SCARLET WITCH
Trouble in store
RELEASED OUT NOW! Publisher Marvel Comics
Writer Steve Orlando
Artist Sara Pichelli
For the longest time, Wanda Maximoff has been defined by her past. It’s understandable – a tragic villain is often a more interesting archetype than a straightforward hero – but there’s something wonderfully hopeful about this ongoing comic from Steve Orlando and Sara Pichelli.
A redeemed Wanda has (literally) set up shop in New York. She now runs an occult store with her friend Darcy Lewis (yep, that Darcy, from the Thor films and
Wandavision). She’s also installed a unique spell, the Last Door, which instantly transports anyone who is desperately in need of help to the Emporium. This simple premise allows the book to be appealingly episodic, with new characters regularly popping through the door. Meanwhile, there’s an ongoing mystery surrounding Darcy and the sinister forces that have brought her and Wanda together.
Although Wanda’s dark past hasn’t gone away – and indeed plays an important role in issue two – it’s genuinely refreshing to read a largely angst-free take on the character. This is the first solo Scarlet Witch comic in the best part of a decade, and Orlando’s script really allows the character to shine, foregrounding her best aspects, while cameos from her brother Pietro add a dash of humour. The dialogue throughout is pithy without being obnoxious, and Pichelli’s art has a lovely naturalistic feel to it.
It’s also very accessible – a big-name Marvel character in a book that doesn’t come with a lengthy required reading list. Good stuff, and the ideal comic to give to new fans.
Unusually, Darcy originated in the MCU films; this series marks her first appearance in the Marvel comics.
It’s genuinely refreshing to read a largely angstfree take on the character