X-Men Legacy 5 review

While X-Men Legacy 4 felt better than the first three issues, I was ready to drop the series after it. Because of my small pick list this week however, I decided to give this issue a chance, and that was a wise decision. X-Men Legacy 5 not only clears up everything that was confusing about the first four issues, but David Haller’s personality is finally starting to show through.

David (Legion) is the son of the deceased Charles Xavier. He has hundreds, if not thousands of personalities in his head, each with their own superpower. As awesome as that sounds, he’s rarely been used as more than a plot device in the past. In this issue, he finally starts showing his own personality, from his hesitation when he tries to call his real mother to his curiosity about Blindfold, who defeated him in the previous issue. He also faces a threat that can legitimately challenge him, which is fascinating considering how powerful Legion can be.

This comic also has a strong focus on Blindfold, an often underutilized young precog. Here we finally hear her origin story, which skillfully explains her odd speaking patterns. It’s a tragic story that fits directly into this issue’s plot and it’s very well handled. The related story reveals not only make this issue awesome, but they actually improve some of the earlier ones. With Legacy 5, Simon Spurrier has made it clear that we can expect the unexpected with this series. There isn’t much to say about the art; it’s decent, but nothing special.

This was a pleasant surprise. While the first four issues feel problematic as you read them in order, this one makes them worth it. If you’ve been reading X-Men Legacy so far but have decided to drop it, at least read this issue – it might pleasantly surprise to you too. While I’m still not quite convinced to stay with X-Men Legacy, this issue makes me want to give it another chance.