Prepare for the release of X-Men ’97 with a look into Magneto time as a teacher at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in Magneto: Magneto Was Right. Magneto burst onto the scene as the most diabolical of “Evil Mutants”! But when Professor X must leave the planet for life-saving treatment, the Master of Magnetism inherits a new title: teacher! With the New Mutants under his tutelage, how will these young and powerful X-Men-in-training learn to take orders from… a super villain?! Especially one who tried to kill them and their predecessors?!
The much-loved X-Men animated series sees a revival this year in the form of the sequel series X-Men ’97 on Disney+. In the final episode of the original series, Professor X was critically injured at a Mutant/Human Relations Summit and had to be taken to the Shi’ar Empire by Lilandra for his only chance of a cure. X-Men ’97 begins with Magneto taking over Xavier’s role as leader of the school and team. This is of course a throwback to a time in the 80s when Xavier was in a similar situation, and Magneto took the place of his archenemy/best friend. This series flashes back to that time when Magneto was watching over The New Mutants (a group of younger mutants outside of the main X-Men group).
One of Marvel’s top writers during the 80s and 90s, J.M. DeMatteis has recently been on a roll with his Spider-Man miniseries focusing on stories set in previous eras (Spider-Man: Ben Reilly and Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt). As with those series, he proves to have a strong grasp on Marvel’s history and writing its characters. Magneto is at something of a crossroads as he struggles with whether he is worthy of carrying on Xavier’s legacy and when a mutant extremist tries to get him to return to his old ways, he is in even more of a quandary. The New Mutants are also on top form with most of the group still not sure they can trust Magneto – Rayne being a major exception.
Todd Nauck has been one of Marvel’s most dependant artists for at least 20 years at this point. His work is still as strong as ever with tons of exciting action and plenty of drama. His Magneto is particularly great as the story alternates between Magneto’s classic appearance and his attire he took on whilst leading the X-Men.
This is a fun throwback for longtime X-Men fans which hits all the right beats. It’s also perfect for anyone needing a Magneto refresher before he takes centre stage in X-Men ’97.
Magneto: Magneto Was Right is out now from Marvel (9781302954215, p/b, £14.99)
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