Marvel’s Voices: Legacy (2022) #1 is an anthology one-shot published by Marvel Comics. Like last year’s Legacy one-shot, it shifts the focus to the House of Ideas’ Black heroes, courtesy of a collection of Black creators. However, this year saw a shakeup in terms of creative teams and characters.
The issue contains ten stories in total. “Legend” focuses on the Black Panther, with Cody Ziglar writing and Jahnoy Lindsay on art. “Date Night” focuses on Sam Wilson, who once again takes up the mantle of Captain America; it’s written by J. Holtham, illustrated by Julian Shaw, and colored by Paris Alleyne. “The Coolest” features Luke Cage and Misty Knight; Ziglar handles writing while Larry Houston illustrates and Dijjo Lima provides colors. The same creative team reunites for “Growth”, which focuses on the X-Men’s resident physician Cecilia Reyes. “Wanna Play?” takes place during Ubusuku Bokfua, aka Wakanda’s “Night of the Dead”; it’s written, illustrated, and colored by Natacha Bustos.
“Legacy” celebrates the 40th anniversary of Monica Rambeau, aka Spectrum; it’s written by Ziglar, illustrated by Eder Messias, and colored by Lima. “Cross-Borough Caper” stars Luna Lafayette, aka Moon Girl, and her best friend Devil Dinosaur; it’s written by Victor LaValle, illustrated by Karen S. Darboe of Magnus Arts, and colored by Ian Herring. “Perspective” stars Adam Brashear, aka the Blue Marvel; it’s written by Ziglar, penciled by Sean Damien Hill, inked by Hill & Oren Junior, and colored by Lima. “A Treasure Worthy of A King” is written and illustrated by Maria Frohlich with Stephane Paitreau, and finds the Valkyrie Runa investigating the tomb of a king. Finally, “Responsibility” is co-written by Ziglar and Alleyne, with Alleyne handling art. The story features a race between Miles Morales/Spider-Man and Starling. The entire issue is lettered by VC’s Ariana Maher.
You may have noticed that the majority of stories are written by Ziglar, which highlights a major issue with the book. While Ziglar is a good writer, the previous installment of Marvel’s Voices one-shots featured multiple writers and artists contributing stories The beauty of the Voices anthologies is that they allow creators from all different walks of life to offer their unique perspective on elements of a Marvel hero. With Marvel’s Voices: Legacy (2022), it feels like one writer is mostly driving the ship.
That being said, there are some good stories in the one-shot. My personal favorites are “Date Night,” “The Coolest”, “Legacy,” “Cross-Borough Caper,” and “Perspective.” “Date Night” sees Sam being put through his paces as he races to make a date with Misty Knight. Holtham places a number of obstacles in Sam’s way, including a debate with an older Harlem resident and the Taskmaster respectively while Shaw’s artwork depicts Sam as quick and fleet-footed whether he’s in civilian clothing or his Captain America uniform. “Cross-Borough Caper” is the kind of science-filled, animated adventure you’d expect from Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur, thanks to Darboe’s art and Herring’s bright colors; it’s also a pleasant surprise to learn that LaValle can pivot from the bloody horror of Sabretooth to an all-ages tale.
“Perspective” and “Legacy” act as companion pieces to each other for a number of reasons; both Monica and Brashear have similar powers and ruminate on their effect in the world. Both artists for the respective titles also draw them in mid-flight, with slight differences; Hill draws Brashear breaking through the atmosphere and leaving a fiery trail in his wake, while Messias draws a trail of rainbow energy following Monica everywhere she goes. “The Coolest” and “Growth” mark a special occasion as Houston handles the art for both stories. His style, used to bring X-Men: The Animated Series to life, is unmistakable.
Marvel’s Voices: Legacy (2022) #1 is a solid celebration of the House of Idea’s Black heroes, though it could have involved more creators behind the scenes. With a collection of great stories and features including the history of Monica Rambeau and an interview with artist Brian Stelfreeze, as well as an intro from Karama Horne, this is a comic made for Black nerds by Black nerds.
Marvel’s Voices: Legacy (2022) #1 will be available on December 16, 2022 wherever comics are sold.
Marvel's Voices: Legacy (2022) #1
TL;DR
Marvel’s Voices: Legacy (2022) #1 is a solid celebration of the House of Idea’s Black heroes, though it could have involved more creators behind the scenes. With a collection of great stories and features including the history of Monica Rambeau and an interview with artist Brian Stelfreeze, as well as an intro from Karama Horne, this is a comic made for Black nerds by Black nerds.
