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](https://marvelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0066.jpg)
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](https://marvelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0067-2.jpg)
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.
![Magneto & the Mutant Force #1](https://marvelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0068.jpg)
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).
![Magneto & the Mutant Force #1](https://marvelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0071.jpg)
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.
![Magneto & the Mutant Force #1](https://marvelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0069.jpg)
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!
![Magneto & the Mutant Force #1](https://marvelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0072.jpg)
Photo: Marvel Comics