Legion of X #4

[ZephyrSurf]

Issue opens up with the preview pages of Nightcrawler and Zsen debating their ideologies in bed. At the same time, some unknown assailant frees skinjacker and kills the little guy.

The story then splits into 3 parts.

Legion confronting Xavier about Juggernaut as well as about how Xavier is running Krakoa on Secrets. Xavier was trying to stop Juggernaut from hi work with the Legionnaires, whilst legion figured that Juggernaut was on the correct path with regards to a No Place. Before Legion can reveal more Krakoa secrets, Xavier blanks Juggernaut's mind and reveals that the No Places have been purged following Moira's betrayal... however Legion reveals that Xavier may well have been bodyjacked without his knowledge and memory of some may actually have been removed. Legion also receives the aid from Warlock who is still appreciative of Legion telling him about his father, whilst legion ruminates about his own

Zsen returns to Arrako and begins to search for traces of this mischief god and the damage it has done. She discovers that each act of chaotic terrorism has had the effect of actually improving the afflicted area.

Kurt returning to the legionnaires to be confronted by Skin Jacker who is running amok using Glob before jumping to Chamber who incinerates Fabian Cortez. Kurt soon discovers that Skin Jacker is using Dust as a conduit so that he can jump from body to body far faster than normal and eventually puts himself up to be used as a conduit. At this point, Kurt manages to finally get in contact with the mysterious god. It's revealed to be a patchwork. A god created from bits and pieces of other gods. Not a god of mischief or trickery, but a god of Chaos. Kurt then has a philosophical debate with the God, who reveals it knows little of what its believers are doing with its power as it is more of a business exchange. Eventually, Kurt manages to convince the God to believe in itself rather than be shackled by the faith of its believers and offers the deity sanctuary.

The issue ends off on Kurt and Zsen discovering who had conjured this amalgamation God and been using it to power themselves.

Member of the Great Ring, Ora is the true perpetrator.

[Rift]

Hell yeah, a thread. I wrote this up for a review thread, so I'll post it here.

In the Altar, the little smoke dude from previous issues is watching Switch's jar. An unseen person with purple arms comes in, kills him, and frees Switch.

On Krakoa, Nightcrawler and Zsen enjoy some post-coital talk atop of a giant flower. Zsen rejects indulgence and questions the Legion's lack of control and punishment over others, while Nightcrawler defends his position, saying he's more about interpreting and bending rules for the greater good. Zsen showers up and reports back to Arakko,

On a Krakoan beach, near a flattened trail of land, Juggs and Xavier chat about how Xavier voted against the former becoming a Legionnaire. Xavier points out how Juggs went on a redemptive rampage to try and catch a criminal, who he didn't even find. But Legion and his X/Zorns show up, saying that Juggs is close and there might be a No-Place where they were. Xavier shuts off Juggernaut to keep him from learning about No-Spaces, and chides David for revealing state secrets out of filial pettiness. But he also says that all No-Spaces were destroyed, and he [Xavier] would know.

Legion points out that Xavier only has one eyebrow. This was likely caused by the Skinjacker, who might have taken over Xavier one night and made him forget about a No-Place.

David and Warlock meet up in a forest. Warlock is helping David because David told him about Magus' passing. Legion is sorry about Warlock's father, and Warlock responds in kind.

Nightcrawler and Zsen have spent a night together once again. This time, their pillow talk is about Nightcrawler. Zsen's power is to paint the truth, and she can see what Kurt is really like. He has a savior complex and is constantly doing things for other people. Even their sex, which is admittedly something he enjoys, is more about helping Zsen bend the rules, let things go and be more free.

Nightcrawler visits the Altar, where a gigantic, possessed Glob Herman is wreaking havok. Kurt, Nemesis, (a cowering) Cortez and Somnus are there to stop him. Chamber explodes Glob, but Switch escapes. They note that they can see Switch's astral form here, but he can also poison the healing dreams and therapy pods. Switch then takes over Chamber and attacks everyone around him. Somnus is killed before Nightcrawler kicks the Switch out of Chamber.

Switch goes into Dust's Congregation cloud. With all the minds fused together, he could drive everyone crazy. Nightcrawler jumps in and has Dust brig him to the center, to force Switch to take him over. This works, and they switch bodies. Nightcrawler is brought into a world of darkness, but he can hear Switch'd god breathing. Nightcrawler convinces the god to talk with him.

