Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1: Siblings United or Siblings Divided?

Writer Steve Orlando has delivered an intriguing new adventure as a follow up to Wanda Maximoff’s solo run.

Historically the siblings have always been close, and due to their traumatic childhoods, Pietro was, at times a little overprotective of his sister. This is a habit he is still trying to break. The two have been through a lot, and their relationship with Magneto, once again takes center stage, as does the ever-revolving explanation for the role that Magneto has in their lives and their upbringing. He has rescued them as a child, and they had been indebted to him. Turned out much later that he was their father. Many moons later it turned out he wasn’t their father and now he’s sort of their dad again. But not biological dad. But as Wanda pointed out in Trial of Magneto, whichever way the cookie crumbles it doesn’t matter. So they have come to think of Magneto as an adoptive father, of sorts. Even though Pietro still looks a whole lot like Magneto. But sure.

Either way the relationship they have to each other and to Magneto are the start of this adventure.

The tensions and resentment between Wanda and Pietro might have bee buried, but it does not look like they were completely resolved. It was underneath the surface that Magneto’s letter blew open.  Wanda, wants to be seen as a powerhouse, and trusted, and not coddled. Pietro is complicated, he wants to protect Wanda. But he’s still scared of her powers and not sure how to handle that. He also hasn’t quite come to terms with the fact that he manipulated Wanda in House of M. Oh yes. The House of M, the comic book gift that keeps on giving. But this is on purpose. So when Wanda burns Magneto’s letter, all that bubbles out of control. Now Wanda tries to protect Pietro from pain, or heartache, and the harsh words of a complicated man.  Pietro lashes out and cannot handle that. There are still some unresolved feelings that readers might have thought they worked through already. Both character’s personality and anger are well reflected in the writing and the art.

The art crafts a well drawn speedy Pietro, and swift and graceful Wanda. The action reflects their unique personality and power sets well. The colors are also well illustrated showing power dynamics in situations and keeping the action and emotion going throughout the comic. Pietro’s angry jaunt across America also provides a few fun cameos for fans.

Orlando does a great job of establishing something new and exciting, while inviting readers who might not have gotten to his previous comic. He and artist Lorenzo Tammetta managed to pack a lot into this comic, without making it feel too much for a single issue.