Vision & Scarlet Witch #2: Holding Out For A Hero…

We’re back with these star crossed former lovers 50th wedding anniversary, with this four issue mini by Steve Orlando and Lorenzo Tammetta! After the cataclysmic event that ended last issue, Wanda uses her probability manipulation, combined with her chaos magic to save the life of the Vision from the savage assault by the Grim Reaper, but not everything is as it seems. So lets get on with the show!

After the Grim Reaper wages his war of revenge against the Vision, and his synthezoid family, Wanda just barely brings Vision back, but there’s been some changes to his appearance. Wanda’s probability altering power mixed with her chaos magic brings him back in his white body, that was first introduced in West Coast Avengers #45, written and drawn by comic legendary creator John Byrne, where he stripped the Vision of not only the colors of his skin, and costume, but also his ability to have emotions. It was the beginning of the end for the Vision and the Scarlet Witch, which would not only end their marriage, but removed their children from existence and caused Wanda to have a mental breakdown that was caused by Immortus, who was using Wanda to overthrow the TVA.

It’s a lot of backstory to understand why we’re here, and why the change to this “body” has such an emotional impact on these two characters. There’s a big difference with Vision this time though. While he was originally stripped of his memories, emotions, and basically his identity, here it’s the opposite. He experiences all the emotions, all at the same time, and his anger towards Wanda is felt with every panel and dialogue box. Orlando really makes this scene feel palpable to the readers. Orlando’s ability to make these emotional moments feel real, and drawing the readers in is one of his greatest gifts as a writer. Especially when it comes to Wanda, and her cast of supporting characters. It’s something that he’s used quite well while writing Wanda’s adventures over the last few years.

Wanda and Vision figure out that the Grim Reaper also has his own special door, but unlike Wanda’s that was created to open to those who are in need, Reaper’s brings you to a dark realm that traps the souls that walk through it. As the two Avengers venture through the door, they are faced with…something you’ll have to read the story to get the answer. It’s something that was to be expected, especially with this story focusing on Vision’s emotional journey since the end of the Tom King penned book, but seeing this character on the page still shocked me. Orlando is pulling out all of the tricks, pulling on the emotional heartstrings, and is crafting a story that is steeped in the history of these two characters. He really has me invested in this story, and I can’t wait to see how this story ends.