You think you have problems at work? Wanda Maximoff, current Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, has had to deal with being attacked by the Vishanti and other gods who don’t really appreciate that she’s the new kid on the job. After holding her own against them and securing her place, the Extinction King arrives, hungry for destruction. The Extinction King was created by the Vishanti to protect them while they explored the stars. Yep, the Extinction King was the Vishanti’s bodyguard! And when the Vishanti thought old EK was getting out of control, they imprisoned him in a backwater world called Moritarga. But now, the Extinction King has broken free and he wants to wipe out everything.
I love the cosmic magic of this series, especially this issue. Sorcerer Supreme #8, written by Steve Orlando with art by Bernard Chang and colors by Ruth Redmond, is reminiscent of those classic epic Doctor Strange issues by Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner from the 1970s, specifically the Sise-Neg Genesis storyline.
From page 1, we’re catapulted into the thick of this space epic, as Wanda and Turin Sud-Ba, the Sorcerer Supreme of the Quantum realm (a subatomic universe) team up to destroy an astral super-cannon created by the Extinction King, which has already blasted parts of the Earth, rendering the area to cinders.
Marvel
Artist Bernard Chang’s artwork is Jack Kirby-sized, Astral Cannons the size of planets, swarms of massive creatures hurtling through the stars, and the Extinction King, who’s so massive he calls Galactus “shorty”. The Extinction King is such a magnificently designed character, with Chinese elements in its armor design and a gaping maw of crackling energy where its mouth should be, making it look like it swallowed an exploding star.
Colorist Ruth Redmond’s work explodes off the page. Any book that’s heavily drenched in magic should be bright and colorful, and this book’s color palette covers the entire spectrum, making the book a visual feast from beginning to end, even in the quieter moments. As Wanda and Turin Sud-Ba fight to keep the cannon from destroying the Earth, you can feel their desperation. The cannon is invulnerable and getting more powerful by the second, so how can they stop it?
Though I find Turin a bit bland, he’s a new character so there’s plenty of opportunity to explore his personality and his past more. He and Wanda play off each other nicely, making a great duo, both of them showing mutual respect for each other and emphasizing teamwork over grandstanding.
Even though I’ll always love Clea best as Sorcerer Supreme, with her unlimited arrogance and confidence, it’s nice to see Wanda and Turin willing to learn and trade ideas in the middle of a massive battle.
If you love cosmic stories with huge threats, beautiful visuals and powerful magic, pick up this series. It continues to impress issue after issue.
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