Review: X-Men Legends #5

There’s nothing more natural than a fantastic issue of X-Factor written by Peter David. Peter David had a run on this book that ranks among the greats. Legend is a perfect description and X-Men Legends #5 proves it. Add too that an appearance by Doctor Doom and you have a new classic in the making.

The book starts with a classic setup, Congress is grilling Val Cooper about X-Factor’s recent activities in Latveria. We flashback to Christmas Eve, when a group of Mutants attack Doctor Doom’s homebase. Seeing Todd Nauck’s art accompanying David’s classic action is a perfect match. It feels like part of the original run but still has an amazing, current energy.

Peter David quickly establishes a new team of ‘evil mutants’ who take hostages and Val calls in X-Factor. We get a funny scene in the present where Havok and Quicksilver describe how all the other super-teams passed the buck due to the politically uncomfortable situation. The team gather, but not cleanly as Strong Guy and Multiple man jump the gun with an amazing battle cry. We get some really well done action and fantastic art. The duo are joined by most of the team only to reveal their attack was actually just a distraction to allow Wolfsbane.

Unfortunately Rahne’s confidence is quickly sapped by a mutant-fueled visitation from her abusive past. The issue ends with her at the mercy of the mutant invaders. Despite the simple premise, the humor, color, action and team dynamics set this issue high. It’s such a classic Peter David adventure that it makes you want to dive into you comic stack and read all the others.

Writing: 4.6 of 5 stars
Art: 4.5 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.5 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.5 of 5 stars

Writer: Peter David
Art: Todd Nauck
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.