Sorcerer Supreme #2: Which Witch Is Witch Which?

It’s our second issue of the Sorcerer Supreme, as Wanda continues to learn what her new role means, and if she has any limits to her new role. But the Vishanti have other plans, and have chosen Agatha Harkness, longtime friend, mentor and ally, as their Sorcerer Supreme! The two powerful sorceresses duke it out in an all out brawl to determine who is the actual SS! The Cloak and the Eye have both chosen Wanda, but the Vishanti chose Agatha!! Plus will Wong throw his support behind Wanda? Or will he support Agatha?!

The issue primarily focuses almost entirely on a magical duel between Wanda and Agatha Harkness, as the Vishanti tries to decide who deserves the title of Sorcerer Supreme. It’s fun to see Wanda having to go toe to toe with someone whose status has been elevated these last few years, thanks to Marvel’s cinematic synergy, especially since the fight takes place for most of the issue. It’s nice to see Wanda have to sweat a little, considering how little space was devoted to Wanda’s handling of Dormammu in the previous issue. It’s also nice to see how big of a magical heavyweight Agatha really is. She’s millions of years old, with roots that goes all the way back to the sinking of Atlantis, which is a huge step up from Franklin Richards’ nanny.

One of the biggest highlights of this issue, and series, is the breakneck pace that Steve’s been putting us through. Whether it’s how fast it took for the Vishanti to choose a successor for Doom, following the events of Blood Hunt, and One World Under Doom. To Wanda moving into Stephen’s home/sanctuary on Bleeker Street, to Bats’ taking an instant liking to Wanda, but the biggest boon to this run is Orlando’s characterization of Wanda. She’s confident, and powerful, and it’s her confidence in herself that’s been the biggest draw. Mix that in with the breakneck pacing of the clash of these two titans, and it makes the issue feel more than just filler for a trade.

Bernard Chang’s work on this book has been very strong, and aids Orlando’s scripts by helping to visually create a heady atmosphere that balances well between the stark to the tranquil. The characters here are recognizable, and the action is expressive, which we’ve come to expect from Chang. Chang’s one of those reliable artistic workhorses who puts in the work, and delivers a product that’s pleasing to the eye, and can help craft the gravitas that we’ve come to expect from the Big Two. Seeing him here, providing some excellent panels, and character designs, only furthers my enjoyment of the book. Especially the plain clothes Wanda, who looks incredibly stunning, and looks to evoke George Perez’s take from his Heroes Return era Avengers with Kurt Busiek. If he’s given this in two issues, can you imagine what he’s going to bring as this series rolls on? Two thumbs way up.