Scarlet Witch is back with a new solo series and a new job in Marvel Comics’ Sorcerer Supreme #1! Ms. Maximoff’s ascent to the highest magical office on Earth is detailed in this issue by long-time Scarlet Witch steward Steve Orlando, as well as Bernard Chang, Ruth Redmond, VC’s Cory Petit, and Alanna Smith. Can our heroine handle the responsibility of this new mantle, and how many rules can she get away with breaking while doing so? The answer begins now.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Sorcerer Supreme #1!
Using the Blood Hunt to further his own ambitions, Victor Von Doom manipulated Doctor Strange into transferring the role of Sorcerer Supreme unto him. However, Doom is now dead, and Stephen Strange has vanished to realms beyond before he was able to reclaim his title. For months, readers wondered who would fill this vacancy. Clea Strange recently accepted the role after her husband’s murder, but this was done through plans laid carefully by Stephen ahead of time. Promotional art teased a wide range of possible successors from Magik and Nico Minoru to wild cards such as Gambit or Valeria Richards. In the end, Marvel preemptively spoiled the surprise ahead of One World Under Doom #9, whose final page gave us a glimpse at how Wanda came to wield the Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto.
Orlando and Chang put together the end scene tease for One World Under Doom #9, and recontextualizing those events forms the through-line of Sorcerer Supreme #1. It’s a concept to ground the reader during the influx of changes that accompany the Scarlet Witch’s new status quo. Across conversations and confrontations, Wanda makes it clear that there is no scheme at play. She’s not trying to amass power or defy the Vishanti just for the hell of it. Dr. Doom sacrificed his life as well as the vestments of the Sorcerer Supreme. Destroying the Cloak and the Eye risked ending the title of Sorcerer Supreme forever, but there’s always one Last Door for those with nowhere else to turn. The Scarlet Witch waits with aid on the other side, even though it meant sacrificing The Last Door to fuel the magic needed to repair the vestments. She heard a call for help and answered; it cost a key part of the life she made, and now the duty of care has taken her into all-new territory.
Speaking of what’s new, there’s a lot to go around. The narration shifts from the second person to first, as the Scarlet Witch pens her own story in this new chapter. Just as well, Wanda’s handed over the keys of her magic shop to her pal Darcy Lewis, and she’s taken up residence in Greenwich Village, where her new housemates at the Sanctum Santorum are only moderately apprehensive. Maximoff has also assembled a new counsel composed of Somnus, Speed, Wiccan, Clea, Amaranth, and Chthon. These choices reflect how she understands herself, a “witch. Mother. Teacher. Survivor,” as well as balancing her goals as Sorceress Supreme: to break down barriers between magic and the masses without destroying useful rules and rituals. Naturally, this bold directive has already drawn adversaries into Scarlet Witch’s orbit.
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The Vishanti, a three person pantheon that serves as the benevolent magical authority over Earth, traditionally chooses the titleholder of Sorcerer Supreme, and bestows the vestments upon them. The Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto having their own opinion on the matter had never been of any importance to them. You can imagine their revulsion when the vestments choose Wanda of all people. One of the Vishanti is sister to the Dark Elder Chthon, and Maximoff’s history with him alone are enough for the Vishanti to object to her serving as Sorcerer Supreme. Seeking to respect the vestments’ wishes, the Scarlet Witch will not relinquish the Cloak or Eye to the Vishanti anytime soon. The final page sting shows us that the Vishanti are swift in their response: they have nominated Agatha Harkness as their Sorcerer Supreme, and now the two must battle.
Of course, we cannot talk about all the new beginnings in Sorcerer Supreme #1 without mentioning the art. This issue marks the debut of Wanda’s new regalia as Sorceress Supreme. Blending the aforementioned vestments with reimagined elements of her latest Scarlet Witch costume, artist Russell Dauterman has dreamt up a character-redefining design for Ms. Maximoff once again. Not to be outshone though, Chang and Redmond use Dauterman’s redesign as a launchpad for a gorgeous premiere issue. Chang really shines at character acting, especially when emoting through the eyes. The artist also takes Wanda’s casual wear in a new direction, styling the vestments and street clothes into a look that calls to mind an updated take on George Pérez’ Scarlet Witch. Redmond’s colors bring vibrance and depth to the interiors. The dark cherry on Wanda’s lip is eye-catching, and blending the classic pinks and whites of Scarlet Witch spellcasting with red and gold hues in her Dormammu sparring match creates a dazzling effect.
I’m happy to say that I’m hard-pressed to find any flaws in this comic. For example, the issue is briskly paced but the exposition feels considered, as opposed to just white noise that’s in one ear and out the other. I will note though, for as much talk as Wanda has about communicating with the Cloak and the Eye, there’s not much there for the reader. No movement of cloth, blinking eyes, shimmering magic, sound effects, or text boxes to indicate their thoughts or opinions. It’s not a fault per se, but it definitely is a missed opportunity to lend credibility to the Scarlet Witch’s claims about her ascendancy.
The eve of the new year has also brought the Marvel Universe under the protection of a new Sorceress Supreme! Sorcerer Supreme #1 shows the Scarlet Witch has filled the vacancy left by both Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange, and she looks show-stoppingly good while doing it. It’s an exciting continuation of Orlando’s tenure with the character as well as a lovely jumping on point for new readers, and what more could we have hoped for than that? The series promises deeper reflections on the relationships with Wanda’s children, her pupil, and plenty of drama with other arcane divas, and this premiere issue delivers an enticing tease for what’s to come.
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