REVIEW: ‘Sorcerer Supreme’ Issue 1

Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Steve Orlando, with art by Bernard Chang, colors by Ruth Redmond and letters by Cory Petit.

In Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1, Doctor Strange is in Asgard, Doctor Doom is dead, and Earth needs a Sorcerer Supreme. That mantle falls to Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch. A new era begins for the magical corner of the Marvel Universe. With many of the usual subjects out of the picture, it is Wanda who needs the call.

Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1 sets up her new life. She’s in the Sanctum Sanctorum, with Wong, and many other features that are synonymous with being the magic user responsible for the protection of the realm. The battle at the start and the following conversations are exactly the kind of threats Strange dealt with, and now fall to Wanda.

But many features of Orlando’s Scarlet Witch run merge the two worlds into one book. The pacing can be slow, but there are so many aspects to stay. Scarlet Witch’s sudden rise to the top, and the various threats that are slowly creeping in. It shows that not everyone accepts the new normal, and that threats will come from both inside and outside.

Wanda’s personality is present from her very first appearance in Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1. She’s a very warm and inviting character. She’s kind and willing to help anyone, especially those with nowhere else to go. But the Scarlet Witch is also a serious, powerful figure who can match the power of anyone. She’s not just the Sorcerer Supreme, she’s the Darkhold.

There is an evil book and dark magic within her, and a connection to the dark poet of Chthon. It means she absolutely has the night to assume this title. Wanda is not afraid to be honest and sometimes rebels against celestial creatures she should be kneeling before. Even Wong, Doctor Strange’s faithful servant, gets some stern treatment when he talks down to Wanda.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this first issue is the fact that Scarlet Witch isn’t insecure at all about her new position, but others are nervous for her. She has made the decision, taken the Eye of Agamotto and is ready for the responsibility.

The supporting cast of Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1 is a perfect balance, combining the worlds of Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch. Her cabinet of advisors and helpers is the ideal example of this. It’s a fusion of her family, both famous superheroes in their own right, and Doctor Strange’s most trusted confidants. And Chthon, which adds an unpredictable element.

The art is absolutely gorgeous. Scarlet Witch looks spectacular at all times. The first time she appears in Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1, she’s in her outfit as the Scarlet Witch. The lines and construction of this design are stunning, and it also features new elements. Alongside her usual costume is the Eye of Agamotto and the Cloak of Levitation. The Eye fits beautifully around her neck, and the sometimes intrusive and awkward cloak goes behind her wonderfully. But it’s not just when she is out fighting Dormammu that Wanda looks spectacular. Her casual dress is beautiful, too.

The dress’s folds are extraordinary, with subtle patterns and details on the shirt and a fantastic headdress. It feels like a loving reference to her Romani culture. The other characters have also been exceptionally crafted, particularly the magical creatures. There’s a distinct difference in the magic used, too. Scarlet Witch had her own unique methods and shields, stemming from the Darkhold within her.

The colors are phenomenal. An intriguing aspect of the color palette within Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1 is the variety of the colour red. Scarlet Witch is dressed in it, and her power radiates red, but there is a spectrum of shades from bright red to a purple hue. When she is dressed casually, there are more purples and pinks.

Redmond is largely responsible for the extraordinary patterns and beautiful costumes. The reveal of Wanda’s outfit in the Sanctum Sanctorum is genuinely jaw-dropping in its colors. Wanda also now has gold added to her look with the inclusion of the Eye and cloak, and she usually has striking green eyes. The letters are fine for most of the issue, but the word balloons for Dormammu are awkward and hard to read.

Wanda is a wonderfully strong and engaging lead, with an attitude that makes her endearing. She’s motherly, and that makes her stand her ground against anyone. She’s a natural pick to be the next Sorcerer Supreme.

It’s no wonder then that Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1 is a remarkable reset. Doom’s disappearance has left a void, and Scarlet Witch has seized the opportunity. It’s a fantastic step up from the story Orlando had already been telling, and it also fills the gaps left by Doctor Strange’s disappearance.

Sorcerer Supreme Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.