#ReforgeDarkinBlade

With a whooping popularity of 1.87% in ranked and 2.37% in normal (summoner rift) matches this champion is practically dead to the league community. This incredibly low pick rate and interest in the champion is not entirely because of the player base, but also due to lack of any modification of the champion to be remotely interesting in the current meta.

"Aatrox is a legendary warrior, one of only five that remain of an ancient race known as the Darkin. He wields his massive blade with grace and poise, slicing through legions in a style that is hypnotic to behold. " -Riot

With such a unique identity that his lore leads you to believe, his entire kit is so simple and predictable. His skills don't feel like they have a great impact on game play, or provide a sense of accomplishment after winning a fight. Even Yi feel like he does more then Aatrox. Yi can dodge skills with his E, and his W to stall. Their are ways to use Yi's kit to at least outplay the opponent skills to a degree. Aatrox cannot do that in his current state. Now, I acknowledge that Aatrox can also stall in fights using his Passive - Blood well, and use his Q - Dark flight to gap close or escape. However this is not entirely valid. Aatrox's Passive is flawed because it acts a guardian angel, but also reduces his power tremendously afterwards. Aatrox not only stays in the same spot healing himself for a very small amount of health he also loses his entire attack speed bonus, all this while his opponents cool downs are resetting allowing them to re-engage. His Q , half W, and E all cost percent health so using them to escape or fight constantly eats away at his health while his taking damage. You can't build health efficiently cause the abilities still take the same amount of health relative to your max health.

*Note: His Q also has a delay so it can be interrupted rather easily, and the hit zone is indicated before he even goes into the air making it easy to predict.

His entire combo is repetitious and strong much like Vlad before the rework. Also due to his incredibly strong healing potential he gets overbearing stat reductions. His health is only 15~17 hit points above most mages, and his overall stats growths are pitiful for his role as a top laner. Ultimately this champion is non-existent in terms of fun or unique.

With the all the champion changes recently that gives every character a unique role and identity in the league community it would make sense this is a good time to touch base on this character as well. Even acknowledging this champions existence would be nice.