THE GENTLEMAN’S NAME IS MAGNETO

Thoughts

When I started reading the X-titles, Magneto was already quite evolved in his status as an Anti-Hero. His background as a Holocaust survivor was an established part of his character, as had his stint as headmaster of the Xavier Academy.

So when you start going back and reading back issues, its quite striking to discover quite how straightforwardly villanous he is. But he’s the sort of arrogant, boasting megalomaniac seeking to defeat the X-men and conquer the world that its quite jarring.

And while there’s nothing wrong with Megalomaniac Villains, he just doesn’t seem a very interesting one. It’s still an entertaining issue, though. The build up to his return is handled nicely – even if the cover and title prevent it from ever being a surprise. The fight is inventive and, again, there’s something interesting in it ending with the X-men realising they are indeed out of their depth and need to flee. This sets up the idea of a rematch quite nicely.

Fun Panel

Full-page-tastic

Any Googling

This issue has a number of potential internet rabbit holes. As a fan of Madrox its good to see him in his first X-appearance here, and to go hunting online for the Fantastic Four Annual he comes from. Another intriguing title referenced is Defenders 16. The whole Magneto gets turned into a baby and then reborn becomes an important plot point later so its interesting to go back to it.

Finally this issue makes a point of telling us that the bug-eyed Dragonfly from the Ani-men has escaped imprisonment on the island. Which is odd given that I don’t really recall her turning up again. Turns out she was released to appear in an all-female title Dave Cockrum was working on called “The Furies”, which is an intriguing prospect (or a terrifying one depending on what Marvel writer might have ended up with the gig). She was to turn up in an army of super-powered villains called the Femizons that take on Captain America. The Marvel Fandom page wouldn’t tell me what issue the Femizons take on Cap, and I’m reading that as a mercy on their part and won’t seek out the issue.

None More Claremont

“Look on me, X-men. For I am your oldest, deadliest foe. Master of the Legion of Evil Mutants — and soon to be Lord Of All The World”

Claremont commits to shouty arrogant villain nature of Magneto here. I’m slightly sad that we never really got Ian McKellen to spout those type of lines.