‘X-Men Legends #1’ Review
Written by Roy Thomas | Art by Dave Wachter | Published by Marvel Comics
Let’s be honest, these new stories that slot into old continuity have been very hit and miss. They get a lot of goodwill from the nostalgia crowd (guilty as charged) but don’t always do enough to really merit their existence. Although capturing a place and time is a big pull for a lot of fans, we still need that story to add to our nostalgia, not tarnish it. Mots, though, have certainly had their hearts in the right place, and I picked this one up as I like early New X-Men stuff, and you always get value for money with Roy Thomas writing. This time round as well Roy gets to write a character that he actually originated but passed on to Len Wein to introduce, Wolverine. For context, this story takes place between the events of Incredible Hulk #181 and Giant-Size X-Men #1, waaay back in 1974.
Let’s take a look.
So, we get to see the epilogue of the famous first encounter between Wolverine and the Hulk. Logan, sporting his original look, goes toe to toe with the Hulk, having been tasked to bring him in. The two cause as much damage as you’d expect, trees and boulders flying all over the place. Thomas does write them both a little safe though. This is the era of the angry Wolverine and the child-like Hulk, yet here Hulk doesn’t seem child-like enough and Wolvie not angry enough. Fun revisiting their fight though. Wolverine is, of course, unsuccessful in his attempt at taking down Hulk and Hulk escapes, despite Department H’s commando’s also trying to bring him in. It’s easy to forget as well that Logan is still Weapon X at this stage of his career, a fully paid-up secret agent for the Canadian government. Albeit, as a man who dislikes authority, not a happy one.
Logan’s handler, General Bernardo, has a new mission for him, and this one’s a doozy. Department H want Logan to sneak into the U.S and locate two ‘extra-normals’ who recently escaped being held prisoner by the Secret Empire. Logan’s a bit on the fence with that, but once he’s introduced to his mission partner, he’s not keen at all. Meet Jack O’Diamonds, a mutant who is composed of sentient diamond and has the ability to teleport. He’s also a loudmouthed douche, so swings and roundabouts…. Teleport off they do, to the main labs of the Brand Corporation on Long Island.
Things of course don’t go to plan. Firstly, Logan tries to bail. He’s had enough of Department H and decides to leave. New partner Jack can’t allow that, so the two come to blows. Who wins between a man made of nearly indestructible diamond and a man with nearly indestructible claws? No-one of course. It’s a draw. Luckily, before round two can start, they get a notification that the ‘extra-normals’ have been located. Time for some sneaky stuff, something at which Logan is of course the best at. After a little bit of skulking, they finally come across the targets. Not two ‘extra-normals’, but actually seven of them. Not just any, either, but people we will come to know very well. Iceman. Angel. Havok. Polaris. Blob. Mastermind. Unus the Untouchable.
They don’t look happy.
I really enjoyed this but wearing the rose-tinted nostalgia glasses certainly helped. As I know this era and can place this story in context, it works really well for me. As a standalone story for a neutral, I’m not sure there’s enough going on here for them. Strip away the nostalgia and it was quite sparse on actual story. Still, this was a set up issue so Roy may be saving the best stuff for later. Dave Wachter’s art was very strong throughout, his layouts telling the story well and pacing it perfectly. A lot of thought was clearly put into panel placement, I liked the sense of anarchy in the fight scenes especially.
A decent start, but possibly one more for the long-time fans who love to see Roy Thomas writing for Marvel again, in an era that’s held in a lot of affection. Bub.
