The mystical landscape of the Marvel Universe has been a chaotic mess lately. Between Doctor Strange losing his title to Doctor Doom and the subsequent fallout of One World Under Doom, the position of Earth’s magical protector was essentially in the wind. Enter Steve Orlando and Bernard Chang with Sorcerer Supreme #1, a debut that sees Wanda Maximoff stepping into the role not because she was invited, but because she heard the artifacts crying out for a leader. It’s a bold start to a new era, even if it feels a little like a business-as-usual transition for a character who usually thrives on chaos.
The Primal Disruptor Claims the Mantle
The issue kicks off in the heart of Manhattan with Dormammu doing what he does best: raging through the streets and gloating. With Strange gone and Doom fallen, he thinks the Earth is an open buffet of sorrow. He’s quickly corrected by Wanda, who reveals her new status as Sorcerer Supreme.
The narrative hook here is fascinating: Wanda didn’t get the divine appointment from the Vishanti. Instead, she reconstituted the Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto after they were vaporized during Doom’s reign. She claims the artifacts chose her because she was the only one who listened to them when they were defenseless. It positions Wanda as a disruptor of the occult status quo, willing to break every rule to chart a new path.
The Cabinet of Nepotism?
One of the most unique elements Orlando introduces is Wanda’s Cabinet of Advisors. While some choices make perfect sense (like Clea, who is a Sorceress Supreme in her own right, or even keeping her “enemy” Chthon close as a devil’s advocate) others feel a bit like magical nepotism.
Wanda brings in her sons, Billy (Wiccan) and Tommy (Speed), along with Somnus and her student Amaranth. It’s an interesting character beat; Wanda is a mother and a teacher first, but from a professional standpoint, relying on teenagers and students to guide the mystical safety of the planet feels a bit risky. It’ll be interesting to see if this Chosen Counsel actually provides wisdom or just a lot of family drama.
Art and Visual Design
Bernard Chang’s art, paired with Ruth Redmond’s colors, gives the book a vibrant, modern energy. Wanda’s new Sorcerer Supreme design is a highlight. Her tiara and chest sigils are made of pure, glowing magic, and she sports a red gradient on her skin from the hairline down to her eyes. It makes her look different enough to be unique, but still recognizable.
The casual wear is also a win. When she’s not in full superhero mode, her outfits feel more grounded and reflect her Romani heritage, which is a nice layer of cultural identity for the character. However, while the art is mystifying, the setting feels a bit recycled. Wanda has moved into 177A Bleecker Street, and while the Sanctum Sanctorum is iconic, I found myself wishing she had established her own unique place of power rather than just moving into her predecessor’s old house.
A Magical Chore or a Fresh Start?
If there is a critique to be made, it’s that Sorcerer Supreme #1 can be a bit of a magical chore to read. The dialogue is heavy with deep-cut lore and name-dropping; there are words like “Phrenomancy,” “Occultus Ab Occultis,” and the “Bile of Satha” fly around constantly. For long-time fans of Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch, it’s a treat, but for a new reader, it might feel like they’re trying to learn a second language.
Additionally, the character dynamics are a bit abrasive. Wong comes off as particularly grumpy here. He respects Wanda’s power but is seemingly bitter that she claimed the home and title of his best friend without the Vishanti’s blessing. Then there’s Wanda’s comment about “respecting what Victor (Doom) did.” Considering Doom was a dictator who hurt his own goddaughter before his fall, that “respect” feels a bit misplaced, and it’s hard to rectify what exactly she meant here.
Verdict
Despite the heavy lore, the issue ends on a high note. The final pages show Wanda walking Bats through the city, using small touches of magic to help everyday people, like fixing a spilled cup of coffee or helping a deliveryman. It’s a great reminder that Wanda believes magic can do more than just fight cosmic entities.
The cliffhanger also sets up a fantastic Sorcerer Supreme vs. Sorcerer Supreme conflict for the next issue. While this debut didn’t feel quite as revolutionary as promised, it’s a solid foundation for what could be a very unpredictable run.
KPB Comics’ Sorcerer Supreme Related:
‘Sorcerer Supreme’ #1 Scarlet Witch Claims Her Crown
While Sorcerer Supreme #1 didn’t feel quite as revolutionary as promised, it’s a solid foundation for what could be a very unpredictable run.
