Broken Frontier

The Master of Magnetism strikes at the hearts of humans.

In Magneto: Not A Hero, Marvel artist extraordinaire Skottie Young steps away from his art duties and pens a solid character driven first chapter in a brand new mini-series.  Murder and deceit surround the master of magnetism, as friends and allies alike attempt to uncover the mystery surrounding the aged hero.

The biggest draw to Magneto is Erik Lehnsherr himself.  Magneto is easily one of the Marvel Universe’s most layered, deep, and commanding characters, and his confidence reigns supreme in this new title.  Following the brutal murder of an entire anti-mutant group, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark question Lehnsherr as to his whereabouts during the crime.  Despite video and DNA evidence to the contrary, Magneto denies the accusation, leading to one of the many outstanding character moments Young pens.  Magneto’s reaction is completely ambiguous; he declares no involvement, but readers are never left completely swayed either way during the conversation.  This tense back and forth between members of the Avengers and Magneto culminates in a metallic showdown, with Stark finally being forced to back down from Lehnsherr’s incredible display of magnetic power.

Pairing with Young on art duties is Clay Mann, who pencils some incredibly gorgeous images.  The initial arrival of Magneto to the anti-mutant rally is not only stunning, but completely conveys the fear he instills in humans.  The following double-page spread, complete with destroyed anti-mutant placards, dying humans, and hovering metal is truly stunning.  Later in the issue, moreover, Mann’s art reaches a new height of emotional power, with a single panel featuring an infant Magneto cradled in the hands of a Nazi soldier.

Skottie Young has created an environment that perfectly pairs with the conflicted nature of Magneto.  The Master of Magnetism’s tone shines through, whether it be his confident denial of his supposed crimes, or his ruthless hunt to find the true villains.  Paired with the great art by Clay Mann, Magneto: Not A Hero is a must have first issue in what is hopefully a fantastic series.