X-Men Legends #6 Review

Writer: Peter David

Art: Todd Nauck, Rachelle Rosenberg, and VC’s Joe Caramagna

Price: $4.99

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: August 11th, 2021

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After the first iteration of X-FACTOR returned to the X-MEN, government liaison Valerie Cooper compiled a new team of mutants to take the reigns. However, when a group of mutants was taken captive at the Latverian Embassy in resistance to DOCTOR DOOM, this new X-FACTOR team sprung into action. Let’s dive into X-MEN LEGENDS #6 by Peter David as he fills in the gaps between his run on X-FACTOR #75 and X-FACTOR #76 from 1986.

THE DISPATCH

For fans looking for a good throwback issue, X-MEN LEGENDS #6 was certainly just that. From the look of the art to the character interactions and dialogue, this issue felt perfectly timed and flawlessly placed. Plus, X-MEN LEGENDS #6 sparked a deep dive back into Peter David’s X-FACTOR run. Furthermore, it reminded this reviewer of the Havok I grew up loving so much as opposed to the shy, awkwardly depressed, current HELLIONS depictions by Zeb Wells.

Now, don’t get me wrong, HELLIONS is fabulous, top-notch, and easily one of the best current X-MEN ongoings. However, Havok is not a highlight of that series. On the other hand, David’s Havok is a born leader whose strong, confident, and uplifting. He commands a room and is admired by his team. Granted, I know there’s over 30 years of history between now and then. Nevertheless, this issue of X-MEN LEGENDS just showed me what we’ve been missing.

DOOM AND GLOOM

Todd Nauck and Rachelle Rosenberg set the tone masterfully and provide X-FACTOR fans with an excellent nostalgic ambiance even down to the Latverian Leader himself, DOCTOR DOOM. That said, it wasn’t Victor’s look that seemed out of place, however, it was his personality. DOOM simply came across as rather trite and corny. Moreover, the interactions between Victor and Quicksilver seemed awkward and silly just to push DOOM into a story basically centered around his actions that he’s been absent from. The DOCTOR DOOM I know wouldn’t let Quicksilver find him playing piano and allow him to race him away quickly.

FINAL THOUGHTS

X-MEN LEGENDS #6 fills in some gaps throughout the X-MEN’S past just like it’s done since the series began. And, it continues to deliver. Plus, X-MEN LEGENDS #6 was certainly reminiscent of the X-FACTOR I remember, the Havok I lauded, and the sentimentality from my youth. In that respect, Peter David was firing on all cylinders. However, unlike some of the other X-MEN LEGENDS stories to date, I just didn’t feel like this one was needed and came to an abrupt end. Did it fill in the gaps? Sure. However, did I NEED them filled in the first place? Not really. If you’re a Peter David X-FACTOR fan, this mini-run of X-MEN LEGENDS is totally for you. Otherwise, it’s certainly fine to skip in preparation for issue seven! Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!