The Vision and Wanda Maximov (the Scarlet Witch) are two of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel Universe. They are fan favorites – they have unique designs and compelling personalities, rich inner lives, and dynamic power sets. And their presence always brought something different and interesting to the stories they were involved in.
However, they are also two of the hardest characters to pin down as far as what their powers are exactly and how the heck did they come into being in the first place. Both characters possess fluid backstories that both complement and contradict each other at the same time. To complicate matters further, someone decided they should be put together romantically. Now, this was either one of the most creative decisions in comic book history or a bat-shit insane idea that only caused massive problems and continuity errors for years and years to come.
Well, In 1985 the 12-issue limited series “The Vision and The Scarlet Witch” attempted to reconcile all the disparate backstories and origins while at the same time pushing their romantic relationship to a new level. Notice I say “attempted”.
Written by Steve Englehart with art by Richard Howell the series sees the titular characters resign from the Avengers to settle down and have a normal domestic life in New Jersey. Well, as normal as a synthoid man and a mutant witch can hope to achieve that is.
Because not long after starting their new life together the couple is beset on all sides by such threats as diverse as a wielder of hate, a voodoo master, zombies, an evil cabal of renegade witches, and – probably most horrible of all – Thanksgiving with the family!
From the suburbs of New Jersey to the habitable region of the Moon Vision and The Scarlet Witch must deal with supervillains, magic, insufferable siblings, a mutant incel, nosey neighbors, and adultery.
And along the way, Wanda finds she has somehow become pregnant; a situation that will in no way cause any problems or have any ramifications in the future.
This series is essentially a soap opera, with all the stereotypical plotlines and situations you’d expect from a soap opera, albeit with supernatural and fantastic elements overlaid upon it. It is an 80s comic written with 70s sensibilities – that is to say, it can be problematic at times – but if you’re willing to put that aspect aside “The Vision and The Scarlet Witch” is a fun romp that borders on the ridiculous but also had surprising consequences for the Marvel universe still being felt today.
This article originally appeared on The Collected Edition as the introduction to episode 66: Vision & the Scarlet Witch.
The Collected Edition is a comic book podcast where the hosts discuss the famous and infamous runs and story arcs throughout the history of comics. Please subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Sticher, IHeartRadio, and Spotify.
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