Magneto series

[hammergiant]

Just curious about what everyone thinks about this book. It's been five issues now, and although I'm a sucker for a good Magneto story, the complex characterization of this possible, somewhat reformed villain has been a very compelling read. Cullen Bunn is penning an anti-hero book (maybe) and we now know Magneto will cross paths with the Red Skull during the Axis Rising event, further cementing his straddling of the good guy/bad guy line.

Does Magneto want redemption? Is it possible for him? Does he have a grander scheme than skulking around seeking small-time mutant vengeance? I've been very pleasantly surprised by the quality of this book.

[ExtremisEdge]

Yes! I completely agree that Bunn has surprised us all and I truly hope this series continues to run with the same creative team. I'm glad that they decided to take Magneto in his own direction. I'm sure we all loved him with the Uncanny X-Men but we all know he's too strong of a personality to be second or third in command. What I love about the current book, however, is that it's rated M which allows Bunn to truly showcase the ruthlessness with which Magneto operates. I also like that the book is written in a kind of self-reflective style from the pov of Lensherr. Red Skull's return in the first vol. of Uncanny Avengers made me get into that book in particular and so I am very excited to see Magneto clash with the very powerful Red Skull now that he has the mind of Xavier. Hopefully their clashing answers some questions like: "WHAT THE HELL HAS THE RED SKULL BEEN UP TO?!"

To answer your questions:
I don't think Magneto is looking for redemption. From who and from what is he looking for approval? From no one I would argue. I love the path and actions he's taking because he is very effectively (or so far as we've seen) sabotaging anti-mutant efforts with straight up violence and execution. I also think that Magento (as a character) is better than that. What I mean is that he's better than "Oh I've hurt so many people. Made so many mistakes. Hurt and killed. This is my way of giving back or recompensing for all the damage I've done." I think, for him, the world is so grand, violent, and divisive that he doesn't have time to play politics or public relations. He realizes that progress on the issue of human/mutant relations hasn't changed all that much and that it's time for mutants themselves to stop appeasing the people and instead turn their powers and resources on those institutions, individuals, and groups who are deliberately and actively targeting mutants. Also, if a grander scheme or plan does exist then I think it's about to be revealed following his most recent meet up with that lady with the bad leg. I forgot her name. Haha. I echo your sentiments though. This book has truly surprised me. It could have easily been a disaster in both story and approach.

Great quote by the way by Mr. Franklin. Who knew he was talking about comics and graphic novels! :P

[Thad937]

I like the book so far. There was a moment or two where I stopped caring. He scolded the mutant children that he freed, and he seems to just kill all the villians. I know that he's a VERY complex character and I love anti-heros. I hope that Magneto doesn't loose all his humanity and compassion that he has shown in the past.

[hammergiant]

I don't think Magneto is seeking redemption from the world at large. He couldn't care less about that. I do think he is feeling his failure at being the leader or savior of mutantkind. I think he may want a measure of redemption for that. We have seen how Genosha weighs heavily upon him. I wonder about a grander scheme because while Magneto is not as powerful as he once was, he hasn't organized or contacted any of his former allies to try and form a more united front. He's just wandering from place to place, taking out minor mutant oppressors. It may be a sin of pride, I dunno.

[spacegoatpurrp]

one of the most interesting comics I've read in a while. Really reminds me of Fassbender's Magneto

[Magneto]

The series is incredible! Buy it.

[Doomuniverse]

The most fun and thought provoking comic series I've read this year. The confrontation with Shield when they had him cornered and he relayed to them how there would be no need for a Magneto had they focused on what he was stopping in the first place was strong. Claremont level. It's been awhile since they've had Magneto talk in that dissecting way...

[AbnormallyNormal]

It is a good series I like Magneto portrayed as a tortured and regretful old dude with busted powers doing his darnedest to help the "cause" at all costs. Nice character interactions and I'm curious about the intentions of the lady friend he's made. She seems like a potential manipulator to me. I am slightly concerned the series is going to get off track due to being forced to tie in to AXIS though. I hope it can somehow like... just revert back to how it was pre-AXIS asap.

[spacegoatpurrp]

Briar? I thought she was Black Widow at first lol til I saw her leg

[Doomuniverse]

It is a good series I like Magneto portrayed as a tortured and regretful old dude with busted powers doing his darnedest to help the "cause" at all costs. Nice character interactions and I'm curious about the intentions of the lady friend he's made. She seems like a potential manipulator to me. I am slightly concerned the series is going to get off track due to being forced to tie in to AXIS though. I hope it can somehow like... just revert back to how it was pre-AXIS asap.

Sidetracked? Not sure if your kidding or not...what signs do you see of that remotely happening? He has threads with the Marauders to get to..a Genosha follow up story...the truth about what is going on with Briar..a reunion with Lorna..and maybe even a long awaited and overdue confrontation with Sinister himself. He's cleaned up and written a better Axis issue than the main series writer...and didn't miss a beat. It all flowed perfectly.

[Project Initiative Cascada]

Wonderful series but the artist has to go. The interiors are godawful.