We’re only 5 issues into Steve Orlando’s run on Scarlet Witch, but he has already shown a depth of knowledge around the character and has done well to avoid the pitfalls and tropes that many previous writers have succumbed to when writing about Wanda. Scarlet Witch Annual #1 continues that trend with an oversized issue full of charm, fun, and stage-setting for Marvel’s upcoming ‘Contest of Chaos’ crossover event.

The issue begins with a short interaction between Wanda and Darcy, where Wanda explains how she traps evil doers in terrariums to keep them occupied and away from causing trouble. These two have more interactions together throughout the issue but this quick exchange is emblematic of how much I’m loving these two together. Darcy’s blissful bewilderment at what is “normal” for Wanda is so much fun without making the character appear to be totally unaware. For her part, Wanda is show as patient with Darcy and seems to be enjoying the mentorship role she’s adopted.

We then jump to a scene where we see Agatha Harkness take out Necrodamus after he reveals his plans to attack Wanda due to her weakness after consuming the Darkhold and the spirit of Chthon — a sign of things to come for the rest of the issue. After Wanda returns to the Emporium from saving Dallas, Texas against Zzzax, we see that Agatha has been waiting around for a chance to meet her favorite pupil. As the two sit down to catch up, Darcy brings out a round of tea for the trio. Yes, we get a panel of Wanda & Agatha literally sipping tea! I don’t know if this was meant to be a thing but this gay man took it as one and it was wonderful.

The conversation between between Wanda and Agatha plays out over the majority of the remaining pages. We learn Agatha has come to ensure Wanda is aware and ready to defend herself against the growing list of entities that are conspiring to challenge her for access to the Darkhold and to release Chthon. She reveals that she’s been playing protector and neutralizing threats to keep Wanda safe, but Wanda is adamant that she’s strong enough to fend off any enemy that comes her way. Unfortunately, she lets her guard down around her mentor and Agatha lets us know she’s poisoned the tea as a test of strength. Wanda survives and we get multiple pages of Wanda and Agatha fighting across various planes/worlds arguing over Wanda’s preparedness.

The two come to a stalemate and reconcile with Agatha informing Wanda that she’ll always be looking out for her, except the final pages reveal that Agatha had her own selfish reasons for the visit and implanted a piece of herself within Wanda’s soul. The final page ends with Agatha reaching her “grail” and stealing the heart of Chthon!

As I mentioned, I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and a lot of that has to do with Orlando’s ability to write these characters as everyday people. The conversations feel organic and believable. There are plenty of writers who have written magic-centric characters and overloaded the text with spells, incantations, and overwrought explanations on how/why things are happening. Orlando has shown he can talk about these topics without making the reader feel completely lost.

After Russell Dauterman took on art from Sarah Pichelli for Scarlet Witch #5, we have another new artist for Scarlet Witch Annual #1. Carlos Nieto is relatively new to Marvel, having recently done his first work in Murderworld: Wolverine #1 earlier this year. His lines here don’t start too far from the previous work of Pichelli & Dauterman, allowing for a nice continuity across the issues. I particularly enjoyed his take on Agatha, who’s new look even Wanda compliments.

VC’s Cory Petit is back on lettering and his work continues to shine, even with Nieto’s new art and Tríona Farrell’s first task at coloring for this series. Farrell chose a brilliant palette with vibrant colors that jump off the pages. The reds and purples that permeate the issue’s main friction between Wanda and Agatha is subdued but effective.

Overall this was a great annual that didn’t completely remove the characters from the storylines of the on-going series. Was this likely just a way to set up ‘Contest of Chaos’ plot? Most likely. Does it live on it’s own as an enjoyable display of two of the MCU’s most popular characters? It sure does.

Rating: 8.5/10

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