Fanboys Anonymous

Magneto #15 cover by Dan Panosian

Cullen Bunn's Magneto is like watching fireworks.

The suspense and anticipation are key and only heightened by a dramatic buildup over time. When the main event goes off with a bang, it is spectacular to see, only for it to simmer down again afterward as we wait for the next piece of action.

Magneto #15 is a standout issue. For a series that has been extremely focused and more recently has had to pay its dues to the recent AXIS event Marvel pursued, this is a return to the top of its form. We also see Bunn take some time to knockout a few peripheral subplots in this issue that have been intertwined throughout the main series.

In this issue we get to terms, fairly quickly, about the true motive driving Magneto to surrender to the invading S.H.I.E.L.D operatives in the previous issue. As the story unfolds, it is tightly focused on drawing out the last bit of suspense and then sitting back and allowing the action sequences to speak.

There are several notable features from the plot that Bunn seems to be wrapping up in time for the pending Secret Wars–related material for this series. Raleigh Briar's allegiance is tested and comes out on the side we hoped it would, and the unveiling of an informant in S.H.I.E.L.D that has been feeding information to Magneto was a welcome surprise in this issue also. Finally the Marauders, captured so ruthlessly by Magneto in issue #6, are unleashed on the unsuspecting S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier.

S.H.I.E.L.D take Magneto to captivity

There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from being patient, playing the long game in comics and then having an issue come along like this, that just hits it out of the park. Bunn has done a fantastic job here, and it is only rivaled by the artistic endeavors of his collaborators, artist Gabriel Hernandez Walta and colorist Jordie Bellaire.

Let the mind games begin!

The consistently high standard of art from Walta and Bellaire is a testament to the longevity of Magneto as a series. Walta's unique style and the moody, gripping storytelling ability on each page is taken to a new level with Bellaire's coloring.

Agent Haines lays down the situation to Magneto

If you aren't already reading this series, grab the trade paperbacks, get up to speed, and then jump into this issue. My only fear is what is going to happen with it post Secret Wars. But until that happens, this continues to be a worthwhile reading experience, check it out and once you have, leave us a comment below about how you found this issue to be, then come back next month for our look at issue #16.