REVIEW: ‘Midnight Suns’, Issue #1

Midnight Suns #1 is written by Ethan Sacks, illustrated by Luigi Zagaria, colored by Antonio Fabela, and lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino. It’s published by Marvel Comics. A mysterious vision is experienced by the various supernatural characters of the Marvel Universe, and at the center of that vision lies Strange Academy student Zoe Laveau. It falls to Nico Minoru, Magik, Blade, the Spirit Rider Kushala, and Wolverine to protect Zoe from a mysterious army of shadow-like beasts. But what do they want with Zoe, and how is it connected to the apocalypse they’re trying to stave off?

The supernatural side of the Marvel Universe is ripe with storytelling possibilities, and Sacks embraces that possibility head-on in his script. The majority of the action takes place at Strange Academy, which is located on a border between realities, and the roster of the Suns is full of fan-favorite characters. Nico led the Runaways, Magik has grown in popularity as a member of the X-Men, and Blade is…well, it’s Blade. The addition of Wolverine might raise eyebrows or draw sighs, given that his immense popularity draws him into group settings, but Sacks is smart enough to play off of this; when he learns the nature of the threat, the clawed Canadian growls, “Oh, terrific. Magic s***”. Sacks also sets up some interesting team dynamics, with Kushala immediately leaping to Zoe’s defense and Nico questioning her abilities without the Staff of One.

Sacks is joined by Zagaria, who wholeheartedly embraces the mystical and horror elements present in the book. From the very first page, creepy things are going on; a man who attempts to kill a coven of suspected spellcasters falls prey to one of the shadow creatures himself. As for said creatures, they’re disturbing — possessing purple eyes glittering with malice and razor-sharp claws. The action sequences are big and bloody, with people getting stabbed, sliced open, or burned alive. And the first page featuring the full lineup of the Suns is an immensely heroic moment, with them charging straight at the reader. He also gives Magik a new update to her costume that merges her classic New Mutants look with the Final Fantasy-inspired getup she’s been rocking for a while, and it looks awesome.

Rounding out the creative team on Midnight Suns #1 are Fabela and Sabino, who give the book its mystical flair. Fabela utilizes a combo of dark and light colors, pitting the shadow beasts against the more brightly colored heroes, though, in Nico and Blade’s case, they’re almost always clad in black. And Sabino leans into the different lettering that makes each of the Strange Academy students a unique character; Zoe’s girlfriend Dessy has bright pink letters while Kushala’s are jet black and white, fitting her Ghost Rider powers. And the shadow beasts speak in twisted, creaky letters, which only enhances their creep factor.

Midnight Suns #1 unites fan-favorite characters to battle a supernatural threat, resulting in a book that’s part 90’s throwback and part horror/action romp. If you’re waiting for the Midnight Suns video game, this will tide you over. If you love magic, superheroes, or both, this book is right up your alley.

Midnight Suns #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.