DC’s New 52 initiative was the perfect opportunity to give readers a fresh starting point for some convuluted continuity that can plague properties like the Legion of Super Heroes. It was my hope that Legion Lost #1 would be enticing to new and old fans of the Legion alike. Unfortunately, Legion Lost is only a great read if you already are a fan of Legion or if you are determined to become on.

I’m relatively new the the Legion. I started reading with the Levitz relaunch from early last year. This book falls in line with the few Legion stories I’ve read. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and unless you have some strange desire to put the work in (aka pay really close attention and reread), then you probably won’t like it.

Nicieza gives you everything you need to know about these characters, managing to work in their personality and powers into the dialogue mostly seemlessly. The problem is that if you don’t slow down and really sink in, the issue can become confusing.

One thing that has helped me stick with Legion books is the art. Pete Woods is absolutely banging in this issue. Woods working with a different style than I’m used to from him, and I’m digging every line. It’s still smooth and streamlined, but there’s a little more chunk to the line that really works here.

Overall, I’m not sure if this book will appeal to a newer, broader audience. It should appeal to longtime Legion followers or those that are drawn to the Legion for whatever reason. I can’t help but think that if a similar story were told using X-Men characters that a lot more people would be all over this, but that’s the advantage of having a group of characters with wider recognition.