YOU CAN’T OUTRUN THE PAST! Rogue has an idyllic life with her sweet Remy LeBeau, but there are still skeletons in her closet…ones that come out when she least expects it. Rogue has worked so hard to leave her villainous past behind. Unfortunately, the past doesn’t stay in the past. What happens when it slams you right in the face? What past sin would make Rogue leave Haven House? Do Mystique and Destiny hold the answer? Rogue #1 puts the spotlight squarely on Rogue as she deals with mysterious visions of her past.

Written by Erica Schultz, Rogue #1 isn’t so much the “Shadows of Tomorrow” as it’s “Shadows of the Past” exploring an unknown event during Rogue’s time with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. But, what’s most interesting is the issue’s juxtaposition of exploring that past while Rogue forges her path as the leader of an X-Men team.

The issue is set in the present with Rogue and her X-Men battling a threat while Rogue also suffers from flashes of something in the past. In the present, she’s a hero and leader training a new generation of heroes. In the past, she’s a follower and villain, it’s hard to not read the issue and see that squarely front and center as the issue progresses. But, while confronting the past she does so solo, not as a team seeking out those who might have answers.

The concept of the comic is interesting and the mystery builds nicely and there’s absolutely something there reflecting on Rogue’s past and her current present. But, the end result doesn’t quite excite. It’s ok overall and enough to check out the second issue. But, Rogue #1 doesn’t feel like a major series spinning out of an event, it feels like a mini-series and it’s tie to that banner of “Shadows of Tomorrow” right now is pretty thin.

The art by Luigi Zagaria is fine. With color by Espen Grundetjern and lettering by Ariana Maher, the action is entertaining but what stands out is Rogue’s struggling with her visions. As readers, it’s hard to tell what is real and what isn’t leaving a bit of questioning until things are made clear. Visually it’s interesting and could be used for some solid storytelling going forward.

Rogue #1 is an entertaining issue that explores Rogue’s past and should be a nice addition for anyone invested in the character. It falls short of really feeling like it ties to “Shadows of Tomorrow,” which has been an issue in all of the X-Men comics except on so far. It just feels like a spin-off mini-series from the X-comic she’s already present in taking up a bit of a nostalgia kick that has fueled numerous Marvel series recently that explore unknown parts of a character’s past.

Story: Erica Schultz Art: Luigi Zagaria
Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle