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Pencils by
Diogenes Neves |
By Marc Strom
In its debut issue, the latest NEW MUTANTS series re-introduced fandom to the unquestionably unstable, highly dangerous mutant called
Legion. And while so far the mohawked maniac has remained relatively docile, with NEW MUTANTS #3 hitting shelves on July 15, writer Zeb Wells and artist Diogenes Neves plan to remind readers just what makes Legion such a frightening foe for the newly reassembled team.
The last time fans saw Legion he had met his apparent demise following the events of the "Age of Apocalypse" storyline that he inadvertently instigated. Wells promises he will "definitely" delve into what exactly he's been up to in the intervening years, though perhaps not right away.
"This is a complex situation, because Legion's death occurred in the past, at a point before he was even born," reminds Wells. "In our timeline he traveled to the past some years ago and never come back. Who's aware of how he died? Where does everyone think he's been? There are a lot of questions, and it will require some time to answer all of them."
Legion's fractured psyche has resulted in a rather unique power set, whereby each of his personalities possesses a different ability. Consequently, Legion's powers change depending on which persona has dominance at any given moment. And while we haven't
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Pencils by
Diogenes Neves |
seen much of Legion's core personality—that of David Haller, Professor Xavier's son—Wells promises that will change soon.
"All you David Haller fans out there—take your shirts off, wave 'em around your head like a helicopter—will definitely want to check out NEW MUTANTS #4."
Until then, though, Legion remains in a very disoriented state.
"Right now Legion's mind is under mob rule, and the mob is only concerned with preserving their existence," says Wells. "They have vague memories of David being 'fixed' by the
New Mutants some years ago, and to them if David's mind becomes un-fractured they all die. They are fighting a battle of survival from their point of view."
As a consequence, the New Mutants currently find themselves fighting for their own lives against Legion, though whether or not that situation would change if David's core personality manifested itself remains unknown.
"The majority of him" views the New Mutants as antagonists, Wells notes. "As for David Haller, we'll find out when we meet him."
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Pencils by
Diogenes Neves |
Just because the New Mutants have faced Legion in the past and succeeded in "fixing" him before doesn't ensure an easy victory this time around.
"They have an idea of how his mind works, but no one has seen Legion with this many personalities and powers before," explains Wells. "They definitely have their work cut out for them."
After the team deals with Legion, Wells promises the action won't let up, with "the return of more old friends, a classic rivalry reignited, and some New Mutants!"
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