Comic Review: X-Men: Black: Magneto #1

X-Men: Black: Magneto #1

Marvel Comics

Writer: Chris Claremont

Artist: Dalibor Talajic

Chris Claremont understands the X-Men like no other. This is especially true when it comes to Magento. Claremont has a knack for writing Magneto, and while the writing is fine, this issue doesn’t offer anything much for X-Men fans to bite into.

The majority of X-Men Black: Magneto is a dialogue between him and a child. Magneto reflects on his life, especially his childhood in the concentration camps. The characters connect through his experiences and the stories of her family. Claremont’s dialogue is as strong as expected, with an appropriate voice for the iconic character.

Claremont proves that X-Men is still as relevant as it was when it started. Discrimination still plagues mutants in the same way that it affects minorities in America. Claremont’s political statement may turn some off, but the similarities to the immigrant camps today and the mutant camps can’t be denied. X-Men has always had a political message, and this issue isn’t different.

There is a bit of action in the second half of the issue, but it doesn’t make the issue worth the price of admission. Claremont’s dialogue throughout the action is excessively wordy, disrupting the pacing. Unfortunately, the art isn’t too great either, with multiple odd expressions, especially on the child.

While the issue is somewhat entertaining, it doesn’t offer much that fans haven’t seen already. It’s a fine entry point to those who are unfamiliar with the universe or character, but there are better jumping on points out there. It at least makes a statement that’s relevant today and is thought-provoking, but that’s about it.