be fleshed out as a real, tangible character over the arcs set up here. Spurrier clearly has a focus on the characters on the team such as Lost and in the characters he has created which is evident in the way the book is set out.

However, despite its clear disdain of the explicit wording, the Legionnaires do come across throughout this issue as a Krakoan police force. This feels a little insensitive at best and tone deaf at worst. It would be nice to give the book the benefit of the doubt going forward and hope that they may tackle this concept and wrestle with the political implications of their role as a police force. Despite this, there is every chance that portraying the Legionnaires in such a way will likely leave a sour taste in the mouth of some fans.

Despite this beat, the issue is visually beautiful. Bazaldua gives each team member a fresh new look that all ties together in a lovely visual language for the issue and even gets a chance to design new characters such as Arakki’s Ora Serrata and Weaponless Zsen. Bazaldua’s pencils are only enhanced by Blee’s coloring.

The colors especially shine in the pages with David and Ruth which are drenched in a beautiful, ethereal palette that really makes the issue look stunning all round. The scenes set in the Altar feel unreal and hallucinatory while the scenes on Arakko feel grounded, a lot of which can be attributed to the color work throughout.

Ultimately, the opening issue of Legion of X is one that has a potential good story amongst the pages. There’s just every chance that it might need some more space to figure out exactly what that story is going to be - and how it reconciles with certain political consequences linked to the characters and their roles.

Overall: Legion of X #1 is a first issue that could potentially be a start to a good, intriguing series but weighed down by some tone issues that may sit oddly with fans. 6.5/10

REVIEW: Legion of X #1

Legion of X #1
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Jan Bazaldua
Colorist: Federico Blee
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
SI SPURRIER AND JAN BAZALDUA BRING PEACE, LOVE AND JUSTICE TO KRAKOA! Krakoa has its laws — but does it have justice? To remain a mutant sanctuary, Krakoa must safeguard itself against those who would damage its peace or traumatize its people. The lost must be found, and the wicked must face redemption — or retribution. It’s up to the ever-soulful swashbuckler NIGHTCRAWLER to keep the spark alive and LEGION to host his unique team in the psychedelic mindspace called THE ALTAR. With PIXIE on point, JUGGERNAUT as a one-man riot squad and a host of X-favorites on the beat, the LEGION OF X will do anything to protect mutants’ right to pursue happiness and hope. Kicking off with a hunt for a missing Arakkii god and a skinjacker possessing innocent mutants, read this issue and come meet WEAPONLESS ZSEN, ORA SERRATA...and a villain worth praying for. The DESTINY OF X bares its heart and soul right here!
Price: $4.99
Buy It Here: Digital

Read more great comic book reviews here!

Rebecca is a literature student by day, a freelance writer by night, and a comics fan always. She is a big fan of everything superheroic and horrific. Right now, she can be found on Twitter at @phoenixfcrce.