Zsen is on Arakko, talking with various mutants about recent happenings. Apocalypse and Genesis' statues were defaced, "Weak" written all over them. However, because of a thousand volunteers came to clean it up, the statues will look better than ever.

A fiery figure went through their artillery and clogged every barrel with boulder-sized turds. But the tech still worked and a couple of mutants realized they could form a circuit. One mutant stopped moping and has taken charge. Things are working better than ever now.

At a combat academy, a whole class was transformed into cuttlefish-like things in an instant. But now they're bonded in absurdity, work well as a unit, and are more powerful than ever.

No one has seen the mischief-making entity who did this, and anyone who got a good look disappeared.

Flashback to Zsencrawler. Zsen says that, for all of Nightcrawler's interpretations and rule-bending of his law and religion, he's just doing whatever he wants to justify his interpretations, which are all about helping others or hurting himself. Even the Spark is all about trying to inspire and help others, but Nightcrawler himself feels empty.

Nightcrawler-in-Switch's-body is blindfolded and tied to a chair. The god finds it odd that a man of faith's beliefs burn like a flame, but only outwardly - inside, there's just a shadow. The god also explains how, because Switch makes sacrifices and believes in him, he'll empower and protect Switch; a symbiotic relationship, even if the god is essentially a prisoner made to guard Switch.

Nightcrawler undoes his binds and blindfold, allowing him to behold Switch's god. They have the helm of Loki, the feathers and fruit of Eris, Huehuecoyotl's mocking maw, Anansi's limbs of fable and fate. So many gods. And a dozen more lost to the age of apathy. He is Tumult, the Trickster Chimaera. He's a god made from the scraps of old gods. And he's disgusting in himself.

Tumult doesn't know who made him, but he exists by the will of those who believe in him. But Nightcrawler rejects the idea that gods are just inventions; they have thoughts and life. Maybe they don't need a worshipper. Tumult counters, saying that Nightcrawler himself thinks he needs something to worship. Kurt admits that this might be true, and that they both need to try new things. The two of them should believe in themselves.

Xavier sends Kurt a letter. Kurt has been busy, and they haven't had time to chat one-on-one. Xavier also asks for three things: a report on Juggernaut's movements; information on "Vox Ignis, Herald of the Spark" (the fiery figure), who appears in the dreams of Banshee's closest friends and speaks in Sean's voice; finally, for Kurt to hand over any people he's detained in the Altar, since the Council as a whole should be able to pass judgment on them for trial.

Kurt's response: No, they're looking into it, and no. But he does miss Charles.

On Arakko, Legion is stewing over his father's words to him, and bitterly says that he should have taken Mary Poppins up on her offer. Once he's finished up on Olympus Mons, he goes into the Altar - where Switch blindsides him and attempts to take over his body.

Flashback to Zsencrawler, after having sex four times. Nightcrawler asks her to paint him, so he can see what she sees about him. The truth. The truth is though, Hellion is a better lover and they'd both would have rather slept with him

Zsen has been on Arakko for hours, but only now reports to the Inward Watch. She says that she wanted to take a more unorthodox approach to her investigation. Ora Serrata left on urgent business, but she left orders pertaining to Zsen. Guards raise their weapons, and Zsen prepares to fight them.

Back with Kurt, Tumult explains how, even if he can believe in himself, he'll be dragged to Arakko and forced into the Circle Perilous. Kurt offers sanctuary on Krakoa, but Tumult says there is none. He had no choice but to cause turmoil, as his first follower commanded. She hated him, she misused his magic, and kept her worship of him a secret. He's hiding on Krakoa because, if he's brought to light, his worshipper would find him and end him with a look.

The person who brought Tumult to Arakko, the person who worshipped him, is Ora Serrata. She's after him because he fled from her.

Notes:

• Cameos: Stacy-X, Somnus, Dr. Nemesis,
• Xavier calls Juggs is half-brother, not his step-brother.
• Mother Righteous isn't the god Ora is looking for. My theory is that she is the Spark itself, given form. As the embodiment of the Spark, she's been encouraging others to try new things and be their best selves.

[GokaiBlack077]

Hell yeah, a thread. I wrote this up for a review thread, so I'll post it here.

In the Altar, the little smoke dude from previous issues is watching Switch's jar. An unseen person with purple arms comes in, kills him, and frees Switch.

