Magneto, the iconic mutant character, has remained deceased since the events of X-Men Red #5 in 2022, where he sacrificed himself during the AXE: Judgement Day event to safeguard the mutant planet Arakko.
The latest development, marked by ‘Fall of X,’ signals a need for Magneto’s presence in the wake of the conclusion of the Krakoa era. In The Resurrection of Magneto #1, released on January 24, Storm embarks on a mission to revive him from the realm of death.
However, the process of bringing Magneto back is far from straightforward. Unlike previous resurrections using the powers of The Five or restoring consciousness from Xavier’s psychic backups, Magneto took precautions by erasing his genetic and psychic records before his demise.
The intriguing question arises: How is Magneto’s return achieved? The answer, as explored in Resurrection of Magneto #1 by writer Al Ewing, artist Luciano Vecchio, colorist David Curiel, and letterer Joe Sabino, is a complex narrative that remains partially unanswered.
Warning: Spoilers for Resurrection of Magneto #1 ahead.
True to its title, Resurrection of Magneto #1 narrates the tale of the Master of Magnetism’s revival. Rather than opting for a swift resurrection and addressing the aftermath, the comic takes readers on an introspective and almost poetic journey into the mutant afterlife. Storm must navigate a series of trials and tribulations to locate Magneto’s spirit and, hopefully, bring him back to life.
To find Magneto, Storm seeks the assistance of Adam Brashear, the Blue Marvel, who readily agrees to help open a portal to the “Waiting Room.” This section of Marvel’s expansive afterlife is designated for mutants awaiting resurrection.
As Storm ventures through the gate, her physical body remains in the real world, tended to by Brashear and his ally Taaia to ensure her survival during her spiritual exploration.
Within the afterlife, Storm encounters various levels, delving deeper through the mind and soul-bending tests in pursuit of Magneto’s final resting place. The objective is to bring his spirit back through the portal into the physical world.
Although Magneto’s soul remains elusive, the unfolding narrative echoes classic literary tales of spiritual journeys, resembling Dante’s Inferno or Pilgrim’s Progress. Storm assumes the role of the traveler, exploring her own nature through the tribulations and revelations faced along the way.
While the story provides a unique and contemplative approach to Magneto’s return, readers seeking a more direct resolution will have to exercise patience.
The impact of Magneto’s resurrection on the current Marvel Universe landscape, where mutants are perceived as an “invasive species” to be eradicated from Earth, is yet to be fully revealed. Fans of Al Ewing’s previous works, such as Immortal Hulk and Defenders, will appreciate another chapter in his cosmic exploration through Marvel’s cyclical themes of life and death.
