The Good

What makes Cullen Bunn's MAGNETO book work so well is that Magneto is an older character who has experienced so much in his life, from World War II to the mutant massacre on Genosha. He has years upon years of life experience that come into play as the story moves along. Every event currently happening to Magneto, in this book, has a connection to his past in one way or another.

It's hard to root for the bad guy, even when he's doing a lot of terrible things, but Bunn has a way of really making the reader feel for the character. During the issue, Magneto tries to find the source of the proto-sentinels and while he finds out some shocking truths, it cuts back to his time on Genosha, when 16 million mutants were killed by sentinels. It's this wonderful back and forth moment that truly humanizes this character who many believe to be a monster. We see his motivation and why he's willing to go to great lengths to save his people. We don't have to agree with him or his methods, but we have to understand them.

This issue isn't as violent or menacing as the past two issues, but it's still incredibly dark and demented. As soon as the reader starts to side with Magneto, he does something awful. Folks will continue to read this not just because it's incredibly well-written and compelling, but because they want to see what he's going to do next.

This book wouldn't work as well as it does without Gabriel Hernandez Walta's art and Jordie Bellaire's colors. Anything more realistic and the book would come off too dark. Anything lighter and it would have too much of a comical feel. Walta and Bellaire are the perfect match to the tone of this story.

The Bad

The problem with this issue is that it wraps up a bit too cleanly and doesn't leave much to the imagination for future issues. While, sure, there are more enemies to fight and more people for Magneto to hunt down, others involved in the proto-sentinel project, it could easily end here. There's a void that the final pages of this issue doesn't fill.

The Verdict

It's hard to pick a book from these new Marvel #1s to call "my favorite," but MAGNETO is up there. It has a look and feel that distinctly sets it apart from the rest of the Marvel universe with a compelling character involved in an intriguing detective story with a bit of brutal violence thrown into the mix. This is a series more people should jump on. It's haunting and mesmerizing. Go buy it, now.

Magneto is so mean.. I love it!

God, I need to get caught up on this book. I loved the first issue.

Yeah, this is great. Big sweeping issues like his guilt over Genosha, and little details like what he does with a paperclip.

Powerful issue. You know what Magneto is doing is wrong yet you can't help but feel bad for him at the same time, brilliant work by Bunn

I'm loving this book. I hope the sales are strong enough for it to continue for quite a while, I would love to see where Bunn takes it. For me Bunn has always been a bit hit or miss. I liked some of his Venom, but not all of it -- not like Remender's run. But on Magneto he's KILLING it! I hope he keeps up the good work.

Anotter amazing issue!! Bunn, awesome work keep it up!!

i wish this book came out twice a month! it's soooo goood that i keep wanting more more more

Yeah, this book is pretty awesome.

how does every Avenger related book get 5 stars?

This was a great issue. Love this book!

This comic really rocks!! One bad ass Magneto!

I am so caught up in Magneto's mission and I absolutely love how he has no qualms about what he feels he needs to do to protect mutants. His handling of this particular ideology and ruthless means to mine information was superb. In a way, I was relieved he did what he did.

I personally love this title, Magneto iOS on a mission and I'm sticking around for the ride!