X-Men Legends #1 Review

Writer: Fabian Nicieza

Art: Brett Booth, Adelso Corona, VC’s Joe Caramagna, and GURU-eFX

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 17th, 2021

Crack open the yellow and blue suits and brush off the cobwebs in the Danger Room because some of your favorite X-writers are returning to classic eras to expand with ALL-NEW, in-continuity stories set during their amazing runs! Fabian Nicieza kicks off the series with an outstanding canard involving some Summers brothers you may know and love. However, what mystery will they discover, and how will it alter what you believed you knew about the X-MEN? Let’s dive into X-MEN LEGENDS #1 by Fabian Nicieza and find out!

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

STORY

In recent years, the X-MEN have been all over the place. From different writers to different storylines, the X-MEN have been a confusing cornucopia of chaos. Until Jonathan Hickman took the reins, this collage of comic characters has made it almost impossible for new readers to dive into the X-MEN while making it simply perplexing at times for diehard fans. Enter X-MEN LEGENDS, which is the perfect bridge between the old and the new. You see, X-MEN LEGENDS takes you back to a high point in X-culture and then elaborates more on that moment in comics history by divulging even more than was once thought.

Long time X-MEN fans are going to love the hell out of this issue. Why? Well, Fabian Nicieza finally tells the story he’s wanted to tell for almost three decades. Truthfully, it’s the old rumor that’s been flying around comic circles since X-MEN #39 came out in 1991. So, as much as the premise is to not spoil the issue, I’m pretty confident most hardcore X-fans already have a great idea of what this issue will focus on, as well as its intentions and direction.

Now, if you’re new to the X-MEN scene and seem puzzled as to what I’m talking about, fear not. This issue is also perfect for you! Nicieza masterfully uses Adam-X as the narrator to strategically guide new fans as to some important background information that should help HOXPOX readers catch up pretty quickly. If not, I would say minor details and gaps could be easily fixed by a quick Google search on Adam-X.

ART

Furthermore, Nicieza lays on the 90s’ flare nice and thick. The over monologuing and insanely dramatic conversations are heavy-handed but in such a spectacular way that’s almost nostalgic. However, none of this would be complete without Brett Booth’s illustrations providing the perfect appearance with an updated spin. This era is literally in Booth’s wheelhouse. I can’t think of a better artist to mimic the 90s’ tone or style than Brett Booth.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you were reading X-MEN in the 90s’ or even loved the animated series, X-MEN LEGENDS #1 is for you. If you’re an avid fan that’s wanted Fabian Nicieza’s Adam-X storyline ironed out, look no further than this series. And lastly, if your new to X-MEN and want that semi-nostalgic, 90s’ comic feel, you can’t do any better than Nicieza and Booth. X-MEN LEGENDS #1 is sharp, familiar, action-packed, and is wisely pulling a Peter David by resurrecting a past idea, story, or character and building on that premise. David’s MAESTRO was smashingly fantastic. Likewise, Nicieza and Booth are on to something here and I hope it mutates into something more permanent and foundational in the Marvel Comic Landscape. Pick this up, add it to your pull list, let me know what you think, and God bless!

9.3/10

Each month, X-MEN LEGENDS will dive into the rich history of the X-Men to tie up loose ends, resolve long-standing plot danglers, and reveal shocking truths that will change the past and future of the X-Men! Don’t miss these revelatory tales when X-MEN LEGENDS #1 hits stand on February 17th! Maybe you’ve been really digging Hickman’s X-MEN run? In that case, click HERE to get your hands on the latest Dawn of X trades and comics. Additionally, check out the oat recent X OF SWORDS event HERE! And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.