REVIEW: Scarlet Witch #10 – “Trouble Brewing”

SCARLET WITCH #10

Writter: James Robinson

Penciller: Kei Zama

Colorist: Ian Herring

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit 

Release Date: 9/14/2016

Price Tag: $3.99

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Sometimes you have to distract yourself with others to find something in yourself. After last issue’s confrontation with her brother, Wanda is back to the real world and back to her quest.

Plot

Wanda’s mystery takes her to Kyoto, Japan, to lay the soul of Hiroshi Tanaka an Aoi Master. She speaks with those important to his life, interviewing them and learning not only about him but learning to listen to herself. Once she finds the demon who took Tanaka and other’s souls she must defeat him carefully, not to hurt those souls trapped inside the demon. Wanda frees them all and feels a short relief – witchcraft is still dying and Wanda knows the cure is near.

Story

Scarlet Witch remains one of Marvel’s best series currently. However, this issue as compared to the previous emotional one with Pietro is very quiet. It takes the story to a calm place, one that seemingly is away from the main plot, yet remains pivotal to Wanda’s journey. The concept of the issue could easily feel like a stand alone, but with Robinson’s dialogue talent it still manages to shine.

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Robinson’s heavy dialogue is what saves the plot of this issue. As a reader you are sympathetic and actually care for these small side characters that Wanda interviews. They are important members of Tanaka’s life sure, but they’re unimportant to us. Yet, Robinson takes creates such sympathetic and emotional moments with these characters and Wanda.

It isn’t the most enjoyable issue of Scarlet Witch, but if you’re a fan of Wanda as a character it is enough. Japanese culture is not seen much within the story itself – Robinson did his best but it fell very flat. This is unfortunate, to have Wanda visit every corner of the globe to learn about witchcraft is a great story. However, when the culture isn’t highlighted in the story in a clear way, problems are born.

Art

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As usual, the art of the issue is what shines the brightest. While the plot didn’t do much to highlight Japanese culture, Zama makes sure the art does. Zama brings forth a manga style – it is visible in character’s eyes, faces, clothing and even posture.

Zama turns the demon into a traditional looking manga villain. The horns, bulging yet dead set eyes, sharp teeth, long tongue all on the monstrous yet buff body. It’s a familiar look to any who have knowledge of manga.

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The magic of Scarlet Witch even takes on a manga form. Wanda’s eyes and position of hands bring forth the powerful image of witchcraft in manga. Often times witchcraft is presented very cute in manga, but Zama makes Wanda look tough and worn out. Furthermore, magical girls are frequently accompanied by pink. Likewise, Herring’s coloring makes Wanda’s magic a harsh neon pink – our magical girl heroine complete.

Verdict

In spite of the problems with the story and the quieter plot, Scarlet Witch #10 remains an enjoyable read. Through Robinson’s dialogue and Zama’s incredible manga artistic style, the issue is able to shine and be something worth buying. Again, if you are a fan of Wanda as a character this issue, while less so, is an important step in the journey of Scarlet Witch.