REVIEW: ‘Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto,’ Issue #1

Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto #1, written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Ramon Perez, colored by David Curiel, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, is published by Marvel Comics. Magneto is tasked by Emma Frost to find an island that she intends to use for future purposes. When the Master of Magnetism arrives, he soon finds himself face to face with Namor the Sub-Mariner, who happens to own said island.

This is the third issue in the Giant-Size X-Men series, which sees Hickman uniting with several top artists in the comics industry. Here he and Perez take a different look at Magneto. Magneto has worn many hats, or rather helmets, over the course of his career. He has opposed the X-Men and led them into battle. He has been a hero and a villain, and everything in between. Ever since Krakoa has been forged, he has had to take on a new role: diplomat. When he is faced with several problems, he doesn’t resort to violence or threats. He simply takes a more peaceful path.

The events of the issue are fairly simple; Magneto mostly has interactions with Emma and Namor, alongside an inhabitant of the island. Unlike the previous one-shot featuring Nightcrawler, Magneto is the sole focus first and foremost. Seeing as Magneto is one of my favorite characters in the X-Men mythos, this was wonderful. His interactions with Emma are also a highlight of the issue, especially in the beginning. The two share much in common; a scathing wit, immense power, a complicated relationship with the X-Men, etc. Hickman revels in these interactions.

The other highlight of the issue is Perez’s artwork. Perez replaces Ben Olivier, who was originally scheduled to draw the issue. His pages feature vast, sweeping shots of the landscape, which gives a cinematic flair to the entire issue. Perez also draws Magneto larger than life; the Master of Magnetism often stands ramrod-straight, with his hands clasped behind his back. Add in the fact that his cape is floating in the wind, and his face is shadowed by his helmet, and it makes for an imposing image. Curiel brings Perez’s pages to life with a bright, vibrant palette of colors. Magneto’s all-white ensemble is a bold contrast to the black armor that Namor wears. It especially makes him stand out in the dark of night or the depths of the sea.

If I had one quibble with the issue, it’s that it feels more like chess pieces are being moved at times, rather than a free-flowing story. Admittedly, this is a hallmark of Hickman’s work; he’s a very “big picture” writer. Fans will more than likely have to stay tuned into the vast X-Men universe to see how the events of this one-shot affect the bigger story.

Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto #1 takes a new look at the Master of Magnetism and his role within the new mutant nation. Fans who prefer character pieces and Hickman’s take on the X-Men will definitely want to pick this one up.

Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto #1 is available wherever comics are sold and through Comixology using our affiliate link.