Writer: Leah Williams
Art: Lucas Werneck, Edgar Delgado, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Tom Muller, Valerio Schiti, and Marcio Menyz
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: September 15th, 2021
Price: $4.99
The Scarlet Witch is dead and the number one suspect is Magneto. That said, even as the top murder suspect, Magneto still managed to solicit the Quiet Council for the resurrection of the Scarlet Witch. So, if he was the killer, why would he want her resurrected? Plus, if things couldn’t get any worse, something weird is happening to Wanda’s body. Well, X-FACTOR is going to have to act fast if they want to uncover what’s driving this murder mystery because the AVENGERS has just arrived to claim the body. Let’s dive into X-MEN: THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO #2 by Leah Williams to see just what secrets we unearth before issue two comes to an epic conclusion.
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THE DISPATCH
Realistically, nothing happens in this issue of X-MEN: THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO other than the epic conclusion, which is of course rather confusing in itself. However, all readers get is a small skirmish, raised voices, and dozens of characters covered in some type of metal trying to challenge Magneto. It was almost as if people continue to forget that Magneto can control and manipulate all forms of magnetism. Am I right?
On a more positive note, there is a portion of the story where the essence of magic is described. And can I add that the description was beautiful and almost poetic, like a story inside a story? Nevertheless, once the one-page spread of Wanda enters the picture immediately after the touching poetry, it’s almost as if a different writer was penning each part because the transition was abrupt and the style became heavy and confusing, to say the least.
If I may also add, the characterization of so many of the cast seemed totally wrong. IRON MAN was looked at as excessively crude and sleazy, which I know many tend to lean towards. Nonetheless, that’s not how he’s been portrayed by Dan Slott, Christopher Cantwell, or even Jason Aaron within the past half-decade if not longer. Yet, IRON MAN was not the only misconstrued characterization. Look no further than CAPTAIN AMERICA himself.
Steve’s line that Wanda is an “… incredible unforgettable woman that eclipses trivial little things…” sounds completely unlike anything he would say and is totally like a writer who thinks extremely highly of the character inserting her words and personality into Cap’s mouth. Moreover, it’s not just one instance either. Later, Cap even says to Pietro that “I bet it would make her melt knowing you are still protecting her…” Really? Truthfully, this AVENGERS team sounds nothing like Jason Aaron’s team nor any AVENGERS team I’ve seen… ever.
But readers, it doesn’t stop there. The characterization of the actual X-MEN key players was also odd. Heck, even Magneto’s voice seemed off this issue during such moments as his fight with the AVENGERS. And, continuing further in the department of weird dialogue, Williams tries to provoking humor in the midst of a fight between Polaris and Magneto as he rattles off about doctoral thesis’ which simply didn’t land. Plus, in the heat of the moment surrounding his daughter’s death, as well as her sister’s, why are we trying to sling out zingers and funny quips?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Readers, I want to like X-MEN: THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO #2 but with no substance of story and strange depictions of character voices, nothing seems to stick. We are two issues into the series and all we know is Magneto’s the lead suspect/ killer as everyone tries to stop him… and of course, the cliffhanger now changes things a bit too. But ultimately, all you need to do is read the last page of this week’s X-MEN: THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO and you won’t skip a beat. Other than an extremely poetic moment, and some incredibly expressive lettering by Clayton Cowles, I found myself wondering what this series is really all about as well as its purpose. If you liked Williams X-FACTOR, then I’m sure you’ll love this considering it’s the same thing but with a few more characters. Otherwise, talk to a friend to figure out what happened on the last page and you’ll be right as rain. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!