I've never been a big Legion fan. Not until now. Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Olivier Coipel have delivered what, in my eyes, is one of the best issues of the new Legion series so far with #11.
The Legion can seem daunting to get into but in reality, if you take a step back, the concept is incredibly simple:
In the 31st Century, hundreds of worlds from the farthest corners of the universe have joined together to form the United Planets. The Legion was created to show everyone in the U.P. the strength in diversity and unity. A member from each world was recruited into the team. Now, despite their differences in culture, language, powers and even anatomy, the Legion must prove to the universe that working together in peace is possible.
Actually, my one suggestion would be that they put an origin box or something like that on the first page.
Right now the Legion is fending off an invasion of Earth by Robotica, a machine-based organism that's bent on transforming the world, and itself, to the next stage of evolution. There are some great twists and turns, slick action and solid character moments in this issue. From the narration flowing from member to member, to the battle over the Earth to the revelations about Pluto, it all flowed extremely well.
Something I really enjoy about Dan and Andy's writing on Legion -- even with the huge number of cast members they still manage to really make these characters pop. Brainiac 5 in particular, a genius far beyond a "normal" men, has become a favorite.
Olivier is, obviously, a great new talent. (Sorry, guys! ;) ) I'm really hoping they get someone than can keep up with Dan and Andy.
Though there's a lot going on, this issue serves as a fine jumping on-point. However, I really wish DC would get a trade of the first several issues together. Or even Legion Lost. Yeah, Olivier is leaving but this book deserves to be supported by trades -- and by a helluva lot more readers. Don't be scared, give it a shot.
