Comic Book Review - Rogue #1
There is a huge influx of new X-Men titles hitting shelves this week as Marvel launches mutantkind into the Shadows of Tomorrow era. With so many fresh books debuting at once, it would be easy for an individual series to get lost in the shuffle. One of the most intriguing launches, however, is Rogue #1, a character focused story that places one of the X-Men’s most recognisable leaders under an emotional and psychological microscope. This opening issue sees Rogue wrestling not only with her role as leader of the Uncanny X-Men, but also with fractured memories tied to her past with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. When a chance encounter triggers a disturbing flashback, the question becomes clear: is Rogue remembering events as they truly happened, or has someone tampered with her mind?
Rogue #1 opens at full throttle with the Uncanny X-Men battling a giant possum rampaging across an airport. It is a wonderfully strange set piece that feels distinctly X-Men, blending superhero spectacle with just enough absurdity to remind readers why these characters remain so fun after decades of storytelling. The battle does an excellent job of showcasing each team member’s abilities while keeping Rogue firmly at the centre of the action. As she coordinates evacuations, issues orders, and throws herself into danger, the book establishes her authority and competence as a leader without ever feeling forced. Writer Erica Schultz smartly uses Rogue’s internal monologue throughout the chaos to contrast the present day hero with the violent and uncertain memories of her past life in the Brotherhood. The real emotional hook of the issue emerges when a familiar face sparks a recollection of blood on Rogue’s hands, suggesting a buried truth that even she may not fully understand. With no clear answers and nowhere else to turn, Rogue makes the difficult decision to seek out Mystique, the person most closely tied to both her origins and her deepest wounds.
I will openly admit that I have not been keeping up closely with recent X-Men events. The last major storyline I followed in detail was when From the Ashes launched back in 2025. Thankfully, Rogue #1 is written in a way that makes that lack of background knowledge largely irrelevant. Schultz crafts an extremely accessible opening chapter that welcomes both long time fans and lapsed readers alike. The opening action sequence efficiently establishes the current team dynamics, while quieter moments provide meaningful insight into Rogue’s relationships, particularly her bond with Gambit. Their interactions feel natural and lived in, offering emotional grounding without slowing the pace of the story. While this first issue is clearly laying the groundwork for a larger arc, it never feels like a hollow prologue. Instead, the narrative momentum is driven by character choices and emotional stakes rather than exposition dumps or references to wider continuity.
Visually, the book leans into a classic X-Men aesthetic thanks to the artwork from Luigi Zagaria and colours by Espen Grundetjern. There is a generous use of bright, bold colours throughout the issue, which gives the comic a vibrant energy that contrasts nicely with its darker psychological themes. Zagaria’s line work is detailed and expressive, particularly during the opening battle where movement and scale are handled with confidence. More importantly, the art excels during quieter scenes. Facial expressions are given real weight, allowing readers to feel Rogue’s uncertainty, frustration, and lingering guilt without relying solely on dialogue. When the action subsides, Zagaria and Grundetjern work together to maintain visual intensity, ensuring that the emotional beats land just as hard as the physical ones.
Overall, Rogue #1 sets itself up as an emotionally charged exploration of one of the X-Men’s most enduring characters. It is a deeply character focused issue that balances superhero spectacle with introspection, using Rogue’s troubled past to ask uncomfortable questions about memory, guilt, and identity. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing is confident, and the creative team clearly understands what makes Rogue compelling beyond her powers. While much of this debut issue is dedicated to establishing themes and setting future events in motion, it does more than enough to hook the reader. If this opening chapter is any indication, Rogue is poised to be one of the most engaging and emotionally resonant titles of the Shadows of Tomorrow era.
Rating: 8/10
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