On Krakoa, Nightcrawler and Zsen enjoy some post-coital talk atop of a giant flower. Zsen rejects indulgence and questions the Legion's lack of control and punishment over others, while Nightcrawler defends his position, saying he's more about interpreting and bending rules for the greater good. Zsen showers up and reports back to Arakko,

On a Krakoan beach, near a flattened trail of land, Juggs and Xavier chat about how Xavier voted against the former becoming a Legionnaire. Xavier points out how Juggs went on a redemptive rampage to try and catch a criminal, who he didn't even find. But Legion and his X/Zorns show up, saying that Juggs is close and there might be a No-Place where they were. Xavier shuts off Juggernaut to keep him from learning about No-Spaces, and chides David for revealing state secrets out of filial pettiness. But he also says that all No-Spaces were destroyed, and he [Xavier] would know.

Legion points out that Xavier only has one eyebrow. This was likely caused by the Skinjacker, who might have taken over Xavier one night and made him forget about a No-Place.

David and Warlock meet up in a forest. Warlock is helping David because David told him about Magus' passing. Legion is sorry about Warlock's father, and Warlock responds in kind.

Nightcrawler and Zsen have spent a night together once again. This time, their pillow talk is about Nightcrawler. Zsen's power is to paint the truth, and she can see what Kurt is really like. He has a savior complex and is constantly doing things for other people. Even their sex, which is admittedly something he enjoys, is more about helping Zsen bend the rules, let things go and be more free.

Nightcrawler visits the Altar, where a gigantic, possessed Glob Herman is wreaking havok. Kurt, Nemesis, (a cowering) Cortez and Somnus are there to stop him. Chamber explodes Glob, but Switch escapes. They note that they can see Switch's astral form here, but he can also poison the healing dreams and therapy pods. Switch then takes over Chamber and attacks everyone around him. Somnus is killed before Nightcrawler kicks the Switch out of Chamber.

Switch goes into Dust's Congregation cloud. With all the minds fused together, he could drive everyone crazy. Nightcrawler jumps in and has Dust brig him to the center, to force Switch to take him over. This works, and they switch bodies. Nightcrawler is brought into a world of darkness, but he can hear Switch'd god breathing. Nightcrawler convinces the god to talk with him.

Zsen is on Arakko, talking with various mutants about recent happenings. Apocalypse and Genesis' statues were defaced, "Weak" written all over them. However, because of a thousand volunteers came to clean it up, the statues will look better than ever.

A fiery figure went through their artillery and clogged every barrel with boulder-sized turds. But the tech still worked and a couple of mutants realized they could form a circuit. One mutant stopped moping and has taken charge. Things are working better than ever now.

At a combat academy, a whole class was transformed into cuttlefish-like things in an instant. But now they're bonded in absurdity, work well as a unit, and are more powerful than ever.

No one has seen the mischief-making entity who did this, and anyone who got a good look disappeared.

Flashback to Zsencrawler. Zsen says that, for all of Nightcrawler's interpretations and rule-bending of his law and religion, he's just doing whatever he wants to justify his interpretations, which are all about helping others or hurting himself. Even the Spark is all about trying to inspire and help others, but Nightcrawler himself feels empty.

Nightcrawler-in-Switch's-body is blindfolded and tied to a chair. The god finds it odd that a man of faith's beliefs burn like a flame, but only outwardly - inside, there's just a shadow. The god also explains how, because Switch makes sacrifices and believes in him, he'll empower and protect Switch; a symbiotic relationship, even if the god is essentially a prisoner made to guard Switch.

Nightcrawler undoes his binds and blindfold, allowing him to behold Switch's god. They have the helm of Loki, the feathers and fruit of Eris, Huehuecoyotl's mocking maw, Anansi's limbs of fable and fate. So many gods. And a dozen more lost to the age of apathy. He is Tumult, the Trickster Chimaera. He's a god made from the scraps of old gods. And he's disgusting in himself.

Tumult doesn't know who made him, but he exists by the will of those who believe in him. But Nightcrawler rejects the idea that gods are just inventions; they have thoughts and life. Maybe they don't need a worshipper. Tumult counters, saying that Nightcrawler himself thinks he needs something to worship. Kurt admits that this might be true, and that they both need to try new things. The two of them should believe in themselves.

Xavier sends Kurt a letter. Kurt has been busy, and they haven't had time to chat one-on-one. Xavier also asks for three things: a report on Juggernaut's movements; information on "Vox Ignis, Herald of the Spark" (the fiery figure), who appears in the dreams of Banshee's closest friends and speaks in Sean's voice; finally, for Kurt to hand over any people he's detained in the Altar, since the Council as a whole should be able to pass judgment on them for trial.

Kurt's response: No, they're looking into it, and no. But he does miss Charles.

On Arakko, Legion is stewing over his father's words to him, and bitterly says that he should have taken Mary Poppins up on her offer. Once he's finished up on Olympus Mons, he goes into the Altar - where Switch blindsides him and attempts to take over his body.

Flashback to Zsencrawler, after having sex four times. Nightcrawler asks her to paint him, so he can see what she sees about him. The truth. The truth is though, Hellion is a better lover and they'd both would have rather slept with him

Zsen has been on Arakko for hours, but only now reports to the Inward Watch. She says that she wanted to take a more unorthodox approach to her investigation. Ora Serrata left on urgent business, but she left orders pertaining to Zsen. Guards raise their weapons, and Zsen prepares to fight them.

Back with Kurt, Tumult explains how, even if he can believe in himself, he'll be dragged to Arakko and forced into the Circle Perilous. Kurt offers sanctuary on Krakoa, but Tumult says there is none. He had no choice but to cause turmoil, as his first follower commanded. She hated him, she misused his magic, and kept her worship of him a secret. He's hiding on Krakoa because, if he's brought to light, his worshipper would find him and end him with a look.

The person who brought Tumult to Arakko, the person who worshipped him, is Ora Serrata. She's after him because he fled from her.

Notes:

• Cameos: Stacy-X, Somnus, Dr. Nemesis,
• Xavier calls Juggs is half-brother, not his step-brother.
• Mother Righteous isn't the god Ora is looking for. My theory is that she is the Spark itself, given form. As the embodiment of the Spark, she's been encouraging others to try new things and be their best selves.

OMG how did I not piece that together! Awesome observation Rift!

[Weather]

Omg, I just love the uniquiness of this book so much! I hope it is not only a mini. There is so much to explore still.

I love the way all the cahracters are written, except Charles. Kurt is great and I love the way he responded to Xavier and what he said to the mischief god.

Charles is too evil in this book compared to others. I prefer more nuance for him.

[Kingdom X]

I’m glad I stuck with this book. It’s not always my favorite but it always goes for the big swings. My only complaint would be that we didn’t directly follow-up with the Banshee reveal from last issue.

[Basilisk]

Another great issue. Seems we are finally nearing the end of the first story arc and I love the, at last to me, plot twist and reveal of the true enemy. Seems Ora Serrata has been fabricating Gods to solidify her power and is now trying to cover her tracks. Will be interesting to see if she is brought to justice or other external events will bring her low.

Not sure how they contain Switch as he really has no corporeal body but that is the one storyline that I am tiring of and would like to be concluded shortly.

Rift I like your theory about Mother Righteous and the Spark and hope that is proven to be true.

[Habis]

I guess Ora Serrata has been experimenting with that guy who is a living severed head... the previous Seat of Law doesn't just summon already existing gods like Loki or Thor... he manifests in physical form gods that exist only as legends... which help explain why they are so weak and can be manipulated so easily, since they are basically baby gods...

So Ora Serrata probably got some books about Earth's deities and experimented summoning different types of gods, some of them a gestalt of several deities of the same type...

[jwatson]

I am just so over David. If i have to pick charles over David everyday i'm going to pick charles because as messed up as he is he has years of results to back that arrogance David exhibits. I mean i really really want to like this book but i just can't it seems. I would drop at this point but Red 5 has me exciting for the potential legion/uranus battle but after this issue i'm looking forward to it wanting david to get beat where as before i was looking forward to him holding the line. What a difference a book makes. But this does do a good job of showing more of Arrako and how they deal with things which should help immensely in the rebuilding. I think Legion is definitely the weak point of this book.

[Tobinator]

I am somewhat torn. I came off of Way of X deeply offended at...well a lot of things in that book. LoX feels in many ways to be a walking back of WoX, especially Kurt's character. This is the most depth he's had since Nightcrawler vol 4---7 years ago---and it comes immediately after his shallowest portrayal in decades.

There's a relatability to a character who spends all their time worrying about everyone else and can't even attempt to make themself happy. It harkens back to Kurt using his jovial personality to mask his own insecurities. But it's not quite the same; it seems like the mask and the man are much more separate than they used to be. This Kurt smiles, but he doesn't enjoy anything. And I can't figure out yet if that's positive or negative.

