REVIEW: Psychic Mess in Magneto & the Mutant Force
In Magneto & the Mutant Force #1 by Steve Orlando, Bernard Chang, David Curiel, and Clayton Cowles, with a main cover by Nick Bradshaw and Rachelle Rosenberg, we get to see what the mutants of the Heroes Reborn world have been up to, and here’s a hint: they aren’t doing much better than the rest of the Marvel superheroes (except maybe the Young Squadron – those kids might just be the “Champions” this timeline needs).
Magneto & the Mutant Force #1. Photo: Marvel Comics
“Beware! Psychic Rescue in Progress!”
In this issue, we get a story that is more similar to Peter Parker: The Amazing Shutterbug than Hyperion and the Imperial Guard – in other words, this story is more like a “What If” issue than a “New-ish 52-ish” story.
Except in the case of Magneto & the Mutant Force #1, the “What If” question is “What if Magneto had become the leader of the heroic mutants rather than Xavier?”
Magneto & the Mutant Force #1. Photo: Marvel Comics
The answer to this question creates a world that looks like something of a dark mirror when held up to the current X-Men continuity, which has the island mutant nation of Krakoa (called a “sentient salad bar” by Gwen Poole in M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games #3).
In the Heroes Reborn timeline, mutants are still retreating to a remote island sanctuary, but now it is Island M, under the command of Magneto.
Photo: Marvel Comics
Even though I am not as familiar with the current X-Storyline as I would like (but currently working on remedying that), I had no problem enjoying this issue based on my fundamental knowledge of the characters (if you’ve seen any of the X-Men movies on Disney+, you’ll be fine, just remember the roles have been somewhat reversed).
Photo: Marvel Comics
In terms of art, my favorite parts took place once the action moved from the outside world and into the psychic realm! These pages featured a super-cool visual aesthetic, with psychic energy separating the panels.
Photo: Marvel Comics
Magneto & The Mutant Force #1
Did you get a chance to visit your local comic shop and pick up this issue? What did you think? We’re waiting to hear from you in the comment section, Marvel Blog True Believers!
Photo: Marvel Comics
