X-Men Diary: 1st Appearance Scarlet Witch in X-Men 4

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 X-Men 4: After #1, This is the Big One

In the Silver Age series, the introduction of Scarlet Witch (and Quicksilver) is the most likely to create heart palpitations and shortness of breath among X-collectors after issue one.  So, when I read it for the first time <ahem>, I was curious how Stan and Jack handled these characters that were introduced as villains but are known for being Avengers.  And it's true that it wasn't my first time to read this story, but that's the beauty of the X-Men diary with fresh perspective and fresh takes on each issue from 1 to 200.

Those Mutant Creators


Sensational script by Stan Lee
Dynamic drawings by Jack Kirby
Imaginative inking by Paul Reinman
Legible Lettering by Art Simek

Hex Notes


The big question on my mind: would Stan's dialogue hint that Wanda and Pietro were good people in a bad crowd?  Or, would they sound like garden variety super-henchmen to Magneto?  I was happy to read the characters were nuanced and torn from the beginning.  It was clear the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver were only there out of misplaced loyalty.


And not to throw out any spoilers, but Quicksilver's actions in the first story showed something about their values.

More Danger Room Hijinks and Evolving Personalities

Once again, the Danger Room seemed to be Stan and Jack's hangout of choice for the "Most Unusual Teenagers of All Time".  However, that time in the Danger Room furthered the story because at the end of this one we get the first mini-cliffhanger.  Professor X has LOST his powers!  As a DC guy, we didn't have to worry too much about stories that were "to be continued" in the Silver Age.  But I think it's fitting that this story ended that way with the introduction of Wanda and Pietro to fight alongside Magneto.  Things are getting a little bit more challenging.  And as far as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver go, they should remember the warning, "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."  1 Corinthians 15:33.

Awesome Comics Out at the Same Time as X-Men 4


Fantastic Four 25 featuring the Incredible Hulk brawling with the Thing.  Gee... it would be nice to have a bound collection with that story in it!

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