SCARLET WITCH#1: Abra, Abracadabra. I’m Gonna Reach Out And Grab Ya…

After waiting MONTHS for this book to drop, it’s finally here. Steve Orlando and Sara Pichelli’s Scarlet Witch #1 is here! Wanda’s been out of the picture in mainstream Marvel for the last couple years. Yes, we had the Darkhold event last year, but Wanda didn’t really have much of a presence in the event, except as a storytelling device in the first chapter, and the final chapter seemed a tad rushed. She had a great showing in that chapter, but it felt like it was just a taste, instead of a meal. Then we also had the Trial of Magneto that just didn’t hit the mark. I felt the outcome should have restored Wanda’s place as a mutant, and Magneto’s child, which felt like what Leah’s plan was, but it felt like editorial changed their minds at the last minute. But that’s got nothing to do with this issue, so let’s get going, shall we? 

Orlando and Pichelli start this tale deep in the ocean, where a group of wealthy…mystical tourists, who have been brought out here by super obscure Marvel villain, Doctor Hydro, and his creature Caeceleoni, where they’ll be used as a sacrifice to the ocean, and Hydro’s claim. The Scarlet Witch disperses the wanker quite handily, and then we get to the real beginning of this story.

See, Wanda’s setting herself up as the champion of the lost, out of a mystical mercantile shop, with this thing called The Last Door. Sounds ominous, doesn’t it? And it is, I guess. Wanda created this door to be the portal to her when someone is so lost, and has no one else to turn to, they gain access to this door and are brought to her. 

It’s a pretty interesting concept and something that could provide a lot of stories if given the time to be properly cultivated. This story takes us to Italy, to save this town from an old Marvel villain (this looks like it’s going to be a theme with Orlando, and as an old Marvel head I LOVE IT), the Corruptor, who has the ability to force people to do his bidding by just talking. He kinda reminds me of a blue Mesmero, a green mutant with the exact same power, but the difference is the Corruptor’s abilities have some eldritch connection, making them almost magic. The battle doesn’t last long, but that’s to be expected from a mort like him. Fortunately, I’ve got a feeling we’re going to see some much bigger fish to fry as time goes by. 

This issue also sees the arrival of the MCU’s Darcy Lewis, Jane Foster’s assistant that was played by Kat Dennings, to the comics world, and I’m interested in what direction Orlando’s going to take her. From the previews, I first thought Darcy was Strange Academy’s Zelma Stanton, which would have made sense, so I’m interested in seeing what Orlando has in store with her. Quicksilver is also here, which I’m super elated for, because the twins have been missing for so long, it almost felt like Marvel had forgotten about him. What role he’ll play just makes me have more questions that I can’t wait to have answered. Plus Viv Vision! But more on that next issue.

Sara Pichelli is on art duties here, and she does a bang up job on this first issue. I’ve been a fan of Sara’s since seeing her work on the X-Men Manifest Destiny anthology from the beginning of the Fraction run on Uncanny X-Men, and she’s grown so much in the time between now and then. Her work here is phenomenal. Wanda is dark, and beautiful, Pietro’s handsome and smug, something that is spot on for the characters. Pichelli is giving her some classic Romani traits. Wanda’s magical hair trail is a tad…cluttered, but not too distracting.

I understood the reason for it during the Hellfire Gala, but here it looks more like Starfire’s trail from DC’s Titans. I’m sure given time I’ll warm to it, but it’s just unneeded here.