Sorcerer Supreme #2 – A Crushing Debt Invoked

The Scarlet Witch Wanda Maximoff is now the Sorceress Supreme, having rescued the Eye of Agamotto and the Cloak of Levitation from Doom’s destruction. Realizing the enormity of her station, Wanda has assembled a council to guide her in her task as Sorceress Supreme, but Scarlet Witch holding the mantle of Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme does not sit well with The Vishanti, who have chosen Agatha Harkness as their own champion. Such serious battles require serious discussion, that’s why Megan and Shawn are here with you this week for this review of Sorcerer Supreme #2.

Check out Megan and Shawn’s review of Sorcerer Supreme #1.

Creative Team

Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Bernard Chang
Color Artist: Ruth Redmond
Letterer: VC’s Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Leirix
Editor: Alanna Smith
Assistant Editor: Sidney Stubbs
Published by Marvel Comics

Writing

Megan: Wanda is now the Sorcerer Supreme as the Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotta called to her. This is a role that Wanda is more than willing to defend, no matter who takes action against it. The Vishanti have been her biggest problem until now. They have brought their own Sorcerer Supreme into the mix to challenge Wanda for the title, Agatha Harkness. Agatha, who’s cunning, smart, and motivated, will do whatever it takes to take the Sorcerer Supreme title from Wanda.

Steve Orlando brings so much mystical action into Sorcerer Supreme #2, you’ll be sat on the edge of your seat. Wanda and Agatha are two wildly entertaining characters, but having them battle over something so sacred? It’s extraordinary. There’s a beautiful balance of emotions from Wanda that shows her true grit and how motivated she is to keep the title she says she’s earned. With Agatha, we see just how hard she’s willing to fight for something that she feels she has a right to, according to the Vishanti anyways. There’s so much to like in this second issue that it only makes me even more excited for the next issue.

Shawn: Steve Orlando continues to be the perfect fit for this series. Whether it’s the hesitant battle between Wanda and Agatha or the sarcastic humor of Bats, Orlando perfectly captures these characters. Orlando really gave readers a “He’s out of line but he’s right” moment in this issue with Wong articulating that Wanda must be able to stand on her own against a singular foe if she is to truly claim the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme.

This issue really felt like Orlando did a great job of balancing exposition with action. Any time magic users are involved, it can become easy for a spell or other magic to be a sudden solution to the problem, but Orlando respects the readers enough to offer a succinct explanation of what they have experienced without it becoming a treatise on the spell that was cast.

Art

Megan: As always for this creative team, the artists absolutely thrive when bringing the stories of Wanda to life. There’s a gorgeous magical element to each page that feels larger than life. Bernard Chang, Ruth Redmond, and Joe Sabino showcase their talents in the most beautiful way in Sorcerer Supreme #2.

Bernard Chang is able to capture the emotion of the characters in their facial expressions that tells the story perfectly. Ruth Redmond brings vibrancy that gives you that mystical feel on every single page. Joe Sabino is able to give each character their own voice, and puts authority and power into every word. All in all, the artists truly made this an absolute pleasure to read.

Shawn: I’m just moving forward with Sorcerer Supreme with the understanding that Bernard Chang and Ruth Redmond are just coming out of the gate swinging with every issue. The first panel of this comic treats us to what may be one of the most beautiful renderings of the Vishanti ever found in Marvel comics. That’s the STARTING point for this issue, and it never lets up. The attention to detail like the navels on oranges, crimps in pastries Wong is making, even the spotting pattern on Bats, shows this art team really cares about this comic.

The panel showing a view looking from behind Agatha Harkness at the Sanctum Sanctorum is a sight to behold. Every line on a column, every siding on the wall has its place, and it is gorgeous. Sabino’s lettering on this issue is really top-notch. The decisions on when to use shadows on word bubbles and when to avoid bubbles at all work really well. If Marvel made a poster from the panel of Wong defending the Sanctum, I would buy it in a heartbeat. It’s that good.

Final Thoughts

Megan: 10/10. Steve Orlando proves time and time again that he is the perfect person to write for Wanda Maximoff, and this is no exception. There are so many layers to the story that it makes you never want to put the book down. The stakes are high, and the quality is even higher in Sorcerer Supreme #2.

Shawn: 10/10. I think Marvel has a good thing going with the Sorcerer Supreme run. The opening panel of this comic may be my single favorite rendering of the Vishanti that I have ever seen in Marvel comics. Orlando’s writing sets the tone of Agatha and Wanda as not only adversaries but beings of mutual respect. The art in this issue alone is some of the best work I’ve seen in any comic. There are beautiful color choices, and the drawings of the interior and exterior of the Sanctum Sanctorum are gorgeous. Orlando and Chang have taken the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme and refreshed it in a way that feels impactful.

Overall Score – 10/10

Be sure to check out other reviews from Megan and Shawn!

Let’s hear it! Are you Team Agatha or Team Wanda? Let us know in the comments below