My first Legion book was more of a Subs tale, which would get filed under quirky and light.
What clicked were the issues that followed. The sci fi setting and the history that made the characters and their universe rich and diverse with possibility.
The level of threat where the mightiest member could be taken out, leaving the single powered ones to show they were more than just those powers.
My early issues had smaller casts, so the characterisation would have been a plus.
A lot had grittier storylines, which no doubt kept me hooked; Action and Adventure before I knew those were the books the team was once in.
Having a single writer in Levitz, and his writing approach, made for consistent, engaging stories with plenty of subplots to be resolved. At the same time, I was getting the Levitz/Giffen issues which added so much more to the backstory with Giffen's detailed, clean art.
Later I'd appreciate the earnestness of the Adventure days who faced some terrible threats, and have even more appreciation for the history. There, cast members with doubts would be focused on in tales of bravery and facing one's fears. Everyone had something to give. Everyone was important.
I'd eventually also have a real fondness for the whimsical issues of Super Pets.
And without the Legion, I'd not have found the great folks on Legion World.