On sale 09/10/08.

X-Men: Magneto Testament promises to be a powerful series that will great a definitive 616 recounting of the rise of one the premier villains in Marvel comics. The writer, Greg Pak, included an afterward to the first issue that explains the level of research and the creative decisions that have gone into crafting this 5 issue mini-series. As any long time reader of the various X-Men books know, there are a lot of conflicting details in the 45 years that Magneto stories have been written. Pak and editor Warren Simmons have done exhaustive research to compile those facts and have made certain choices to create a cohesive and comprehensive story of Magnetoʼs life that is entertaining and provocative. While itʼs hard to please die hard fans, I canʼt imagine anyone being disappointed by this excellent book.

As we all know, Magneto grows up in the midst of the rise of Nazi Germany and is a victim of the blind racial prejudice that was a cornerstone of the movement. Naturally this book will be dealing with some very heavy issues as well as the pain of personally tragedy.

The first issue opens up with Magneto at age 9, living with his family and attending school. He is still an innocent at this point, though his world view is quickly challenged by the growing intolerance and injustice around him.

Gregory Pak does a great job of creating real characters struggling to maintain optimism and happiness in an increasingly oppressive world. The art by Carmine Di Giandomenico creates an historic world o 1930s Germany that is both beautiful and scary. With just a few strokes, he can create compelling emotions of fear, hate and love. His large rally scenes are also quite impressive. The painted colors by Matt Hollingsworth are also beautifully rendered.

The first issue of Magneto Testament is an excellent book and promises to be a must have for all X fans.