X-Men Black: Magneto #1
Writer: Chris Claremont
Inkers: Roberto Poggi, Belardino Brabo
Penciler: Dalibor Talajic
Colorist: Dono Sanchez-Almara
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel
Review by Greg Brothers
To say that Magneto is a complicated character would be a bit of an understatement. From super-villain, to misunderstood anti-hero, to leader of the X-Men, and all of it all overagain. Magneto has run the gambit, and to some X-fans Magneto was right. So having classic X-Men writer Chris Claremont return to write a one-shot featuring the character should lead to some interesting reveals, right?
X-Men Black: Magneto #1 starts innocently enough, with Erik Leshner enjoying a meal in a local diner. As he quietly watches the local barflies, he engages in a conversation with the young waitress whose family owns the place. From here we find out via the local news that detainment camps have been set up by the federal government to hold mutants. It is then that Magneto’s motive for being in town is revealed.
Claremont shows off his experience writing the X-Men here. Magneto is there to destroy all of those that have locked away those families simply for being mutants. What he did not expect was to meet a young girl that would once again give him hope for the future of mutants and humans alike. Claremont finds the balance, and as you read the dialogue and inner thoughts you can feel the battle within his own head that Magneto is fighting. It truly is a brilliant piece of writing. The parallels between the way mutants are being treated and how immigrants are being treated are striking and obvious. It is exactly the type of topical story that the X-Men have always been known for. It is also a story that Claremont is excellent at pulling off.
The art feels about like the classic Marvel art style. It is not bad nor is there anything ground breaking here. Magneto at times looks a little older, and a bit pudgier than he has been in the past. It is something small, but it is something that stood out. The classic red suit does pop off the panel as the reds cut through the other movements.
Verdict: Buy it.
X-Men Black: Magneto #1 is the classic X-Men tale that any long-time fan will relish. Claremont takes the complicated character and weaves a compelling story that helps to understand how complex Magneto really is. By the end you will be asking yourself if indeed Magneto was right.