There was a lot of text talking about being flexible, to the point where it felt like he was saying there are no rules and you should just do what you want. And that feels weird for a guy who's constantly talking about faith and religion and also in charge of law enforcement. We already have problems with cops deciding the law is whatever they feel like it is.

I appreciate that he can miss Xavier while standing rigidly against his garbage stances.

It's hard to make sense of what's happening with Tumult. It's unclear how a single person could conjure a god into existence, or why that god can't seek sanctuary, or why that god is a chimera, or why he picked Switch specifically to commune with, or what he intends to do besides hide.

Hijacking Xavier and Dust to be able to attack everyone feels a lot like a retread of Onslaught and it feels like they really didn't learn anything about hardening Krakoa against exploitable flaws.

[Handsome men don't lose fights]

Haven't read this yet, but I'm legit distressed to learn that Xavier would so casually use his powers on Cain like that. Juggernaut showed him a lot of trust by leaving his helmet off. In his earliest appearances he always claimed that Charles would play with his head, and Charles would always deny it as Cain being paranoid. Welp, here's the proof.

[jwatson]

Haven't read this yet, but I'm legit distressed to learn that Xavier would so casually use his powers on Cain like that. Juggernaut showed him a lot of trust by leaving his helmet off. In his earliest appearances he always claimed that Charles would play with his head, and Charles would always deny it as Cain being paranoid. Welp, here's the proof.

The scene didn't make much sense when we just had Xavier invite Cain in unlimited as well as Cain helping Xavier many times in this current Era and chuck on panel inviting Juggernaut. So unless we are suppose to believe that Xavier was being controlled i don't know. I'll have to read this again. I admit i got taken out the story pretty early so the rest was kind of a blur.

And the Xavier not having time for naivety was really weird to me. It was like the dude did nothing but recruit naïve teens. The narrative is being pushed way too hard to make Xavier a bad dad for David's benefit and it's coming off feeling really forced.

[Jackraow21]

I am just so over David. If i have to pick charles over David everyday i'm going to pick charles because as messed up as he is he has years of results to back that arrogance David exhibits. I mean i really really want to like this book but i just can't it seems. I would drop at this point but Red 5 has me exciting for the potential legion/uranus battle but after this issue i'm looking forward to it wanting david to get beat where as before i was looking forward to him holding the line. What a difference a book makes. But this does do a good job of showing more of Arrako and how they deal with things which should help immensely in the rebuilding. I think Legion is definitely the weak point of this book.

I agree. Legion is a tool. Not a fan. I kind of enjoyed when Uranos put him in a bodybag, not gonna lie. Xavier's been fighting for mutants for decades while Legion's been doing... whatever it is his spoiled ass has been doing. Now all of the sudden he's on his high horse and everything his father does and has done is wrong. Nah, son.

[CoCoBandz]

Legion did and said nothing wrong.

Besides I'm willing to bet that he didn't actually fight Uranos at all.

[Rift]

Yeah, I'm over how heavy-handed this book can be regarding Xavier. It's good to be critical of his shadier actions, but it feels like this story was written by Legion so he could bash his dad. At least this issue was a little better in this regard, since Juggernaut proved him right about the damage he can so casually cause without even thinking. Though that's undermined by Legion showing up immediately after to dunk on him and show that he knows better.

Hoping the lines about Nightcrawler losing faith means that he'll drop the Spark. I love the idea of mutant religion, but the Spark is such a boring and poorly-developed idea that doesn't add much of anything. Put Exodus in charge of mutant religion, he'd make something cooler.

[jwatson]

Yeah, I'm over how heavy-handed this book can be regarding Xavier. It's good to be critical of his shadier actions, but it feels like this story was written by Legion so he could bash his dad. At least this issue was a little better in this regard, since Juggernaut proved him right about the damage he can so casually cause without even thinking. Though that's undermined by Legion showing up immediately after to dunk on him and show that he knows better.

Hoping the lines about Nightcrawler losing faith means that he'll drop the Spark. I love the idea of mutant religion, but the Spark is such a boring and poorly-developed idea that doesn't add much of anything. Put Exodus in charge of mutant religion, he'd make something cooler.

Yeah a mutant religion should just be community. Maybe moments where people can get together, be honest, sort of like the Astral plane which i think is a cool addition but with circuits and mutant tech, and languages it seems mutant religion could and should just be as simple as congregating together. Finding peace and resolution in each other.