Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 Review
Sibling Controversy
Returning as a continuum of the last series, Scarlet Witch (2023), Wanda Maximoff reunites with her not-so-dead twin brother known as Quicksilver. After Wanda’s epic battle and loss of a friend, Quicksilver speeds into Wanda’s life again. Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 puts two siblings at odds with one another all because of a letter left to them by Magneto. With Wanda’s eyes only reading their late adoptive father’s message, she decides to withhold information from Pietro that was important to him too. Her action causes a chain reaction that brings about an argument that sets their feud into motion. Little do they know; a force is working against the twins to separate and destroy them. Wanda’s intuition leads her to suspect that something is wrong with the message that was delivered. In her discovery, a new revelation appears before her but is quickly cut short by unwanted guests.
As written by Steve Orlando (Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Commanders in Crisis), Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 does not shy away from the raw emotion that two siblings have with each other. The back and forth between the two display their complex relationship as brother and sister. With some harsh words and deliberately bringing up the past, Wanda and Pietro lay it all out to each other. It’s ugly to watch two siblings who have been through thick and thin display this behavior, but it’s also necessary that they express how they feel toward each other without the fluff in the middle. Despite the apparent argument that happens within the comic book it’s clear that Darcy is the moral compass or in this case the voice of reasoning. Darcy reels Wanda back in when she goes on a tantrum while Quicksilver is blitzing across states to clear his mind. Orlando brings back the speedster, but to what importance is he to this threat coming remains unrevealed. The writing has a strong sense of pacing, mystery, and depth which is suitable for these two characters.
Comparatively, Lorenzo Tammetta’s (Nightcrawlers, Inferno Girl Red) illustrations of Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 are excellent. Something special about Tammetta’s artwork makes a reader want to read the story again, but just for the art the second time around. The unique quality of Tammetta’s work is the attention to detail and motion with which the comic book flows. For instance, when Wanda and Pietro are having their argument, their facial expressions communicate involuntarily how they feel. While words may be straightforward, physical visage helps readers grasp the tension displayed in the pages. Another instance consists of Pietro dashing at full speed as each panel showcases that he is in a different state. This allows readers to get an idea of how he feels even if it is him getting closer and closer in the frames. The takeaway from Tammetta’s art is the level of contribution put forth in making the comic book a pleasure to read.
Speaking of pleasures, Frank William (Ordinary Gods) as the colorist performs an amazing job providing the comic book with such vibrant color. Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 wouldn’t be the same without William’s aid in making the comic book stand out as it did. The interior pages were marvelous to observe as each character had an exclusive personality due to their coloring work of William. Similarly, Ariana Maher (Detective Comics, Flavor) provides her work as the letterer with the utmost care in letting readers indulge in the contents of the comic book without overcrowding dialogue in the panels. Maher utilizes the space in panels to make each moment count toward the onward direction of the story.
Last, but not least, Russell Dauterman (Ghost-Spider, King Thor) as the cover artist for this continuum hammers in that this story will be about two siblings strictly from the cover alone. The poses, colors, artwork, and overall delivery of the cover hit right on the nose of a good adventure about to happen.
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 is an overall good read for those who would like to continue Wanda’s life separate from her group hero work. With Quicksilver in the picture again, Wanda and Pietro might need to iron out some bottled-up stress. Be sure to pick this comic book up from your local comic bookstore or online where copies are sold.
Comic Details
Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Lorenzo Tammetta
Color Artist: Frank William
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Russell Dauterman
Editor: Alanna Smith
Publisher: Marvel Comics
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics who resides in the city of Washington, D.C. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he attends popular culture conventions both locally and out of state. Whether he’s searching for rare comic finds or engaging in video games, or reading manga he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandom. Follow along as he explores the worlds of superheroes, sci-fi, and beyond, always with a keen eye for adventure and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.
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