Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Pete Woods
Colours by Brad Anderson
Published by DC Comics
After a disappointing first issue can Legion Lost fly in the right direction?
Following the outbreak of a futuristic virus that mutates anyone infected to an alien being, Timber Wolf, Tellus, Dawnstar, Tyroc and Wildfire pursue a man transformed into a living energy creature that poses a threat to himself and others.
Unlike the previous issue in which lots of events occurred rapidly without any chance to dwell or understand them, this issue is a lot more tightly plotted. Having Wildfire narrate the story was a clever move on Nicieza’s part. Already he’s a character who’s vastly changed from a normal human so he can immediately relate to anyone who suffers from the virus. Then developing this further with the infected Dr Scanlon becoming something similar to Wildfire creates an even deeper connection as Drake tries to convince the doctor to embrace his new self rather than relinquishing his humanity.
Despite Wildfire being the star, the other Legionnaires get a chance to shine. Timber Wolf, as one of the five who can pass for human finds him having to mingle amongst civilians and relate to them when he’s always preferred to be alone. Dawnstar, a character known for traversing galaxies now finds herself trapped on Earth. Tyroc comes across as the leader of the team, being the one to explain to Scanlon what’s happening and well as managing the team’s action early in the issue. Tellus gets less to do in the issue and is basically there to provide exposition, though as he’s the least human looking of the team, I’m sure he’ll get more to do in the future.
This issue provides the much needed back story. While Nicieza had described the overall story in interviews prior to release, issue one brushed over the set up, which I’m sure left many readers confused. However, the story of who the criminal was who created the virus was and why he did it is fully explained. Unlike the last issue which felt rushed, this instalment managed to recap #1, have it’s own self contained story and set up what’s to come next. Although, I was irked that the supposed deaths of Gates and Chameleon Girl wasn’t given much attention which further makes me think they’ll be back in the not too distant future.
Pete Wood’s art is as good as always and here he really captures the look of each Legionnaire; Timber Wolf always appears slightly angry and feral, Tyroc comes across as mature and confident and the body language and facial expressions make even the monster like Tellus appear wise and in deep thought. Wood’s also gives all the characters, legionnaire and bystanders alike, unique looks. This is especially apparent in Dawnstar who actually has a Native-American appearance, when many other artist would just draw her to look like any other woman. His action scenes are especially vibrant and kinetic and he manages to draw huge group shots with extensive detail. Though, I can’t help but feel that he began to rush towards the end, with the closing pages (especially the last) looking more slipshod when compared to the beginning of the issue. I’m a fan of Pete Wood’s art so I’m hoping DC will give him ample time to finish issues rather than focus on getting them out quicker.
Brad Anderson’s colours improve on Wood’s pencils and inks by really capturing the mood. The contrasts
he uses in different scenes with the browns and greys from the funeral at the begging of the issue to the oranges and pinks in the explosive battle at the end of the issue help everything come alive.
This issue was a big improvement over the previous and I’m hoping Nicieza and Woods can keep it up.
7/10
