The Black Legion, despite not being on the cover of the Codex, are often depicted as the 'vanilla' Chaos Space Marine legion, similar to how the Ultramarines are with the loyalists. This narrative making it clear that anybody who joins the Black Legion is NOT just changing the name of the guy who is signing the paycheck, but rejecting their previous Legion or Chapter identities and committing to fighting the Long War.

Canon has now been muddled further with the new ADB novel series, where Abaddon officially dissolved the Sons of Horus, and merged its old forces in with Abby's friends from the other Legions into an entirely new Legion. After the HH they changed their name to The Black Legion, possibly due to being ashamed to carry the name of one who failed to conquer the Imperium, or as a sign of mourning, together with the black armor. Originally called themselves the Luna Wolves before changing their name to The Sons of Horus. The Black Legion (Legion XVI) are one of the nine Space Marine legions which betrayed the Emperor during the Heresy. 'Just because I'm a murdering, thieving, cowardly, traitorous sort doesn't mean I can't do my job properly.' – James A. 'I recognize in thieves, traitors and murderers, in the ruthless and the cunning, a deep beauty - a sunken beauty.' – Jean Genet

40 px This article or section is EXTRA heretical.

Legion command and conquer