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The Legion of X is increasingly becoming one of Marvel’s most powerful mutant teams — adding an Omega-Level former villain to their roster.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers New Mutants #24, now on sale from Marvel Comics
The X-Men have grown in the period of Krakoa, expanding their capabilities in exciting ways. This has ranged from the pragmatic practical missions of the mutant CIA at X-Force, the measured investigations of X-Factor, and the more overt superheroics of the X-Men. But a new team, set to become the mutant’s answer to the police, might have just gained an edge that sets them apart.
Vita Ayala, Danilo Beyruth, Dan Brown, and VC’s Travis Lanham’s New Mutants #24 revealed that the Shadow King is going through rehabilitation to become a more heroic figure. In the process, he’s set to become a member of Legion of X — which could help cement that team as the X-Men’s most powerful forces.
For decades, the Shadow King was one of Marvel’s most dangerous telepaths. A longtime foe of Charles Xavier and a dedicated enemy of the New Mutants, the Shadow King has been responsible for some genuinely terrible actions over the years. But, as with many other villains, Krakoa offered a chance for change to the longtime antagonist. Thanks to the New Mutants, Amahl Farouk was released from the nefarious force. Now racked with guilt over what the Shadow King entity used his mutant abilities for over the years, Farouk has voluntarily agreed to go through intensive rehabilitation to contend with his psychic trauma. After his treatment is complete, he even has a place to go — contributing his vast power and potential to David Heller’s work creating the Arakko-based psychedelic mindscape the Altar.
Although the New Mutants are conflicted about this apparent act of contrition — Wolfsbane openly offered her forgiveness, while Karma is more reluctant — they all wish him luck in finding a new purpose and peace. This is a big step forward for all the mutants involved emotionally, but it also means that one of Krakoa’s most powerful extensions is growing even stronger. One of the teams teased to debut in the new “Destiny of X” era of Krakoa, Legion of X is quickly shaping up to be one of Marvel’s most impressive rosters. Spinning out of the events of Way of X, Nightcrawler and Legion have dedicated themselves to creating effectively a mutant police force that is just as good at deescalating conflict as they are at ending it physically.
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Legion of X is meant as a major move forward for the mutant nation, protecting the bonds between mutants. Their roster already includes the physically unstoppable Juggernaut, the magically-inclined Pixie, the super-genius Doctor Nemesis, and the precognitive Destiny. Alongside Nightcrawler’s lengthy experience as a hero and David Heller’s Omega-Level capabilities, Legion of X was already shaping up to be one of Marvel’s most powerful mutant teams. Now, with the former Shadow King at their side and adding his own abilities, the Legion of X could arguably be one of Krakoa’s single strongest groups in terms of raw power.
Their placement on Arakko also means this group will likely be one of the bridges between Krakoa and their sister nation going forward, giving this potentially volatile group a lot of weight behind their actions. While there’s always the chance for chaos — especially if Legion or Shadow King’s worse impulses or inner demons pray on them — this could be the perfect step forward for Farouk. Under the guidance of an enlightened Legion and kindly Nightcrawler, he might finally get the chance to become a heroic figure he never has before. With his help, Legion of X could become a truly Omega-Level team and could transform into one of the mutant nation’s most important forces.
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