Warning: contains spoilers for Legion of X #1!
The X-Men have come a long way in outgrowing their roots as outcasts sequestered in a mansion, with the colonies of Krakoa and Arakko having allowed them to transcend both death and the very Earth itself. However, one mutant has gone even further in transcending their ‘humanity’ (for lack of a better term), following very closely in the footprints of one of Watchmen’s most iconic characters. With near-infinite power at his disposal, Legion may have become Marvel’s version of Doctor Manhattan.
In Legion of X #1, It’s revealed that the mutant Legion has been isolated on Olympus Mons for six months until he suddenly appears in the center of the Quiet Council’s chamber. He pops in to tactlessly inform Warlock (of the New X-Men) of the death of his father Magus (a former X-Men villain), then promptly returns to his business on Arakko (the planet formerly known as Mars.) During his absence, Legion has been keeping busy running the 'Altar,' a pocket dimension that conforms to the needs of the mutants who visit it.
Si Spurrier and Jan Balzadua's Legion of X makes the comparison very clear. Legion is a godlike mutant with almost limitless power, now able to shape reality itself within the Altar, and based on Mars - Doctor Manhattan's hideaway during the events of Watchmen. However, the issue's artwork makes even more specific comparisons between the two characters. When Abigail Brand reports in on Legion’s whereabouts, the panel depicts Legion floating cross-legged and bare-chested, superimposed against a red background and glowing a vivid blue. This imagery is incredibly similar to that of Doctor Manhattan sitting in isolation in the wastes of Mars: each blue, appearing unclothed and sequestered on Mars to pursue their own philosophical exploits.
Furthermore, the tactlessness with which Legion informs Warlock of his father’s death hearkens to how Doctor Manhattan’s own creepy powers leave him struggling to relate to humanity. The ease with which Legion speaks to his lover Blindfold in the mental realm further emphasizes how disconnected Legion and Doctor Manhattan are from those without the perspective brought upon by their nearly limitless power. Interestingly enough, Blindfold refers to herself as a 'watchman' during this very conversation; while a minor enough detail, it’s an interesting Easter egg that seems to strengthen the parallels being drawn.
By his very nature, Legion has always been a character open to multiple different interpretations. Now, he seems to be taking on one of the most definitive roles in comics. Linking Legion to Doctor Manhattan suggests that while he may be stronger than all the X-Men combined, his struggles will be more intellectual and metaphysical in nature. Legion has certainly come a long way from his time as a villain, through his tenure with the X-Men, and now becoming Marvel’s own Doctor Manhattan.